§ 73-18-20.3. Falsified hull identification, engine, or motor number.

(1) A person is guilty of a third degree felony if he:

(a) with fraudulent intent defaces, destroys, or alters a vessel hull identification number or serial number for an engine or outboard motor;

(b) places or stamps any vessel hull identification number upon a vessel or serial number upon an engine or outboard motor, except one assigned by the division or its authorized agent;

(c) knowingly buys, receives, disposes of, sells, offers for sale, or has in his possession any vessel, or engine or outboard motor removed from a vessel, from which the vessel hull identification number or engine or outboard motor serial number, has been removed, defaced, covered, altered, or destroyed for the purpose of concealing or misrepresenting the identity of the vessel, engine, or outboard motor;

(d) with intent to procure or pass title to a vessel or outboard motor, receives or transfers possession of a vessel or outboard motor which he knows or has reason to believe has been stolen or unlawfully taken; or

(e) has in his possession a vessel or outboard motor which he knows or has reason to believe has been stolen or unlawfully taken, unless the person is a peace officer engaged at the time in the performance of his duty.

(2)

(a) This section does not prohibit the restoration by an owner of an original vessel hull identification number or manufacturer's serial number for an engine or outboard motor if the restoration is made by application to the division or its authorized agent.

(b) This section does not prohibit any manufacturer from placing, in the ordinary course of business, numbers or marks upon vessels, motors, outboard motors, or parts.

Enacted by Chapter 216, 1990 General Session