Click to Run a VIN

What is "a" vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

What is Vehicle Identification Number:

VIN is short for Vehicle Identification Number it was first used in 1954 when American automobile manufacturers used a vehicle identification number (VIN) to describe and identify motor vehicles. The early VIN’s came in a wide array of configurations and variations, depending on the individual manufacturer. Beginning with model year (Model Year) 1981, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) required that all over-the-road-vehicles sold must contain a 17-character VIN. This standard established a fixed VIN format.

The short answer is No. The VIN’s decoded by VinDecoder.com are those VIN’s that follow ISO 3779 and NHTSA Title 49.

Yes. However, the vehicles must be certified by the OEM to all applicable U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSSs). We also support Local Make / Local Model / Local Trim / Local Series.

https://www2.tc.gc.ca/motorvehiclesafety/safevehicles/importation/usa/vafus/list2/Explanations.htm

http://www.carsp.ca/research/resources/safety-sources/canadian-vehicle-specifications/

https://vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov/decoder/CaVehSpec

this depends if the Vin on the vehicle follows ISO 3779 and NHTSA Title 49. Vehicles are manufactured all over the world and shipped to North America and are shipped all over the world. Vehicles are also built in North America and shipped to

The short answer is, yes? However, decoding a VIN shorter than 17 digits may result in inaccurate data. The VIN has a check digit (position 9). This check digit is one of the many ways to validate the VIN. Letters that cannot be used in the VIN and they are i, o, q.

Most every on-road vehicle or trailer that follows ISO 3779 and NHTSA Title 49 dating back to 1981? Such as passenger cars, light-duty trucks, medium- duty trucks, vans, heavy trucks, motorcycles, buses, RV’s, incomplete chassis and, others.

First and foremost, we follow ISO 3779 and NHTSA Title 49. Our Vin data comes straight from the OEM manufactures and directly from NHTSA. The other VIN decoders collect VIN’s from unverified resources.

We cover all automotive industries? Check out our VIN Industry page for more detail.

Yes we do it all the time. We are currently mapped to Auto Care Association – ACES (https://www.autocare.org/what-we-do/technology/product-areas/aces/ ) and Mobile 6 to assist MPO’s who develop transportation planning for their state or local municipalities. Please contact us at sales@espdata.com for more information.

Yes. Check out our VIN products page for more information.

We provide weekly updates and in some cases may provide updates sooner.

No, our VinLiNK web service is design for both developers and single users. Please go to VinLiNK.com for more information.

In about 50% of the cases, we can. The other 50% is because the OEM manufacturers do not put that information in the VIN. They feel it would be a competitive disadvantage if they do.

An interactive version can be found here > https://www.epa.gov/fueleconomy/interactive-version-gasoline-vehicle-label

The GVW is not part of the VIN. It can only be found on the vehicle’s VIN plate located on the driver’s side door jam. However, we work closely with the OEM’s and are currently making this data more available.

GVW or GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass) = Is the maximum weight or load that can be placed on your vehicle’s axles (front and/or rear). This is a permanent OEM mandatory safety weight required by law that must be physically present and securely attached to the vehicle (Car, Truck, Chassis, Trailer…).

Curb Weight is the vehicle’s unloaded vehicle weight. If you were to weigh a vehicle on a scale with all of its parts and fluids*, without passengers and cargo this would be the Curb Weight. The difference between CW and GVW is that CW excludes passengers and cargo. Depending on the manufacturer or country of origin; Unladen Mass or Unladen Weight could also mean CW. *Parts and fluids are as follows, the vehicle’s chassis, body, engine, engine fluids (coolant oil, motor oil, brake fluid, air conditioning refrigerant) transmission, transmission oil, fuel (90% max), tires, including all factory-installed equipment.

Is the GVW + what is being towed.

Federal Highway Administration Weight Chart US (Imperial) GVWR Chart
Class 1Not greater than 6000 lbs.
Class 26,001 lbs. to 10,000 lbs.
Class 310,001 lbs. to 14,000 lbs.
Class 414,001 lbs. to 16,000 lbs.
Class 516,001 lbs. to 19,500 lbs.
Class 619,501 lbs. to 26,000 lbs.
Class 726,001 lbs. to 33,000 lbs.
Class 8Greater than 33,001 lbs.
Class 9Super Duty (Not yet defined)
NHTSA (Nation Highway Traffic Safety Administration)** US (Imperial) GVWR Chart
Class ANot greater than 3,000 lbs.
Class B3,001 lbs. to 4,000 lbs.
Class C4,001 lbs. to 5,000 lbs.
Class D5,001 lbs. to 6,000 lbs.
Class E6,001 lbs. to 7,000 lbs.
Class F7,001 lbs. to 8,000 lbs.
Class G8,001 lbs. to 9,000 lbs.
Class H9,001 lbs. to 10,000 lbs.
Class 310,001 lbs. to 14,000 lbs.
Class 414,001 lbs. to 16,000 lbs.
Class 516,001 lbs. to 19,500 lbs.
Class 619,501 lbs. to 26,000 lbs.
Class 726,001 lbs. to 33,000 lbs.
Class 8Greater than 33,001 lbs.
Class 9Super Duty (Not yet defined)
** ESP follows NHTSA
Canada (Metric) GVWR Chart
Class 1Not greater than 2,722 kg.
Class 22,723 kg. to 4,536 kg.
Class 34,537 kg. to 6,350 kg.
Class 46,351 kg. to 7,257 kg.
Class 57,258 kg. to 8,845 kg.
Class 68,846 kg. to 11,793 kg.
Class 711,794 kg. to 14,969 kg.
Class 8Greater than 14,970 kg.
Class 9Super Duty
Van Chassis cutaway:

Typically uses a pre-existing VAN chassis usually from Ford or GM.
Cutaway chassis is limited to only a regular cab configuration, which means a driver and a passenger only. Van Chassis Cutaways are only available as:

Class 2 6,000 lbs. to 10,000 lbs. (FHWA)
Class 26,001 lbs. to 10,000 lbs.
Class 310,001 lbs. to 14,000 lbs. (NHTSA)
Class 414,001 lbs. to 16,000 lbs. (NHTSA)

Typically have shorter wheelbases.

Typically, have only a 4 x 2 option (Cab Chassis are 4 x 4)

Chassis Cab (seats 1-5 people):

Chassis cabs which are typically applicable for pickup trucks have a broader configuration choice with extended, and crew cab options, which means a driver plus 4 Passengers (typically have 4 x 4 drivelines). Chassis Cabs are only available as:

Class 1Not more than 6,000 lbs. (FHWA)
Class 5 16,001 lbs. to 14,000 lbs. (NHTSA)
Class 619,501 lbs. to 26,000 lbs. (NHTSA)
Class 726,001 lbs. to 33,000 lbs. (NHTSA)
Class 8Greater than 33,001 lbs. (NHTSA)

Other Chassis go by the names of Cowl or Rolling Chassis. A rolling chassis has no body, however rolling chassis typically include the engine, transmission, and drivetrain, suspension, brakes, gas tank, tires. As an example, Bus and RV manufacturers will purchase prebuilt rolling chassis from manufactures such as Ford, GM, or Chrysler and build up their product on top of that chassis. With the proliferation of utility vehicles, food trucks, and many others there has been a huge market for chassis builders and dozens if not hundreds of configurations.

It depends, some manufacturers build their chassis, and if that is the case, we can usually VIN decode the vehicle. If, however, the vehicle manufacturer purchased a rolling chassis then we can only decode the chassis information.

This will depend on the Bus manufacture. If they build their Chassis, then typically we can VIN decode the Bus. Otherwise, it falls under the category of Chassis or Trailers. Buses are categorized as School or Transit. School busses are classified as Type A, Type B, Type C, Type D, MFSAB, Type III.

Type A : The Type A school bus is made of a bus body typically constructed upon a VAN cutaway chassis. Designed for carrying 1 to 16 passengers. Type A-1, with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) over 10,000 lbs. Type A-2, with a GVWR less than 10,000 lbs. The service door is behind the front wheels – Includes driver’s door entrance.

Type B : The Type B school bus body is typically mounted on a cowl or stripped chassis. Designed for carrying 1 to 36 passengers. GVWR over 10,000 lbs. Part of the engine is beneath and/or behind the windshield and beside the driver’s seat. The service door is behind the front wheels.

Type C : The Type C school bus body is typically mounted on a cowl or stripped chassis. Designed for carrying 1 to 78 passengers. GVWR over 10,000 lbs., the engine is in front of the windshield, or part of the engine is beneath and/or behind the windshield and beside the driver’s seat. The service door is behind the front wheels.

Type D : The Type D school bus body is typically mounted on a cowl or stripped chassis. Designed to carry 1 to ~90 passengers GVWR over 10,000 lbs., the engine may be mounted front, middle, or rear. Depending on the manufacturer. The service door is ahead of the front wheels.

Note* For the purposes of NHTSA’s school bus regulations, a school bus is a “bus” that is sold or introduced into interstate commerce for purposes that include carrying students to and from school or related events. A bus is a motor vehicle that has capacity of 11 or more people (including the driver). This definition can include vans, but does not include buses operated as common carriers in urban transportation. The National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act (Safety Act) requires any person selling or leasing a new school bus to sell or lease a bus that meets all FMVSSs applicable to school buses. In addition to NHTSA’s Federal definition of school bus, a State or school district may have a definition for school bus that differs from NHTSA’s definition, but that would not affect NHTSA’s requirements. The State definition determines which vehicles are subject to the State operational requirements for school buses. The definition for NHTSA’s school bus regulations, which determines whether a new bus sold or leased for pupil transportation must be certified as meeting Federal school bus standards, is unaffected by State definitions. The Nation school bus is yellow but not any yellow

Type MFSAB School Bus:This is a school bus that meets the Federal Code of Regulations, Title 49, and section 571.3. And does not have to be yellow. They come in 3 sizes, Small (14 Passengers + Driver), Medium (15-26 Passengers + Driver), and Large (27-Plus Passengers + Driver) and are also used as hotel shuttles, airport shuttles, hospitality shuttles, and so on.

Note* Under NHTSA’s regulations, a multifunction school activity bus (MFSAB) is defined as “a school bus whose purposes do not include transporting students to and from home or school bus stops.” An MFSAB must meet all FMVSS’Ss applicable to school buses except those requiring the installation of traffic control devices (flashing lights and stop arms). If a new school bus will not be used to transport students to and from home or school bus stops, an MFSAB may be sold. If a new school bus will be used to transport students between school and home, or between school and school bus stops, an MFSAB must not be sold.

Type III School Bus:Each state will have its own rules, regulations, and laws pertaining to a Type III school bus. In its simplest form, a Type III school bus and Type III Head Start buses are restricted to your basic Passenger cars, SUV’s, CRV’s Mini-Vans and so on. Maximum manufacturer’s rated seating capacity of ten or fewer people, including the driver, and a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less. Type III School Bus typically does not need any school bus markings. It is recommended students avoid riding in the front seat until they are 12 years of age or adult size. It is required that students exit the vehicle while being fueled, check with your state for specific guidelines and recommendations.

Transit Bus Types: Shuttle Buses, Single Deck, Double Deck Open Top, Double Deck Closed Top, Single Articulated, Bi-Articulated, these can be used for many purposes, such as Public Transportation, Airport, Hotel, University, Entertainment, Courtesy, etc…

This will depend on the RV manufacture. If they build their Chassis, then typically we can VIN decode the RV. Otherwise it falls under the category of Chassis or Trailers. RV’s fall under 7 categories. Class A, Class B, Class C, Travel Trailers, Fifth Wheel Trailers, Pop-Up Trailers, AND/OR Hybrid Trailers.

Class A RV Motorhomes: Class A RVs are the largest of the motorized RV Class group. They are like homes on wheels hence the term Motorhome. They come as gas-powered (pullers) because the engine is mounted in the front or diesel (pushers) because the engines are mounted in the back. They have full appliance kitchens, usually queen to king size bedrooms, bathrooms, laundry area and many other amenities. They can sleep 4-8 people depending on the configuration. Class A Motorhomes can be over 40 feet long.

Class B RV Motorhomes: Class B RV’s are usually the smallest out of the RV motorized RV Class group. Typically, they are built on Van or Panel Truck Chassis. They can typically carry 6 people but can only sleep up to 4 people.

Class C RV Motorhomes: Class C RVs are larger than Class B and smaller than Class A. They can typically carry up to 8 people but can only sleep up to 6 people. Class C Motorhomes usually max out at 28 feet.

Travel Trailers: Travel trailers in many aspects are like RV Motorhomes minus the motor. This is when Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) knowledge plays a key role when pulling any trailer.

Fifth Wheel Trailers: Fifth Wheel Trailers in many aspects is like a Travel Trailer but larger. They are extremely heavy and thus require a large truck to transport and maneuver. There are more setup and cost involved because it requires a special fifth wheel hitch which is typically mounted to the bed of the truck.

Pop-Up Trailers: Pop-up trailers come in a variety of sizes and can be connected to a ball hitch of a car, SUV, or truck. They are collapsed when being pulled and op up when parked. This is when Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) knowledge plays a key role when pulling any trailer.

We consider trucks with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or the GVWR below Class 3 – 10,001 lbs. to 14,000 lbs. (NHTSA) as light trucks? These fall under our BASIC VIN Decode module.

Medium Trucks

ESP does not differentiate between Medium and Heavy Trucks. Any truck that is Class 4 or higher falls under our Heavy Truck VIN decode module. Too many industry variations preclude us from breaking our Medium Trucks as a separate category.

Class 414,001 lbs. to 16,000 lbs.
Class 516,001 lbs. to 19,500 lbs.
Class 619,501 lbs. to 26,000 lbs.
Class 726,001 lbs. to 33,000 lbs.
Class 8Greater than 33,001 lbs.

Heavy Duty Trucks Classification

Heavy trucks are those trucks with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or the GVWR over Class 4, 14,001 lbs. – Class 8.

Motorcycles come in many shapes and sizes? As a general rule, ESP covers on-road street bikes that can range from 250 cc to about 1,200 ccs. If you have to register the motorcycle to legally drive it on the road, we typically cover it. Some names are street bikes, scooters, mopeds, sport bikes and so on. There is no standard naming convention so as a guideline we use the OEM description from the OEM VIN data breakout sheet.

VIN Products
Quick Links
Explore
Support
© 2024VinDecoder by ESP Data Solutions, Inc.