What is a Vehicle Identification Number - VIN

Every vehicle has a unique VIN. The number is etched/stamped onto a small metal plate and usually attached to the dash board where it meets the window. The VIN allows the DVLA to keep track of all registered vehicle owners in addition to the registration number.

The VIN is the vehicle equivalent of a human DNA. It sets apart your car from millions of others out there. The VIN number has 17 digits and provides details which can track the vehicle from factory to scrap yard.

It can also be used when cars are recalled, warranty claims, theft and insurance claims or fraud. Each character or digit indicates a particular definition and thus gives an accurate description of model, year of manufacture, etc.

That's why window etching is such an important part of combating and detecting car crime - police can easily compare the window etching with the VIN number plate - or registration plate and if the two aren't the same it's worth investigating.

CARAVANS

Similar to the VIN number caravans have their own system named CRiS, set up in 1992 by the National Caravan Council. It provides a logbook system with history and checking service for caravan keepers and dealers and is the only UK database for checking the history of a caravan.
The 17 digit VIN number is used to mark all windows on caravans and since 1996 they are also fitted with an electronic tag that contains the same 17 digits.



Link to national caravan council is

http://www.nationalcaravan.co.uk/home/index.asp