§ 431. Vehicle identification numbers. 1. Every manufacturer or assembler of a vehicle sold in this state shall provide such vehicle with a vehicle identification number and, upon request of the commissioner, shall inform him concerning the location or locations of every vehicle identification number and other identifying numbers on such vehicle. The commissioner may refuse to register or issue a certificate of title for a vehicle made by a manufacturer or assembler who fails to comply with this section.

2. Whenever a special vehicle identification number has been issued by the commissioner, notification of such fact shall be promptly forwarded by the commissioner to the central organization designated by the superintendent of financial services pursuant to section three thousand four hundred twelve of the insurance law.