Vehicle identification numbers

For many reasons - for example - homologation, manufacturer registration, seller registration, state registration (road police) and so on. - each vehicle with an internal combustion engine is assigned a production number. This practice arose almost simultaneously with the start of vehicle production and is used by all manufacturers. Initially, the main distinguishing designations on passenger cars were engine and chassis frame numbers. With the transition to load-bearing frameless bodies, the body became the main part of the car. In addition to the manufacturer's plate with the main technical data and production numbers of the vehicle, the body number is affixed to some parts of the frame that are difficult to replace, and the engine number to the crankcase. In an effort to achieve uniform identification on an international scale, the designation of vehicles was carried out according to the international standard ISO 3779–1977 VIN numbering (Vehicle Identification Number).

Placement of the vehicle identification number affixed to the transverse wall in the engine compartment

In Skoda cars, this designation has been used by the manufacturer (Today "ŠKODA - JSC Automobile Plant") since 1984.


The VIN number is affixed to the transverse wall of the body and, according to a single international system, consists of seventeen characters (numbered from 1 to 7).

• First part (3 characters) - international manufacturer code (WMI): TMV = T - Europe, M
• Czech Republic, V -"ŠKODA - Automobile Plant JSC";
• The second part (3 characters) - letters ZZZ (unoccupied designation);
• the third part (2 characters) - vehicle class: 1U = Skoda Octavia type;
• fourth part (1 sign) - manufacturer's internal code;
• fifth part (1 character) - letter designation of the model year: T = 1996, V = 1997, W = 1998, X = 1999, Y = 2000;
• sixth part 1 character - numerical designation of the manufacturing plant: Mlada Boleslav - from 0 to 4, Kvasiny - 5, Verkholabie - 7, Poznan - x;
• seventh part (6 characters) - serial production number of the vehicle.

The Skoda Octavia car, in addition to the VIN identification number, is also equipped with other identification numbers and information plates. The engine number and code are affixed to the crankcase of the engine, the gearbox number is affixed in a similar way (For more detailed information, please refer to the relevant chapters on engines and gearboxes).

Information boards are of two types. One to familiarize the driver of the car with various important details related to the operation. On another type of plates, the exact specification of individual sub-assemblies is given and they are necessary during the manufacture and installation of the car; there is no need to be interested in this type of plates.


Content, meaning and placement of individual plates intended for drivers:

1. Homologation plate - contains a list of instructions (according to UNECE and EXO), that the car satisfies. (Cars intended for domestic use do not have it, sent abroad at will).

2. Plate "Ventilator" (fan) - warns that the radiator fan can run at any time and cause injury!

3. Plate "Pozor vysoke napeti" (Attention! High voltage!) - warns that before touching, you must turn off the engine.

4. Plate "serizeni svetel" (headlight adjustment) - represents as a percentage (%) headlight tilt.



5. Plate "klimatizace" (air conditioner) - informs about the filler-refrigerant of the air conditioner.

6. Standard plate - contains data:

• manufacturer's name;
• approval number;
• vehicle identification number (VIN);
• the maximum allowable mass of the loaded vehicle / technically permissible mass;
• the maximum permissible mass of the loaded trailer, if the vehicle is adapted to this / technically permissible mass;
• the largest permissible loading mass of the front axle / technically permissible mass;
• maximum permissible loading mass of the rear axle / technically permissible mass.

Additional information may be given outside the marked box.




7. Data plate - all the data necessary for identification are collected, as well as information for car repair, which allows the repair customer to accurately determine what the manufacturer has equipped the car with, and, therefore, which spare parts and which technology to use during repairs. These data are the same as those given on the inside of the envelope of the SERVICE BOOK.



8. VIN plate - represents the VIN number.

9. Airbag sign (airbag) - means that the car is equipped with airbags.

Image of individual plates

10. Fuel plate - contains information about the type of fuel that can be used (to choose from three, see fig. Image of individual plates).

11. Recommended tire pressure plate - contains data on the internal pressure for different types of tires, different vehicle loading when using different engines in the car.



12. Immobilizer code plate - affixed by the car manufacturer to the keys.

13. A plate pasted into the SERVICE BOOK OF THE VEHICLE.

14. A plate affixed to the B-pillar for identification of the body.