Stolen Vehicle Prevention

Stolen Vehicles & Indicia Verification

It is a crime to knowingly purchase, sell, otherwise acquire or dispose of a stolen motor vehicle.

If a Dealer accepts a vehicle as a trade-in and learns the vehicle has been reported as stolen, the vehicle must be returned to the rightful owner.

Should you unknowingly sell a stolen vehicle you are required to issue a full refund to the buyer.

License plates are registration “indicia” and combined with the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) can help identify stolen vehicles — before purchasing or taking one on trade.

VINs can be checked via the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) that provides title information from states across the country.

• Individual NMVTIS reports can be purchased at www.vehiclehistory.gov.
• Simple “stolen or salvage?” quick checks can be performed for no cost at the National Insurance Crime Bureau’s website www.nicb.org/how-we-help/vincheck 

Vehicle Theft Prevention

Vehicle thefts occur more often where large groups of cars are parked at any time of day for extended periods of time — including Dealerships.

Here are some tips you can use to avoid becoming the victim of vehicle theft.

• Never leave keys in an unattended vehicle
• Always roll up windows and lock all doors
• Store keys in a secure location such as a safe
• Use a locked gate or “blocker” car to restrict lot access after business hours

Valuable Reference Links

• California Vehicle Code Theft Laws