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Virginia Administrative Code
Title 4. Conservation And Natural Resources
Agency 15. Department of Wildlife Resources
Chapter 370. Watercraft: in General
12/31/2024

4VAC15-370-70. Watercraft and motor identification numbers.

A. If a watercraft contains a permanent hull identification number placed on it by the manufacturer, the manufacturer's number must be used as the hull identification number. If there is no manufacturer's hull identification number on a watercraft manufactured after November 1, 1972, if the number has been removed or obliterated, or if the watercraft is homemade, the department, upon proper application, may assign a permanent identification number, which must be used as the hull identification number. This assigned number must be affixed permanently to or imprinted upon the watercraft at the place and manner designated by the department.

B. If a motor for a watercraft contains a permanent serial number placed on it by the manufacturer, the manufacturer's number must be used as the motor serial number. If there is no manufacturer's serial number, if the number has been removed or obliterated, or if the motor is homemade, the department, upon proper application, may assign a permanent identification number, which must be used as the motor serial number. This assigned number must be affixed permanently to or imprinted upon the motor at the place and manner designated by the department.

C. It shall be unlawful to destroy, remove, alter, cover, conceal, deface or otherwise obscure the hull identification number, the motor serial number or an identification number issued by the department, any part of it or the plate bearing it, with intent to render it or other property unidentifiable unless authorized in writing by the department and the U.S. Coast Guard.

D. It shall be unlawful to possess a watercraft manufactured on or after November 1, 1972, or a watercraft motor that has the hull identification number, the motor serial number or an identification number issued by the department destroyed, removed, altered, covered, concealed, defaced, or otherwise obscured. Any such watercraft or watercraft motor shall be subject to seizure by any law-enforcement officer and held as evidence.

Statutory Authority

§§ 29.1-501, 29.1-502, 29.1-701, 29.1-735, and 29.1-744 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 5, eff. January 1, 2003.

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