The Anti Car Theft Act of 1992 required the establishment of a Motor Vehicle Titling, Registration and Salvage Advisory Committee to study problems related to motor vehicle titling, vehicle registration and controls over motor vehicle salvage that may affect the motor vehicle theft problem.
In 1994, the Advisory Committee submitted its final report. The study included an examination of the extent to which the absence of uniformity and integration in state laws regulating vehicle titling and registration, and salvage of used vehicles, allows enterprising criminals to find the weakest link to "wash" the stolen character of the vehicles.
The study also considers the adoption of a title brand on all certificates of title indicating the vehicle was previously issued a title brand or a title signifying "rebuilt," "reconstructed," or "flood."
The Vehicle Registration & Title (VRT) Committee Working Group seeks to establish uniform title branding definitions and procedures and to develop a "best practice" reference guide. The committee conducted a survey of the jurisdictions in May 2006 to begin its project. The complete survey results will be used as a foundation to the best practices document. (Survey highlights are also available.)