Assignment of new numbers when serial or motor number obliterated or destroyed

(a) The department shall assign a new and distinguishing number to a motor vehicle whenever the serial and/or motor number on the motor vehicle is destroyed or obliterated, which distinguishing number shall be stamped on the vehicle in a position to be determined by the commissioner. (b) The motor vehicle shall be registered under the distinguishing number in lieu of the former number. Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 38 (Williams, § 5538.138); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-317. (a) The department shall assign a new and distinguishing number to a motor vehicle whenever the serial and/or motor number on the motor vehicle is destroyed or obliterated, which distinguishing number shall be stamped on the vehicle in a position to be determined by the commissioner. (b) The motor vehicle shall be registered under the distinguishing number in lieu of the former number. Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 38 (Williams, § 5538.138); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-317.