18 U.S.C. § 511 – Altering or Removing Motor Vehicle Identification Numbers
This law makes it a federal crime to remove, alter, or tamper with motor vehicle identification numbers or theft-prevention decals under specified circumstances.
This statute targets tampering with identification numbers and theft-prevention devices used to identify motor vehicles and motor vehicle parts.
It applies to individuals who alter or interfere with these identifiers, subject to specific statutory exclusions for certain lawful activities unless the person knows the vehicle or part is stolen.
What the law prohibits.
A person violates this statute if they knowingly:
- Remove, obliterate, tamper with, or alter an identification number for a motor vehicle or motor vehicle part
- With intent to further the theft of a motor vehicle, remove, obliterate, tamper with, or alter a decal or device affixed to a motor vehicle pursuant to the Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention Act
Penalties.
A person convicted under this statute shall be fined under this title, imprisoned not more than five years, or both.
If you’re being investigated or charged under a federal motor vehicle identification number tampering statute, call (314) 900-HELP or contact our criminal defense attorneys to talk through next steps.
