Tennessee § 55-5-111 - Buying, disposing of or possessing motor vehicle, engine or transmission with removed or altered identification mark or number unlawful.
Full text of Tennessee Tennessee Code Annotated § 55-5-111 — Buying, disposing of or possessing motor vehicle, engine or transmission with removed or altered identification mark or number unlawful., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 55-5-111. Buying, disposing of or possessing motor vehicle, engine or transmission with removed or altered identification mark or number unlawful.
Any person who knowingly buys, receives, disposes of, sells, offers for sale, or has in that person's possession any motor vehicle, engine or transmission removed from a motor vehicle, from which the manufacturer's serial, engine or transmission number or other distinguishing number or identification mark or number placed thereon under assignment from the division has been removed, defaced, covered, altered or destroyed commits a Class A misdemeanor. Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 73 (Williams, § 5538.173); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-506; Acts 1971, ch. 122, § 1; 1972, ch. 518, § 11; T.C.A., § 59-511; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113; 2000, ch. 941, § 3. Cross-References. Alteration of item's permanent distinguishing numbers, selling or possession of such item, § 39-14-134 . Misrepresenting the mileage on a used car by changing mileage registering instrument, § 39-14-132 . Penalty for Class A misdemeanor, § 40-35-111 .
Source: official Tennessee text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee § 55-5-111
What does Tennessee Code Annotated § 55-5-111 cover?
Section 55-5-111 ("Buying, disposing of or possessing motor vehicle, engine or transmission with removed or altered identification mark or number unlawful.") is part of the Tennessee Code Annotated, the codified statutory law of Tennessee. 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 Tennessee § 55-5-111?
A common citation format is "Tennessee Code Annotated § 55-5-111" (Tennessee). 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 Tennessee law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Tennessee official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Tennessee attorney.
How does Tennessee § 55-5-111 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Tennessee 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 Tennessee.