Isn't this illegal, swapping vin tags Options

[GaroldShaffer]

This is an auction currently on ebay. Isn't it illegal to swap vintags? I hope this isn't someone here (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

Quote from auction: "This auction is for a title and all the VIN tags from a 1971 Porsche 914 that was parted out years ago. The title is clear and in my name. I will have it notarized so you can have it transfered to your name. All the ID tags come along with the title. You get what is in the picture no other parts. Great way to get a title for your parts car! "

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAP...5&category=6763

[Andy]

Uh Yes it is illegal....in every state!

You cannot purchase a title for the express purpose of transfering VIN's. PERIOD!

If you get away with it...good for you but I can tell you from first hand knowledge that the Ohio State Highway Patrol who is responsible for such inspections would most likely send you packing if you tried this. I had one letter out of place on my MGA title and they gave me the third-degree for two hours when I had it inspected.

Also if you apply for a title with a rebuilt salvage vehicle you must show ALL and I mean ALL receipts for the work done to said vehicle to make it roadworthy again. Oh yea and they only take appointments once a month for this process. TOTAL PITA.

As for people from Ohio... I've heard of much worse from the Canadian's ... sheep... cows...seals :finger2: (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

Edit >>> As I was writing this the ebay listing disappeared hows that for not illegal<<< Edit

This process IS sanctioned by the Colorado State Patrol.

I'm sure if you wanted to put one basic VIN on another basic 914 there would be questions (mainly because the only reason to do it is to hide the history of on of the vehicles). But if you were trying to put a title to a tube chassis racer that is exactly how you would do it.

The object of doing it this way isn't to sneak anything past anyone, just to get a sanctioned USDOT VIN number to a vehicle approved by the state. Also not to be an ass but most one-offs aren't built with receipts, they are built by their owners. I'm sorry you had a hard time with the Ohio State Patrol but that was different issue - I'm sure they didn't like your VIN with numbers transposed... because that would make an outright fraudulent VIN, not a transferred one. Once again this is a relatively common practice out west, I wouldn't be telling you it's done if I didn't know it was.

I wonder how many armchair lawyers flamed the poor bastard who listed this?