Altering, Changing, or Destroying a VIN
Vehicle Code § 10750
What counts as a violation of Vehicle Code § 10501?
Vehicle Code § 10750 makes it a crime to intentionally deface, destroy, or alter the motor number, other distinguishing number, or identification mark of a vehicle required or employed for registration purposes without written authorization from the DMV.
Additionally, Vehicle Code § 10750 makes it a crime to place or stamp any serial, motor, or other number or mark upon a vehicle, except one assigned by the DMV.
However, Vehicle Code § 10750 does not make it a crime for the owner to restore the original vehicle identification number when the restoration is authorized by the DMV or for any manufacturer from placing numbers or marks on new motor vehicles or parts in the ordinary course of business.
What is the punishment for a violation of Vehicle Code § 10501?
A 1st time offense under Vehicle Code § 10501 is a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail and fines of up to $1,000.
A 2nd time offense under Vehicle Code § 10501, where a person has been previously convicted of a violation of Vehicle Code § 10501(a), is punishable by imprisonment for 16 months, or two or three years, or in a county jail for not to exceed one year.
What defenses are available for a violation of Vehicle Code § 10501?
- There was no intent to defraud
- Mistake of fact
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