ISO Vehicle Codes are standardized identifiers used to classify and identify vehicles across international borders. These codes are part of the ISO 3779 and ISO 3780 standards, which help streamline vehicle identification and ensure consistency globally.
Key Aspects of ISO Vehicle Codes:
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN):
- Defined in ISO 3779, the VIN is a unique 17-character code assigned to every motor vehicle.
- It provides detailed information about the vehicle, including its origin, manufacturer, and specifications.
- World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI):
- Covered under ISO 3780, the WMI is a specific part of the VIN.
- It consists of the first three characters of the VIN and identifies the vehicle’s manufacturer and country of origin.
- 1st Character: Region (e.g., “1-5” for North America, “S-Z” for Europe).
- 2nd Character: Country within the region.
- 3rd Character: Manufacturer.
- Structure of a VIN:
- 1st Section (WMI): Identifies the vehicle’s manufacturer and origin.
- 2nd Section (VDS – Vehicle Descriptor Section): Provides information about the vehicle’s model, body style, engine type, and other attributes (characters 4-9).
- 3rd Section (VIS – Vehicle Identifier Section): Includes unique serial numbers, production year, and plant of assembly (characters 10-17).
- Purpose of ISO Vehicle Codes:
- Enables consistent vehicle tracking and identification across countries.
- Facilitates regulatory compliance, recalls, theft prevention, and insurance purposes.
- Supports customs and trade by verifying vehicle origin and specifications.
- Applications:
- Used by governments, manufacturers, insurers, law enforcement, and other entities involved in the automotive industry.
These codes are crucial for ensuring that vehicles meet international regulations and can be easily identified in databases worldwide.
