A. As used in this section:
1. "Identification number" includes any identifying number, serial number, motor serial number or other distinguishing number or mark, placed on a vessel or motor by its manufacturer or by authority of the Oklahoma Tax Commission or in accordance with the laws of another state or country;
2. "Remove" includes deface, cover and destroy; and
3. "Falsify" includes alter and forge.
B. Any person or persons who shall remove or falsify or cause to be removed or falsified the hull identification number of a vessel or motor in this state, without first giving notice of such act to the Oklahoma Tax Commission, upon such form as the Commission may prescribe, or any person who shall give a wrong description in any application for the registration of any vessel or motor in this state for the purpose of concealing or hiding the identity of such vessel or motor, upon conviction, shall be guilty of a felony and shall be punished by imprisonment in the State Penitentiary for a term of not less than one (1) year and not more than five (5) years.
C. A person who buys, receives, possesses, sells or disposes of a vessel or motor, knowing that the identification number of the vessel or motor has been removed or falsified, upon conviction, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
D. A person who buys, receives, possesses, sells or disposes of a vessel or motor, knowing that the identification number of the vessel or motor has been removed or falsified and with intent to conceal or misrepresent the identity of the vessel or motor, upon conviction, shall be guilty of a felony and shall be punished by a fine of not more than One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00), or by imprisonment for not more than five (5) years, or by both such fine and imprisonment.
E. An identification number may be placed on a vessel or motor by its manufacturer in the regular course of business or placed or restored on a vehicle or engine by authority of the Commission without violating this section. An identification number so placed or restored is not falsified.
Added by Laws 1992, c. 284, § 37, eff. Jan. 1, 1993.