Russ,
The "evil side" remains EVIL, and there is a LEGAL remedy, involving
state pre notification and approval of a substitute VIN upon proof of
original plate and vehicle. This is supposed to be done BEFORE you
remove the original, to assure authenticity. A substitute legal number
may issued, or re-installation of original plate authorized. This is
done with traceable documentation. Check with your Motor Vehicle
authority, or legitimate repair shop.
Yes, it probably will NOT match the existing number if you cannot use
the existing plate for those that just need to refinish (without
damaging good plate). A new number is usually assigned if the original
is unusable. But this is the price you pay for your misfortune, and to
assure it is not "passed", unknowingly, on to others. You better have a
sufficiently legible original plate, and papers, or sufficiently good
legal documentation to validate all claims.
If you have had the plate of a currently owned and legally registered
vehicle damaged in an accident, the paper trail exists, and maybe even
the mangled original ID. I can not see how you can "lose" a plate that
is not legally allowed to be removed from the car. If you are buying
someone else's horse, you better have a good look in it's mouth, and
consult the DMV to assure you are not getting a stolen nag. Checking
registration is a good idea, on purchase, to assure you are not
submitting forged ownership proof (paper or metal stampings) to the
state. You can have problems now, or when you go to pass it on.
There are risks associated with buying valuable collectible items
subject to Grand Theft laws, take the care necessary to protect yourself
from past mistakes. You do NOT want the item confiscated as stolen, or
ownership in doubt. The law is there to protect you from would-be
thieves. If you don't think they exist, check auction offerings. My
condolences to those who find themselves in a messy issue, but we all
know where the blame lies.
All statements apply to states that consider automobiles to be valuable
property. Those that do not care are worthy of noting, and avoiding as
sources of cars. The burden of proof always lies with the seller. The
burden of verification lies with the purchaser. The item being sold has
obvious illegal applications, and NO US vehicle has blank plates being
sold on eBay (or anywhere else, legally). Ever wonder why?
Steve
Russ Eshelman wrote:
>Steve.............What you say is true, but what about the folks that have
>lost or damaged plates. For every good......... there is an evil side too.
>Russ
>
>
>
--
-----
Steve Laifman
Editor
http://www.TigersUnited.com
|