Alabama § 13A-8-22 - Obscuring Identity of Vehicle.
Full text of Alabama Code of Alabama § 13A-8-22 — Obscuring Identity of Vehicle., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 13A-8-22. Obscuring Identity of Vehicle.
(a) A person commits the crime of obscuring identity of a vehicle if:
(1) He obscures the manufacturer’s serial number or any other distinguishing identification number or mark upon any vehicle or component part thereof, except tires, with intent to render it unidentifiable; or
(2) He possesses a vehicle or component part thereof knowing that the manufacturer’s serial number or other identification number or mark has been obscured unless he legally acquired ownership of the vehicle or part before the manufacturer’s serial number was obscured or before he knew it was obscured.
(b) “Obscure” means to remove, deface, cover, alter, destroy or otherwise render unidentifiable.
(c) “Vehicle” means any propelled device in, upon or by which any person or property is transported on land, water or in the air, including stationary rails or tracks, and includes motor vehicles, motorboats, vessels and aircraft.
(d) Proof that a person has obscured the manufacturer’s serial number or other distinguishing identification number or mark on a vehicle is prima facie evidence that he did so with the intent to render it unidentifiable within the meaning of subdivision (a)(1) of this section.
(e) Possession of a vehicle held for sale in the course of business on which the serial number or other identification number or mark has been obscured is prima facie evidence of knowledge of that fact.
(f) A report by the defendant to the police or other appropriate government agency before arrest is a defense to a charge of violating subdivision (a)(2) of this section. The burden of injecting this issue is on the defendant, but this does not shift the burden of proof.
(g) Obscuring identity of a vehicle is a Class C felony.
Source: official Alabama text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Alabama § 13A-8-22
What does Code of Alabama § 13A-8-22 cover?
Section 13A-8-22 ("Obscuring Identity of Vehicle.") is part of the Code of Alabama, the codified statutory law of Alabama. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Alabama § 13A-8-22?
A common citation format is "Code of Alabama § 13A-8-22" (Alabama). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Alabama law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Alabama official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Alabama attorney.
How does Alabama § 13A-8-22 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Alabama can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Alabama.