It's a law. Also the vins are stamped on the chassis and other places bc the windshield one is easy to cover up or lost in a fire.
Replies
Must not be a law in California.
aug 23, 2025, 6:24 pm • 1 0 • view
From AI search: Yes, cars sold in California are required to have the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) visible through the windshield, typically located in the lower corner on the driver's side. This visibility helps in identifying the vehicle and ensuring its legality.
aug 23, 2025, 6:29 pm • 5 0 • view
Maybe things have changed. I have a couple of old cars w/out VIN on windshield & have never seen this, but it's not like I have looked for this in recent years. However, here's what some random CA lawyers say about this: "[The VIN] is found on the 1/
aug 23, 2025, 8:32 pm • 0 0 • view
"vehicle's DMV registration and a metal plate on EITHER the driver's side dashboard OR the driver's side door jamb." (Emphasis added.) www.egattorneys.com/alter-vin-ve... END
aug 23, 2025, 8:34 pm • 0 0 • view
END?? The URL posted does not work (nice one). The VIN was required to be mounted on the dashboard at the lower left side of the windshield starting in 1968 for American cars. This standardization was part of the efforts by the NHTSA to improve vehicle identification. END
aug 24, 2025, 1:39 pm • 1 0 • view
"Nice one"? Wow, you seem nice. Do you know what "for American cars" means?
aug 24, 2025, 5:49 pm • 0 0 • view
Not "ON the windshild" "Visible THROUGH the windshield" It's on your driver's side dashboard, and I live in CA, too We don't have "a different law" about this. It is standard
aug 24, 2025, 8:54 pm • 0 0 • view
Lemme guess: You have an American-made car. I do not and do not have a VIN visible through any window.
aug 24, 2025, 10:58 pm • 0 0 • view
I have a car newer than 1969 model and purchased in the US Federal law requires the VIN to be visible through the windshield for cars manufactured after 1969
aug 24, 2025, 11:09 pm • 0 0 • view
Wrong
aug 25, 2025, 2:20 am • 0 0 • view