Vehicle Code section 4166

The department may assign a distinguishing vehicle identification number to a motor vehicle whenever the motor or other identifying number thereon is removed, destroyed or obliterated, and any motor vehicle to which a distinguishing vehicle identification number is assigned as authorized herein shall be registered under the number so assigned when registration of the motor vehicle is required under this code.

Source: Section 4166, https://leginfo.­legislature.­ca.­gov/faces/codes_displaySection.­xhtml?lawCode=VEH§ionNum=4166.­ (updated Jan. 1, 1970; accessed Jun. 25, 2025).

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Verified:
Jun. 25, 2025

§ 4166's source at ca​.gov