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Following Proper VIN Procedure is EssentialPosted 4/20/2003By Angie Wilson
There are many legal and procedural issues when it comes to vehicle identification numbers. VIN plates are required by federal law to be on the left side of the instrument panel, visible through the windshield. The VIN also appears on many other service label locations, which varies from one model to the next. In addition, many vehicles must have specific parts labeled as a requirement of the U.S. Federal Anti-Theft Act. This unique means of identifying each vehicle is rather benign, unless a collision requires you to replace or transfer the VIN. When faced with a damaged VIN plate or an instrument panel that requires replacement, following state regulations is a must. Material published by the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR) emphasizes that these regulations vary widely and may actually require a repairer to know the guidelines in more than one state. (For example, if a vehicle is registered in one governing body, but is repaired in another, both regulations may need to be consulted to ensure full compliance). The primary focus of this article is to underscore the importance of learning your state regulations and performing repairs in compliance with these guidelines. John M. Cabaniss Jr., director, Environment and Energy, Association of International Automobile Manufacturers Inc. (AIAM), stresses the importance of preserving the "integrity" of vehicles. "It's really important for body shops to be aware of VINs and their importance," said Cabaniss. He added that in addition to the manufacturers assigning a VIN to each vehicle when it is manufactured - usually on the dash and doors - the VIN may also appear on many major assemblies throughout the vehicle. In addition to knowing applicable state regulations, you must keep in mind that vehicle makers have specific VIN replacement guidelines. One such manufacturer is Toyota, which has published technical service bulletins for replacement certification labels as well as replacement VIN plates. As with many other manufacturers, some fees may be applicable and the original plate to be replaced must accompany the request. Figure 1 shows a sample of Toyota's application for a replacement VIN. I-CAR outlines a detailed example of another manufacturer's requirements. The vehicle maker can only be contacted through an authorized dealer and a request completed for a new VIN plate and/or rosette rivets to transfer the existing plate. Once all the proper paperwork is completed - including proof of ownership, an insurance company's estimate and receipts for replacement parts - a factory zone representative personally delivers the plate and/or rivets. At delivery time, the representative must visually supervise to ensure the parts are properly installed on the identified vehicle. I-CAR notes that the manufacturer's guidelines also clearly say each state's statutes must be adhered to and followed. Of course, not all vehicle manufacturers provide the services outlined above, or due to the VIN attachment design, may not require transfer of VIN plates when instrument panels are replaced. It's critical to work with each manufacturer to handle repairs in the proper manner. Anti-Theft Act Labels The U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention Standard No. 541 lists which makes and models, and parts of these vehicles, must carry anti-theft labels. (To learn more about high-theft vehicle lines, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.) These labels use the VIN to help deter the theft and sale of vehicle parts on vehicles most vulnerable to parts theft. Fourteen body parts or assemblies, the engine and transmission are specified. Repair shops that sell or install marked used parts much check VINs against the FBI's stolen car database through a national clearinghouse, or risk fines. I-CAR reports the labels must self-destruct if removal is attempted. The label must also leave a "footprint" on the panel or traces of adhesive and pieces of the label. The size of the label, size of the letters and layout are also specifically listed in the standard. Published material from I-CAR also states replacement parts for the required makes and models must also carry a Department of Transportation label in the same locations and follow similar size guidelines and letter sizes. Standard specifications require labels to be located on an interior surface where it will not be damaged by the use of tools to install, remove or adjust the part or adjoining parts; is not likely to be damaged in a collision; and will not be damaged during normal vehicle dealer prep such as cleaning and rustproofing operations. An important reminder to repairers from I-CAR: These labels should be protected during collision repair procedures, part replacement and refinishing. Labels that could be damaged during shop procedures should be masked before refinishing and unmasked after refinishing. In addition, I-CAR recommends that receipts for the parts reflecting the source that corresponds to the attached label should be kept with the repair file. Intentional avoidable defacing of these labels - particularly for fraudulent purposes - is punishable with monetary fines and, in severe cases, jail time. Note that in some cases, state regulations regarding these labels may be more stringent than federal laws. Technicians will want to follow a few basic guidelines from I-CAR. When collision damage or repairs affect plates and labels that serve as vehicle and part identifiers, technicians should:
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