Ala. Admin. Code r. 810-5-1-.247

Current through Register Vol. 42, No. 6, March 29, 2024

Section 810-5-1-.247 - Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Inspections

(1) All vehicles being titled for the first time in Alabama and all non-titled vehicles being registered for the first time by the licensing official must be physically inspected to ensure that the VIN is properly recorded on the application for certificate of title and/or vehicle registration. The physical inspection requirements do not apply to the following:

(a) Registration renewals.

(b) Vehicles registered pursuant to § 32-6-56, Code of Ala. 1975 (IRP-registered vehicles).

(c) Vehicles registered in this state during the current year or within the previous two calendar years.

(d) Vehicles owned by a manufacturer, dealer, or wholesaler and held in inventory which are properly registered with dealer, dealer transit, or manufacturer license plates;

(e) Utility trailers are defined in § 40-12-240, Code of Ala. 1975.

(2) Licensing officials may appoint a government official or a law enforcement officer as a deputy for the purpose of inspecting a motor vehicle and completing Form MVT 5-9 Vehicle Inspection Form. The government official, or law enforcement officer, must verify the VIN, make, year, model, and color, of the vehicle by signing the form.

(3) All vehicles must have a unique VIN in accordance with federal laws and regulations.

(4) The VIN on the vehicle must be compared to the VIN appearing on the ownership documentation to ensure that the correct vehicle is being registered.

(5) Guidelines on where to locate the VIN on the vehicle:

(a) Passenger vehicles/pickup trucks - driver's side windshield or inside driver's door jamb.

(b) Motorcycle - on front fork.

(c) Trailer - on trailer frame or tongue.

(d) Assembled vehicles - driver's door jam.

(e) 1954 and prior year vehicles - inner fender well or driver's door post. Motor number is to be used as VIN if there is not a VIN plate on the vehicle.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 810-5-1-.247

New Rule: Filed January 22, 2010; effective February 26, 2010. Amended: Filed March 28, 2012; effective May 2, 2012. Amended: Filed October 23, 2012; effective November 27, 2012. Amended: Filed July 26, 2013; effective August 30, 2 013.

Amended by Alabama Administrative Monthly Volume XXXVIII, Issue No. 10, July 31, 2020, eff. 9/14/2020.

Authors: James Starling, Amy Bright, Jonathan Lawrence

Statutory Authority:Code of Ala. 1975, §§ 32-8-3(b)(2), 40-2A-7(a)(5), 40-12-240.