565.3 Definitions. Vehicle Identification Numbers VIN: Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations
Title 49, Volume 5, Parts 400 to 999
Revised as of October 1, 2000
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
CITE: 49CFR565.3

[Page 159]

TITLE 49–TRANSPORTATION

CHAPTER V–NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

PART 565–VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER REQUIREMENTS–Table of Contents

Sec. 565.3 Definitions.

(a) Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards Definitions. Unless otherwise indicated, all terms used in this part that are defined in 49 CFR 571.3 are used as defined in 49 CFR 571.3. 

(b) Body type means the general configuration or shape of a vehicle distinguished by such characteristics as the number of doors or windows,  cargo-carrying features and the roofline (e.g., sedan, fastback,hatchback). 

(c) Check digit means a single number or the letter X used to verify the accuracy of the transcription of the vehicle identification number. 

(d) Engine type means a power source with defined characteristics such as fuel utilized, number of cylinders, displacement, and net brake horsepower. The specific manufacturer and make shall be represented if the engine powers a passenger car or a multipurpose passenger vehicle,or truck with a gross vehicle weight rating of 4536 kg. (10,000 lbs.) or less.

(e) Incomplete vehicle means an assemblage consisting, as a minimum,of frame and chassis structure, power train, steering system, suspension system and braking system, to the extent that those systems are to be part of the completed vehicle, that requires further manufacturing operations, other than the addition of readily attachable components,such as mirrors or tire and rim assemblies, or minor finishing operations such as painting, to become a completed vehicle.

(f) Line means a name that a manufacturer applies to a family of vehicles within a make which have a degree of commonality in construction, such as body, chassis or cab type. 

(g) Make means a name that a manufacturer applies to a group of vehicles or engines. 

(h) Manufacturer means a person–(1) Manufacturing or assembling motor vehicles or motor vehicle equipment; or (2) Importing motor vehicles or motor vehicle equipment for resale. 

(i) Model means a name that a manufacturer applies to a family of vehicles of the same type, make, line, series and body type. 

(j) Model Year means the year used to designate a discrete vehicle model, irrespective of the calendar year in which the vehicle was actually produced, so long as the actual period is less than two calendar years. 

(k) Plant of manufacture means the plant where the manufacturer affixes the VIN. 

(l) Series means a name that a manufacturer applies to a subdivision of a “line” denoting price, size or weight identification and that is used by the manufacturer for marketing purposes. 

(m) Trailer kit means a trailer that is fabricated and delivered in complete but unassembled form and that is designed to be assembled without special machinery or tools. 

(n) Type means a class of vehicle distinguished by common traits,including design and purpose. Passenger cars, multipurpose passenger vehicles, trucks, buses, trailers, incomplete vehicles and motorcycles are separate types. 

(o) VIN means a series of Arabic numbers and Roman letters that is assigned to a motor vehicle for identification purposes.

Courtesy of NHTSA