If a vehicle is permanently destroyed, crushed, or compacted so that it can no longer be used on the public highways or used for parts, the owner shall detach the registration plates and forward them, along with the registration card and certificate of title, within fifteen days, to the department. The department shall cancel the registration card and the title on its records. If the title shows any lien, the lien holder’s consent to the cancellation shall be endorsed on the certificate of title. The certificate of title surrendered by the owner shall have noted thereon the purpose of cancellation and, in case of a transfer, the assignment on the reverse side shall be completed. The department shall destroy the certificate of title and other records pertaining thereto, but shall keep an appropriate record of all such vehicles destroyed, crushed, or compacted and denoting the name and address of the last owner thereof. The owner may not remove the vehicle’s identification number or other identification numbers. Removal of the vehicle’s identification number or other identification numbers is a Class 6 felony.

Ask a traffic law question, get an answer ASAP!
Thousands of highly rated, verified traffic lawyers.
Parking violations, accidents, DUI/DWI, licensing, registration, and more
Protect your vehicle and your rights with expert legal help now
Click here to chat with a lawyer about your rights.

Source: SDC 1939, § 44.0211-4 as enacted by SL 1965, ch 183; SL 1984, ch 217, § 3; SL 1985, ch 239, § 1; SL 1986, ch 242, § 30.