Can the partial VIN value obtained from the controller area network bus be used for reporting?

No, a partial VIN is not permitted under Section 7.5 of Appendix A to Part 395. If the VIN cannot be fully obtained from the ECM, it must be entered manually; however, a partial VIN broadcast can be used to aid the driver in entering a manual VIN. Please note:

• • • • • Providers are encouraged to use the VIN check digit calculation to help prevent user entry errors.
        • A VIN with any level of manual entry must be prefixed by a ”-“ character in the output file.
        • As indicated in 4.3.1.7 of Appendix A to Part 395, manual VIN entry cannot be used when the complete VIN can be obtained from the ECM. A device using manual entry when the complete VIN is in fact available from the ECM would not be in compliance with the rule and would be subject to removal from the list of self-certified and registered ELDs.