The tenth character of a VIN identifies what about the vehicle?

The tenth character of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is specifically designated to denote the model year of the vehicle. Each character corresponds to a specific year in a designated sequence established by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This system allows for easy identification of the model year, which is crucial for various purposes, including registration, regulating emissions, and assessing safety standards.

Understanding this component of a VIN is important for law enforcement and automotive professionals alike, as it helps in determining the age of a vehicle, which can affect its value, insurance, and eligibility for certain programs or recalls. Identifying the model year through this character is a key aspect of vehicle identification and facilitates accurate data management in various databases used by law enforcement and automotive industries.