Section 14-99h - Etching of vehicle identification numbers. Marking of component parts. Penalty. Regulations(a) Each new car dealer or used car dealer, as defined in section 14-51, or lessor licensed under the provisions of section 14-15 may offer the purchaser or lessee of a new or used motor vehicle, at the time of sale or lease, the optional service of etching the complete vehicle identification number on a lower corner of the windshield and on each side or rear window in such vehicle. Prior to July 1, 2022, each such dealer or lessor may etch the complete vehicle identification number on any such vehicle in its inventory prior to its sale or lease provided it specifies the charge for such service separately on the order for the sale of the motor vehicle as prescribed by the provisions of section 14-62. On and after July 1, 2022, no such dealer or lessor shall etch the complete vehicle identification number on any vehicle prior to the sale of or lease of such vehicle without the written consent of the purchaser or lessee of such vehicle.(b) If a new car dealer or used car dealer, as defined in section 14-51, offers the purchaser of a new or used motor vehicle, at the time of sale, the optional service of marking vehicle component parts with the complete vehicle identification number, the dealer shall specify the charge for such service separately on the order for the sale of the motor vehicle as prescribed by the provisions of section 14-62. Each new or used dealer that sells a motorcycle shall offer to the purchaser to mark the complete vehicle identification number on the component parts of said motorcycle. Such service shall be subject to the regulations and standards adopted by the commissioner in accordance with this section.(c) Each new car dealer, used car dealer or lessor shall charge reasonable rates for etching services and component parts marking services rendered within the state pursuant to subsections (a) and (b) of this section and shall file a schedule of such rates with the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles. Each such dealer or lessor may from time to time file an amended schedule of such rates with the commissioner. No such dealer or lessor may charge any rate for such etching services or parts marking services which is greater than the rates contained in the most recent schedule filed with the commissioner.(d) A motor vehicle dealer, licensed in accordance with section 14-52, and meeting qualifications established by the commissioner, may verify a manufacturer's vehicle identification number to satisfy any provision requiring such verification in this chapter, or chapter 246a or 247. Such verification shall be provided in a written affidavit signed by such a motor vehicle dealer, or such dealer's designee, and submitted to the commissioner. Such affidavit shall contain a statement that the manufacturer's vehicle identification number corresponds to such number (1) on the manufacturer's or importer's certificate of origin, if the motor vehicle is new, (2) on a current certificate of title, or (3) on a current motor vehicle registration document. Such affidavit shall also contain a statement that the vehicle identification number has not been mutilated, altered or removed.(e) Any person violating the provisions of subsection (c) of this section shall be subject to the penalties of false statement, provided for in sections 14-110 and 53a-157b.(f) The commissioner shall adopt regulations, in accordance with chapter 54, to implement the provisions of this section. Such regulations may provide standards for (1) the marking of component parts in a secure manner, (2) telephone or online access to a secure database of vehicles including motorcycles and parts that have been marked and registered in such database, and (3) the marking of parts used to replace parts that have been marked by repairers licensed in accordance with section 14-52. Conn. Gen. Stat. § 14-99h
(P.A. 89-313, S. 1, 5; P.A. 97-236 , S. 13 , 27 ; P.A. 98-182 , S. 16 , 22 ; P.A. 02-70 , S. 32 ; P.A. 04-199 , S. 36 ; P.A. 06-130 , S. 23 ; P.A. 11-213 , S. 27 ; P.A. 13-271 , S. 55 .)
Amended by P.A. 22-0044, S. 14 of the Connecticut Acts of the 2022 Regular Session, eff. 7/1/2022.Amended by P.A. 21-0175, S. 53 of the Connecticut Acts of the 2021 Regular Session, eff. 7/1/2022.