Tampering with Vehicle Identification Number
The offence of tampering with a vehicle identification number is outlined in section 353.1(1) of the Criminal Code.
A person commits the offence of tampering with a vehicle identification number when they wholly or partially alter, remove, or obliterate any number or mark on a motor vehicle used to distinguish it from other similar motor vehicles.
Examples
Person A changes the last three numbers of the vehicle identification number in a car they stole before selling this car to person B.
Person C removes the vehicle identification number from their car before murdering person D in the backseat and driving the car into a lake.
Offence Specific Defence(s)
Not a Vehicle Identification Number
Where the person alters, removes, or obliterates something other than a number or mark on a motor vehicle used to distinguish it from other similar motor vehicles, they may not have completed the offence of tampering with a vehicle identification number.
For example, where person A removes the hood ornament from a Mercedes, they have not completed the offence of tampering with a vehicle identification number.
Routine Maintenance, Repair, Modification
Where the vehicle identification number is wholly or partially altered, removed, or obliterated during regular maintenance, repairs, modifications, or other work done on the vehicle for a legitimate purpose, the person will not have completed the offence of tampering with a vehicle identification number.
More Legal Information
Law Newbie™ is a free legal assistant developed by our criminal lawyers to help you understand the law.
In criminal cases, there are very strict rules governing what evidence can be used and how it can be used.
The rights enjoyed of all those within Canada are contained in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Criminal procedure is the process by which an accused person is arrested and brought through the justice system.
Sentencing refers to the punishment that is ordered when an individual is found guilty of a criminal offence.
Offences in Canada are listed in the Criminal Code. They include crimes related to people, vehicles and weapons.