§ 14-107. Removed, falsified, or unauthorized identification number or registration card or plate

   (a) Definitions. --

   (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.

   (2) "Falsify" includes alter, counterfeit, duplicate, or forge.

   (3) "Identification number" includes any vehicle identification number, serial number, transmission number, federal vehicle certification label, engine number, or other distinguishing number or mark placed on a vehicle or engine:

      (i) By its manufacturer;

      (ii) By authority of the Administration; or

      (iii) In accordance with the laws of the federal government or another state or country.

   (4) "Remove" includes deface, cover, or destroy.

(b) Removing vehicle identification number. -- A person may not willfully remove any identification number of a vehicle.

(c) Falsifying vehicle identification number. -- A person may not willfully falsify any identification number of a vehicle.

(d) Removing identification number of engine. -- A person may not willfully remove any identification number of an engine for a vehicle.

(e) Falsifying vehicle identification number of engine. -- A person may not willfully falsify any identification number of an engine for a vehicle.

(f) Transfer or possession of vehicle with vehicle identification number removed. -- Except as provided in subsection (m) of this section, a person may not buy, receive, possess, sell, or dispose of a vehicle, knowing that an identification number of the vehicle has been removed.

(g) Transfer or possession of vehicle with falsified vehicle identification number. -- A person may not buy, receive, possess, sell, or dispose of a vehicle, knowing that an identification number of the vehicle has been falsified.

(h) Transfer or possession of engine with identification number removed. -- Except as provided in subsection (m) of this section, a person may not buy, receive, possess, sell, or dispose of an engine for a vehicle, knowing that an identification number of the engine has been removed.

(i) Transfer or possession of engine with falsified identification number. -- A person may not buy, receive, possess, sell, or dispose of an engine for a vehicle, knowing that an identification number of the engine has been falsified.

(j) Removing card or plate. -- A person may not, with intent to conceal or misrepresent the identity of a vehicle or its owner, remove a registration card or registration plate from the vehicle.

(k) Concealing or misrepresenting identity of vehicle or owner of vehicle. -- A person may not, with intent to conceal or misrepresent the identity of a vehicle or the owner of the vehicle, attach to the vehicle a registration plate not authorized by law for use on it.

(l) Exceptions. -- An identification number may be:

   (1) Placed on a vehicle or engine by its manufacturer in the regular course of business; or

   (2) Placed or restored on a vehicle or engine by authority of the Administration.

(m) Exceptions -- Insurance companies. --

   (1) An insurance company or its insurance producer may buy, receive, and possess a motor vehicle knowing that the identification number of the vehicle has been removed, if the vehicle is the subject of a total loss settlement by the insurance company.

   (2) An insurance company or its insurance producer may sell or dispose of a motor vehicle knowing that the identification number of the vehicle has been removed, if:

      (i) The vehicle is the subject of a total loss settlement by the insurance company;

      (ii) The Administration will not issue a distinguishing number under § 13-106.1 of this article;

      (iii) The insurance company or its insurance producer determines that the vehicle is not rebuildable; and

      (iv) The transfer is to a licensed automotive dismantler and recycler or licensed scrap processor.

   (3) An insurance company or its insurance producer may sell or dispose of a motor vehicle knowing that the identification number of the vehicle has been removed, if:

      (i) The vehicle is the subject of a total loss settlement by the insurance company;

      (ii) The Administration will not issue a distinguishing number under § 13-106.1 of this article;

      (iii) The insurance company or its insurance producer determines that the vehicle is rebuildable;

      (iv) The transfer is to a licensed dealer, licensed automotive dismantler and recycler, or licensed scrap processor; and

      (v) The transferee is advised that the vehicle may not be offered for resale to any other person until after the vehicle has been assigned a distinguishing number under § 13-106.1 of this article.

HISTORY: An. Code 1957, art. 66 1/2, § 4-107; 1977, ch. 14, § 2; 1986, ch. 472, § 1; 1987, ch. 223; 2000, ch. 399; 2001, ch. 731, § 9; 2002, ch. 19, § 5; 2012, ch. 66, § 6.