NCJ Number
206432
Date Published
2004
Length
256 pages
Annotation
This manual presents information on the structure of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) for 2004, 2003, and 2002 passenger vehicles, light-duty trucks, and motorcycles and ATV's (all-terrain vehicles).
Abstract
The manual first presents the Federal Theft Prevention Standard promulgated under the Motor Vehicle Theft Law Enforcement Act of 1984, which became law on October 25, 1987. The Standard specifies that non-label identifiers must be inscribed on the specified parts of motor vehicles, so that any removal or alteration visibly alters the appearance of the vehicle part. This manual lists the vehicle lines covered by the Theft Prevention Standard as well as the 12 vehicle parts that must be numbered. Since 1954 the American automobile manufacturers have used a VIN that describes the vehicle for purposes of identification. Variations exist in VIN locations and VIN systems used by the various manufacturers; there are also variations each year by each manufacturer. The VIN taken from the locations stated and decoded as instructed in the text of this manual provides a true description of the vehicle to which it was assigned. One section of the manual describes the passenger vehicles produced for sale in North America and provides information on decoding the VIN structure for the car-line series produced within the last three model years. Another section of the manual provides VIN information on light-duty trucks, minivans, incomplete vehicles, and multi-purpose vehicles. A third section of the manual provides general identification information on motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles. General identification information is provided on snowmobiles and boats. Information is also provided on vehicle shipping and assembly record.