VIN number in windscreen - best to cover it up?

wazza

Watched a police program covering car crime few days ago. Forgot what it was called. One of the officer said that the vin number which is visible at the bottom of the windscreen enables criminals to easily get false documents/number plates for cloning etc. I take it they ask for a replacement logbook at a different address etc.

I had assumed you need more that the vin number to get new number plates etc etc.

Is it best to cover the vin number behind the windscreen by placing a piece of paper over it?

Is there a legal requirement to have it displayed at all times?

Alias_Omega

It really depends on what car you drive.

anotherbaldrick

My previous car I was able to slide a piece of black card down between the inside of the windscreen and the fascia top to cover the VIN,, leave a bit at top so I could pull it up if any Fuzz wanted to view it . Can't do it on my present car , gap is too tight.

Trebor16

To get a replacement number plate it is necessary to produce one item of personal identification (driving licence, passport, utility bill, bank statement etc) and a document to establish you are entitled to get a number plate made, such as the V5 registration document, new keeper supplement (V5C), certificate of entitlement (V750) and some other official DVLA forms.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/PersonalisedRegAndNumberPlates/DG_4022573

The VIN number is not one of the pieces of information that is required to obtain a replacement number plate.

mikey72

Or you can just buy them off ebay.

rodenal

mikey72 wrote: »

Or you can just buy them off ebay.

True, Several websites that will let you buy "show" plates too.

Only reason dodgy individuals would want your vin number is to do a full on car clone. Lets face it, if that's what they want to do then covering the vin at the bottom of your window will make no difference, might give them a laugh though.

derrick

It's a VIN, not a VIN number, VIN = Vehicle Identification Number.
Why would you say Number twice?

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Gloomendoom

Ironic really, when a visible VIN is usually quoted as one of the 'safety and security' features in new car brochures.

Gloomendoom

derrick wrote: »

It's a VIN, not a VIN number, VIN = Vehicle Identification Number.
Why would you say Number twice?

.

Ha ha! Probably the same reason people like to say PIN number or ATM machine.

Lum

I can't see any benefit to having the VIN on display on a car you own. Sure it makes it slightly easier to check if you are buying a car, but it's probably also easier to fake since most of them appear to be printed, and I suspect a lot of buyers could be fooled by slipping a piece of paper down there with a new VIN on it.

Mine's on a little plate at the back of the engine bay and also engraved in huge letters on the firewall. I'm sure it could still be faked given sufficient time and effort, but it will be a lot harder.

MX5huggy

derrick wrote: »

It's a VIN, not a VIN number, VIN = Vehicle Identification Number.
Why would you say Number twice?

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Because people say SAM missile