It is the duty of every dealer and of every proprietor of a garage to examine, without charge, the engine or vehicle identification number of every motor vehicle bought, taken in trade, repaired, or stored by them. Such dealer shall not be required to examine the engine or vehicle identification number of the same motor vehicle more than once in the same calendar year when such dealer knows that the person in possession of such motor vehicle is the lawful owner thereof. It is the further duty of the dealer, proprietor of a garage, or his or her agent, promptly and without delay, to report to or notify in person, or by telephone or telegraph, or by special messenger the nearest police station or peace officer if the engine or vehicle identification number of said motor vehicle has been altered, changed, or so obliterated as to make the number indecipherable or if the engine or vehicle identification number or the state registration license number of said motor vehicle does not correspond with the engine or vehicle identification number of the motor vehicle state registration certificate of the driver of said motor vehicle. Any person violating any of the provisions of this section commits a class 1 petty offense and shall be punished as provided in section 18-1.3-503, C.R.S.
Source: L. 94: Entire title amended with relocations, p. 2442, § 1, effective January 1, 1995. L. 2002: Entire section amended, p. 1563, § 373, effective October 1.
Cross references: For the legislative declaration contained in the 2002 act amending this section, see section 1 of chapter 318, Session Laws of Colorado 2002.