Using VIN To Get Maintenance Record

[MNBoxster]

Originally Posted by Brucelee

That is of course illegal (federal statutes) and in some states, the person doing the mod can be jailed for a felony (state statutes).

Are you sure your Buddy is being straight with you on this story?

Hi,

Yep - Positive - I've seen the Paperwork...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

[Brucelee]

If I understand what you described, Porsche physically changed the VIN on the car when they swapped the motor.

To my knowledge, this would clearly be illegal unless this car was then submitted for a salvaged title and a new VIN #.

If I understand this correctly, your friend should simply call the DMV or state attorney general.

[Brucelee]

From Federal Regs/statutes


TITLE 18 > PART I > CHAPTER 25 > § 511 Prev | Next

§ 511. Altering or removing motor vehicle identification numbers


Release date: 2005-08-03

(a) A person who—
(1) knowingly removes, obliterates, tampers with, or alters an identification number for a motor vehicle or motor vehicle part; or
(2) with intent to further the theft of a motor vehicle, knowingly removes, obliterates, tampers with, or alters a decal or device affixed to a motor vehicle pursuant to the Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention Act,
shall be fined under this title, imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both.
(b)
(1) Subsection (a) of this section does not apply to a removal, obliteration, tampering, or alteration by a person specified in paragraph (2) of this subsection (unless such person knows that the vehicle or part involved is stolen).
(2) The persons referred to in paragraph (1) of this subsection are—
(A) a motor vehicle scrap processor or a motor vehicle demolisher who complies with applicable State law with respect to such vehicle or part;
(B) a person who repairs such vehicle or part, if the removal, obliteration, tampering, or alteration is reasonably necessary for the repair;
(C) a person who restores or replaces an identification number for such vehicle or part in accordance with applicable State law; and
(D) a person who removes, obliterates, tampers with, or alters a decal or device affixed to a motor vehicle pursuant to the Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention Act, if that person is the owner of the motor vehicle, or is authorized to remove, obliterate, tamper with or alter the decal or device by—
(i) the owner or his authorized agent;
(ii) applicable State or local law; or
(iii) regulations promulgated by the Attorney General to implement the Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention Act.
(c) As used in this section, the term—
(1) “identification number” means a number or symbol that is inscribed or affixed for purposes of identification under chapter 301 and part C of subtitle VI of title 49;
(2) “motor vehicle” has the meaning given that term in section 32101 of title 49;
(3) “motor vehicle demolisher” means a person, including any motor vehicle dismantler or motor vehicle recycler, who is engaged in the business of reducing motor vehicles or motor vehicle parts to metallic scrap that is unsuitable for use as either a motor vehicle or a motor vehicle part;
(4) “motor vehicle scrap processor” means a person—
(A) who is engaged in the business of purchasing motor vehicles or motor vehicle parts for reduction to metallic scrap for recycling;
(B) who, from a fixed location, uses machinery to process metallic scrap into prepared grades; and
(C) whose principal product is metallic scrap for recycling;
but such term does not include any activity of any such person relating to the recycling of a motor vehicle or a motor vehicle part as a used motor vehicle or a used motor vehicle part.
(d) For purposes of subsection (a) of this section, the term “tampers with” includes covering a program decal or device affixed to a motor vehicle pursuant to the Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention Act for the purpose of obstructing its visibility.

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[MNBoxster]

Originally Posted by Brucelee

If I understand what you described, Porsche physically changed the VIN on the car when they swapped the motor.

To my knowledge, this would clearly be illegal unless this car was then submitted for a salvaged title and a new VIN #.

If I understand this correctly, your friend should simply call the DMV or state attorney general.

Hi,

Misunderstanding... the VIN remained the same, Only the other paperwork was altered to show the replacement engine as original - Build Sheets, Dealer Data... No reason to change the VIN because this does not indicate an Engine Serial # in it...sorry for the confusion...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

[Brucelee]

Understood Jim. I was hoping that we didn't need to jail any Porsche employees. Bad for business!

[ohioboxster]

With this crime you must have this element......(2) with intent to further the theft of a motor vehicle. Key words...INTENT and THEFT. Just thought I would share.