Re: VIN numbers

[maxid@domain.elided]

In response to:
"A 17 digit VIN has been used since the early 1980's on all Alfas... 
...the US and EU standards are slightly different. The main difference is that fields 10 and 11 are used for the year and the plant in the US standard, while this information is optional in the EU standard.", 

Bryan Carter wrote:
"Hmm. I guess you do learn something new every day. I wonder how many states would notice the difference. When I lived in Virginia I found that their DMV computers are programed to accept only certain information when a VIN is entered. For example, on cars where a letter is used to designate the year, the computer won't accept a number. I'm sure there are other states that are less diligent."

The DMV computer is probably programmed to accept certain letters and numbers in the 10th position of the VIN. The model year is designated according to ISO 3779 in a 30-year cycle using the numbers 1-9 and the alphabet minus I, O, Q, U, Z. The computer will probably calculate the model year based on the character in the 10th position and will have trouble with AR's use of a zero in that position on cars destined for European markets.

Sonny '91 164S Baltimore

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