CA Vehicle Code 10750 addresses the illegal act of altering, removing, or tampering with a vehicle identification number (VIN). The VIN is a unique identifier assigned to vehicles. It’s used for registration, tracking, and ownership verification.
Under this law, any modification to the VIN is prohibited, as it can facilitate fraud, theft, or concealment of a vehicle’s history. Violating this code can lead to severe penalties, including fines and criminal charges.
The team at Los Angeles DUI lawyer can explain this and other California Vehicle Codes, as well as their potential legal implications, in greater detail. Then, we can use our decades of experience to connect you to a skilled lawyer to assist with any legal case you may be facing. Reach out today.
What Is a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)?
A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a unique 17-character alphanumeric code assigned to every motor vehicle during manufacturing. It serves as the vehicle’s unique identifier, similar to a fingerprint, ensuring no two vehicles share the same code.
VINs help authorities maintain accurate records, allow manufacturers to notify owners about recalls, and provide buyers with access to a vehicle’s history, including accidents and odometer readings. Additionally, VINs assist law enforcement in identifying and recovering stolen vehicles.
What Does CA Vehicle Code 10750 Prohibit?
CA Vehicle Code 10750 makes it illegal to alter, remove, deface, or tamper with a vehicle’s VIN. The VIN is a critical identifier that ensures transparency and helps prevent fraud in the automotive industry.
This law is designed to protect the integrity of vehicle identification and prevent fraudulent activities, such as hiding a vehicle’s origin or concealing its history. Prohibited actions include:
- Altering: Changing any characters in the VIN to misrepresent the vehicle’s identity
- Removing: Physically erasing or detaching the VIN from the vehicle
- Defacing: Damaging the VIN to make it unreadable
- Replacing: Affixing a different VIN to a vehicle, often to hide its true history
Examples of Violations
Violating CA Vehicle Code 10750 often involves activities intended to deceive or avoid legal requirements. Examples of altering a vehicle identification number include:
- Changing a VIN to hide that a vehicle was stolen
- Replacing the VIN to conceal a salvage or rebuilt title
- Removing a VIN to avoid registration fees or legal scrutiny
These activities pose a significant risk to vehicle identification systems within the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and can result in severe legal consequences.
Potential Defenses to VC 10750 – Altering a Vehicle Identification Number
VC 10750 strictly prohibits altering, removing, or tampering with a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). When charged with this crime, there are potential defenses you can raise depending on the circumstances of the case.
Successfully asserting a defense often requires proving a lack of intent to commit fraud or demonstrating that the alleged tampering was lawful or unintentional.
Lack of Intent
There typically needs to be intent behind the act of altering or tampering with a VIN to cause a violation of VC 10750. If the defendant can demonstrate that the alteration was accidental or done without knowledge that the action was illegal, this may serve as a defense. For example:
- A mechanic unintentionally damaged or obscured the VIN during legitimate repairs.
- The defendant was unaware that the VIN on their vehicle had been tampered with before they purchased it.
Legal Authorization
In some cases, altering or replacing a VIN may be legally authorized. For example:
- Repairs or replacement of parts that include the VIN, such as the dashboard or frame, may require reinstallation of the original VIN or a replacement VIN issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
- If the defendant followed the proper legal procedures for obtaining authorization to modify or replace the VIN, this could serve as a valid defense.
Mistaken Identity or False Accusation
A person can be falsely accused of tampering with a VIN, especially if they unknowingly purchase or possess a vehicle with an altered VIN. In such cases, the defense can argue that:
- The defendant did not know about the tampering prior to acquiring the vehicle.
- A previous owner or other third party performed the tampering.
Insufficient Evidence
For a conviction, the prosecution must present sufficient evidence proving that the defendant altered or tampered with the VIN. A defense attorney can challenge:
- Whether the evidence clearly links the defendant to the tampering
- The credibility of the evidence, such as photos, witness statements, or expert testimony, regarding the VIN alteration
No Actual Violation
In some cases, what appears to be VIN tampering may not actually constitute a violation. For example:
- Natural wear-and-tear or corrosion may make a VIN difficult to read, but this does not qualify as tampering.
- A VIN that appears altered may have been legally replaced or reissued by the DMV.
How a DUI Attorney Can Help Protect Your Future
Facing charges under CA Vehicle Code 10750 or similar offenses can result in fines, imprisonment, and a permanent criminal record. Hiring an experienced DUI attorney can help protect your rights and minimize the impact on your future.
Here’s how they can help:
- Legal guidance: Attorneys analyze the facts of your case, identify potential defenses, and challenge weak or insufficient evidence. Whether the alleged VIN tampering was accidental, authorized, or falsely attributed to you, they will build a defense tailored to your situation.
- Access to client resources: A skilled attorney provides valuable resources, such as investigators, legal research tools, and expert witnesses, to strengthen your case and address complex legal issues.
- Negotiation and minimizing penalties: Attorneys negotiate with prosecutors to reduce charges, lower fines, or avoid jail time. Their expertise helps secure the best possible outcome, even in challenging cases.
- Protection of your rights: They ensure that your rights are upheld throughout the legal process. This includes challenging unlawful searches, improper evidence collection, or procedural errors that could affect your case.
- Personalized support: Every case is unique. A DUI attorney offers tailored advice, guiding you through your options and advocating for a resolution that protects your future.
With dedicated legal representation, you can work toward minimizing the consequences of your charges.
Learn More About CA Vehicle Code 10750 – Altering a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
When facing charges under CA Vehicle Code 10750 or any related offense, having an experienced attorney by your side protects your rights and your future.
With legal guidance, access to valuable client resources, and personalized support, a skilled DUI attorney can protect your rights. They may be able to reduce penalties, challenge evidence, and advocate for the most favorable outcome possible.
If you’re facing charges, don’t wait. Los Angeles DUI Lawyer can connect you with an attorney ready to provide legal guidance and work toward a favorable outcome in your case.
