462A.70 Hull identification, capacity plates, warning labels.

1. Altering or changing numbers on plates.

a. A person shall not with fraudulent intent, deface, destroy, or alter the hull identification number, capacity plate, or any other plate, warning label, or instrument required by state or federal law on a vessel or component part nor shall a person place or stamp a hull identification number, capacity plate, or any other warning label or instrument upon a vessel or component part except one assigned thereto by state or federal law.

b. This section does not prohibit the restoration of an original hull identification number, capacity plate, or any other original plate, warning label, or instrument required by state or federal law when the restoration is made by the commission nor prevent a manufacturer from placing in the ordinary course of business numbers, plates, or marks upon vessels or component parts.

2. Test to determine true number or plate. When it appears that a hull identification number, capacity plate, or any other plate, warning label, or instrument required by state or federal law has been altered, defaced, or tampered with, a peace officer or inspector employed by the commission or any other person acting under the direction of a peace officer or inspector, may apply any recognized process or test to the vessel or part containing such number or plate for the purpose of determining the true number or plate content.

3. Right of inspection. Peace officers or examiners employed by the commission may inspect any vessel or component part in possession of any person or found upon the waters of this state under the jurisdiction of the commission or in a public mooring or storage area or enclosure in which vessels or component parts are kept for sale, storage, hire, or repair and to determine vessel or component part identification may board the vessel or enter the public mooring or storage area or enclosure.

4. Penalty. A person who is convicted of a violation of any of the provisions of this section or rules adopted under this section by the commission is guilty of a class “D” felony.

[82 Acts, ch 1028, §35]

C83, §106.70

C93, §462A.70