Arizona Laws 28-4593. Altering a serial or identification number; classification; exception
A. A person who knowingly removes, defaces, alters or destroys a manufacturer‘s serial or identification number of a motor vehicle or major component part of a vehicle without the permission of the department is guilty of a class 3 misdemeanor.
Attorney's Note
Under the Arizona Laws, punishments for crimes depend on the classification. In the case of this section:| Class | Prison | Fine |
|---|---|---|
| Class 5 felony | up to 2 years | up to $150,000 |
| Class 3 misdemeanor | up to 30 days | up to $500 |
Terms Used In Arizona Laws 28-4593
- Department: means the department of transportation acting directly or through its duly authorized officers and agents. See Arizona Laws 28-101
- Major component part: includes a motor vehicle or vehicle part that the manufacturer has assigned any factory, motor, serial or other identification number or mark. See Arizona Laws 28-4301
- Manufacturer: means any person who either:
(a) Manufactures or assembles new motor vehicles. See Arizona Laws 28-4301
- Motor vehicle: means an automobile, motor bus, motorcycle, truck or truck tractor or any other self-propelled vehicle, trailer or semitrailer. See Arizona Laws 28-4301
- Person: includes a corporation, company, partnership, firm, association or society, as well as a natural person. See Arizona Laws 1-215
B. A person who intentionally removes, defaces, alters or destroys a manufacturer’s serial or identification number of a motor vehicle or major component part of a vehicle with the intent to alter the identity of that or another motor vehicle or major component part is guilty of a class 5 felony.
C. This section does not apply to a person who, for motor vehicles manufactured before 1981, removes and reinstalls a manufacturer’s serial or identification number from a motor vehicle if the removal and reinstallation are reasonably necessary for repair or restoration, unless the person knows or has reason to know that the motor vehicle is stolen.