Sec 13-4702. Conducting a chop shop; exception; violation; classification

A. A person shall not knowingly:

1. Own or operate a chop shop.

2. Transport a motor vehicle or motor vehicle part to or from a chop shop.

3. Sell or transfer to or purchase or receive from a chop shop a motor vehicle or motor vehicle part.

4. Remove, destroy, deface or otherwise alter a vehicle identification number with the intent to misrepresent or prevent the identification of the motor vehicle or motor vehicle part.

5. Buy, sell, transfer or possess a motor vehicle or motor vehicle part knowing that the motor vehicle identification number, which was placed on the motor vehicle or motor vehicle part by the manufacturer, has been removed, destroyed, defaced or otherwise altered.

B. This section does not apply to law enforcement authorities and lawful owners acting in good faith, towing companies or scrap processors, licensed automotive recyclers and other businesses acting in good faith and in the normal course of business and in conformance with all applicable laws.

C. A person who violates subsection A, paragraph 1 of this section is guilty of a class 2 felony. A person who violates subsection A, paragraph 2, 3, 4 or 5 of this section is guilty of a class 4 felony.