Rule 4501:1-11-02 | Installation of a replacement vehicle identification number (VIN) plate.
(A) Upon receipt of all documentation pertaining to the replacement VIN plate or replacement vehicle parts derivative VIN plates or stickers, the state highway patrol inspection station shall set a date and time for the inspection and installation of the replacement VIN plates and other devices. The state highway patrol inspection station shall attempt to schedule a date and time that is mutually agreeable to both the owner and the state highway patrol.
(B) Upon proper identification of the motor vehicle by the state highway patrol officer, the officer shall supervise the installation of the replacement VIN plate.
(C) If it is practical to do so, the replacement original or Ohio replacement VIN plate shall be installed in the manufacturer's original location. If it is not practical to do so, the replacement original or Ohio replacement VIN plate shall be installed in the following manners:
(1) In passenger cars, affix replacement VIN plate to a clean surface located on a portion of the left front door pillar post. If this is not practical because of the construction of the vehicle, alternate locations should be used in the following order of preference: first, in an engine compartment on the body of the driver's side of cowl; second, any portion of the left front vehicle main frame that is visible and yet protected from possible damage or destruction. A windshield decal shall be placed on the inside left lower corner of the windshield, near the original VIN plate location, stating that the vehicle is equipped with an Ohio replacement VIN plate. The registrar shall prescribe the design and specifications of the windshield decal;
(2) On motorcycles, affix the replacement VIN plate to a clean surface area on the left side near the headstock;
(3) On trailers and semitrailers, affix the replacement VIN plate to the left front corner of the trailer or semitrailer body six inches from the traffic side;
(4) On commercial cars, affix the replacement VIN plate to the left front door pillar post;
(5) On school buses, buses, house cars, and motor homes, affix the replacement VIN plate to a portion of the left front door pillar post if available. If a left front door pillar post is not available, then affix the replacement VIN plate to the main passenger entryway door pillar post. If the pillar post is not available, then affix the replacement VIN plate to any portion of the left front main frame which is visible and protected from possible damage or destruction;
(6) On mobile homes, affix the replacement VIN to the left front corner of the vehicle six inches from the traffic side.
(D) The replacement VIN or derivative replacement VIN plate shall be riveted securely to the body or on any other vehicle part by, or under the direct supervision of, a state highway patrol officer.
(E) The installation of any replacement derivative replacement VIN shall be done by, or under the direct supervision of, a state highway patrol officer. The applicant shall bear the cost of any professional, mechanical, or labor costs incurred in the installation of any VIN plate, replacement derivative VIN, or decal.
(F) The state highway patrol inspection station shall give written notification to the applicant of the results of the inspection as soon after the completion of the inspection as is practical.
Supplemental Information