The manufacturer is required to include a check digit in the ninth position by U.S. This character is called a “check digit” because it is designed to protect the consumer from theft and possible fraud. Each character represents something about your Jeep except the check digit character. The VIN has 17 characters to provide details about your Jeep. Thus, establishing a unique “DNA” style number for each unique vehicle which rolled off the assembly line. This established the fixed VIN system for major vehicle manufacturers as it is known today. of Transport) required that all road vehicles must contain a 17 character VIN. In the early 1980’s the National highway Traffic Safety Administration (U.S. Research has shown that early Vin’s came in all sorts of variations which depended on the individual manufacturer at that time. The obvious purpose was to give an accurate description of the vehicle when mass production numbers were starting to climb in very significant numbers. The vehicle identification number has become referred to as the “VIN”. In the mid 1950’s American automobile manufacturers began stamping and casting identifying numbers on cars and their parts.
History of the Vehicle Identification Number “VIN” But to a serious Jeeper the knowledge of what the VIN stands for may bring a more comprehensive understanding of your rig and/or a sense of nostalgia. Most of these reasons have nothing to do with us owners. The Vehicle Identification Number, or VIN is important for many reasons.