"(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..."
I believe this is the key difference as to how one, especially living in CA., would 'make use' of a set of '75 or earlier VIN numbers. Yes, technically it is 'breaking the law'. That said, not sure when it was first enacted but CA's original smog test exemption law was to be a rolling 'any car over 25 years old is exempt from the semi annual tests'. But since there was a lot of politicking - political business as usual - by smog stations, mechanics, and environmentalists, eventually 1975 and older became the only cars exempted from the tests. I'll add there is almost an ongoing attempt at repealing the '75 exemption, but so far hasn't made it into law. I can't think of any other reason than an Alfa is about to be sent to the crusher, that someone would sell a set of VIN numbers in the first place. And logically enough they would be going on the same model, let's say an Alfetta GT. It is easy enough for the DMV to run the numbers through and let's say the numbers came from an Alfetta 2000 (sedan) - the numbers would 'bounce' because they use a different set of VIN numbers than the GT's. So the numbers would be going on a virtually identical car. Yes, this is a what if, but had the CA legislature stuck with the original rolling 25 year exemption, meaning as of now an '86 and older is exempt, I doubt much we would be having this discussion. Then there are the situations where two, and occasionally three, collectors own valuable classics all with the same registration number (I don't believe they called it a VIN number 'way back when'). Toss a coin and have the loser executed? Biba Irwindale, CA USA -- to be removed from alfa, see http://www.digest.net/bin/digest-subs.cgi or email "unsubscribe alfa" to [email protected]
