342.30 Identification numbers.

412 words·~2 min read·/wi/chapter-342/342-30-4

A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.

(1c)In this section, “owner” includes the lessee of a vehicle if the vehicle is registered, or required to be registered, by the lessee under ch. 341 .

(a)Except as provided in par.

(b), no person may remove, alter or obliterate or intentionally make it impossible to read, as required under sub.

(2), an identification number. This subsection does not apply to the obliteration of an identification number which occurs in the process of crushing a vehicle or vehicle part for scrap.

(b)A person who repairs a vehicle or vehicle part may remove and replace a decal that contains an identification number if the removal and replacement is reasonably necessary for the repair.

(1m)When the department is satisfied as to the ownership of a vehicle subject to registration which has not been numbered by the manufacturer or on which the original number has been removed, obliterated or altered or on which the original casting has been replaced or on which a new identification number is required under s. 342.06

(f), the department shall assign a new identification number for each such vehicle.

(2)Except as provided in this subsection, an identification number assigned by the department to a vehicle shall be permanently affixed to a location on the vehicle specified by the department that is readily visible when observed from outside the vehicle. Identification numbers assigned for cycles shall be stamped on the left side, near the top of the engine casting just below the cylinder barrel. Such stamping or affixing shall be done under the supervision of a dealer, distributor or manufacturer registered under s. 341.51 or under the supervision of a peace officer. The person supervising the stamping or affixing shall make a report thereof to the department. The department shall establish forms to be provided to vehicle owners specifying the location, for various types of vehicles, where identification numbers assigned by the department shall be stamped or affixed.

(a)A traffic officer or person authorized to enforce nonmoving traffic violations may use reasonable means to gain access to a vehicle if that vehicle’s identification number cannot be read as required under sub.

(2).

(b)Any person acting under par.

(a)is immune from civil and criminal liability for good faith actions taken within the scope of that person’s official duties.

(a)Any person who violates sub.

(1g)is guilty of a Class H felony.