DVLA are working
on a range of measures to seek to address the problem.
Since 1 January
2003:
- all number plate
suppliers in England and Wales must register with DVLA
- registered suppliers
must keep a record of every sale and must obtain documentary evidence of the customers
name and address and entitlement to the registration mark requested
This has for the
first time, introduced some control over the supply of number plates, but further
steps will have to be taken to make number plates more secure and make it more
difficult for criminals to clone vehicles.
Amongst measures
currently being investigated are the electronic tagging of number plates, the
development of theft-resistant plates that cannot be used once detached from a
vehicle and number plates that hold electronic information about the vehicle.
How to Avoid Buying
Cloned Vehicles?
Always
• Ask to see proof of the seller's identity and address - an official letter
or driving licence, for example.
• Make sure the car's VIN matches that on the registration document (V5)
- The VIN, formerly known as the chassis number, is a unique 17 character number
issued to every vehicle by the manufacturer and can be found:
• Stamped on the body chassis or frame.
• On a manufacturer's VIN plate under the bonnet or fixed to the post between
the front and rear doors.
• On an additional plate fixed securely to the top corner of the dashboard
where it can easily be seen through the windscreen - this is called a visible
VIN.
Never
• Let the seller bring the car to you, as you may need to confirm their address
details.
• Buy a car without
the registration document (V5) - make sure it has a DVLA watermark and has not
been altered in any way
VIN numbers and where can I find it?
A VIN is a car’s unique identity number. You can usually find it under the bonnet,
at the base of the windscreen, on an inner door panel, in the boot or on the floor
beside the front driver or passenger seat.
The VIN’s location depends on the make and model of the car. If you can’t find
it, check the vehicle handbook. Make sure the VIN number:
• Is 17 characters long – a mixture of letters and numbers
• Has no stickers or other obstructions placed over it
• Hasn’t been tampered with or replaced
• Matches the VIN number in the log book
Locate the VIN (vehicle identity number).
Also See
VIC
Check
HPI Check Information
