Section 32:726 - Destruction or alteration of distinguishing number or markA. No person shall with fraudulent intent deface, destroy or alter the manufacturer's serial or engine number or other distinguishing number or identification mark of a motor vehicle nor shall any person place or stamp any serial, engine, or other number or mark upon a motor vehicle, except one assigned thereto by the commissioner. Any violation of this provision is a misdemeanor.B. This section shall not prohibit the restoration by an owner of an original serial, engine, or other number or mark when such restoration is made under permit issued by the commissioner, nor prevent any manufacturer from placing in the ordinary course of business numbers or marks upon motor vehicles or parts thereof.