U.S. Proposes Putting Identification Marks on Key Auto Parts

The federal government, in an effort to curb auto theft, has proposed rules requiring a marking system for key parts of frequently stolen vehicle models, Transportation Secretary Elizabeth Hanford Dole announced Wednesday.

Industry and law enforcement officials estimate that $4-billion worth of automobiles, trucks and other vehicles are stolen each year, with many of the vehicles stripped and the parts sold individually.

Once the parts are separated from the vehicles, which are already required to have an identification number plate and numbered engine and transmission, it is virtually impossible to trace them, she said.

“Motor vehicle theft is of great concern to all consumers,” Dole said. “The proposed rule will aid law enforcement officials in identifying stolen parts and serve as a deterrent to those who engage in this unlawful activity.”

Under the rules, some form of identification would be placed on up to 14 major vehicle parts beginning with the 1987 model year. This would apply to cars, trucks and buses that are on the government’s list of frequently stolen vehicles.

The government estimates that it would cost auto makers $15 a vehicle to implement the proposal.

Ken Brown, Ford Motor Co. technical and regulatory public affairs manager, said that Ford is supportive of the concept but details such as the size of the identification marks have to be worked out.

GM spokesman Stan Hall said, “Now that the government says we have to mark a part, we’ll do it . . . but we think the key to parts marking is the same key that exists to all of car thefts, giving the police enough manpower . . . and having the courts enforce the law more vigorously.”