South Carolina § 16-21-40 - Removing or falsifying identification number of vehicle or engine; buying, receiving or selling vehicle or engine.
Full text of South Carolina South Carolina Code of Laws § 16-21-40 — Removing or falsifying identification number of vehicle or engine; buying, receiving or selling vehicle or engine., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 16-21-40. Removing or falsifying identification number of vehicle or engine; buying, receiving or selling vehicle or engine.
(A) A person who:
(1) wilfully removes or falsifies an identification number of a vehicle or an engine for a vehicle is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than one hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than thirty days, or both.
(2) wilfully and with intent to conceal or misrepresent the identity of a vehicle or engine removes or falsifies an identification number of the vehicle or engine is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be imprisoned not more than five years.
(3) buys, receives, possesses, sells, or disposes of a vehicle or an engine for a vehicle, knowing that an identification number of the vehicle or engine has been removed or falsified, is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than one hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than thirty days, or both.
(4) buys, receives, possesses, sells, or disposes of a vehicle or an engine for a vehicle, with knowledge that an identification number of the vehicle or engine has been removed or falsified and with intent to conceal or misrepresent the identity of the vehicle or engine, is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be imprisoned not more than five years.
(B) An identification number may be placed on a vehicle or engine by its manufacturer in the regular course of business or placed or restored on a vehicle or engine by authority of the department without violating this section. An identification number so placed or restored is not falsified.
(C) As used in this section:
(1) "Identification number" includes an identifying number, serial number, engine number, or other distinguishing number or mark, placed on a vehicle or engine by its manufacturer or by authority of the department or in accordance with the laws of another state or country;
(2) "Remove" includes deface, cover, and destroy; and
(3) "Falsify" includes alter and forge.
HISTORY: 1962 Code SECTION 46-150.84; 1957 (50) 595; 1960 (51) 1602; 1993 Act No. 184, SECTION 39.
Source: official South Carolina text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About South Carolina § 16-21-40
What does South Carolina Code of Laws § 16-21-40 cover?
Section 16-21-40 ("Removing or falsifying identification number of vehicle or engine; buying, receiving or selling vehicle or engine.") is part of the South Carolina Code of Laws, the codified statutory law of South Carolina. 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 South Carolina § 16-21-40?
A common citation format is "South Carolina Code of Laws § 16-21-40" (South Carolina). 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 South Carolina law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the South Carolina official source linked on this page or consult a licensed South Carolina attorney.
How does South Carolina § 16-21-40 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in South Carolina 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 South Carolina.