True or false: A VIN can be used to identify vehicles in absentia.

The statement is true because a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a unique code assigned to each vehicle by the manufacturer, which serves as a fingerprint for that vehicle. It contains information about the vehicle's make, model, year, and place of manufacture, among other details. This uniqueness allows law enforcement and other relevant entities to track, identify, and retrieve information about a vehicle even if it is not physically present.

Using the VIN enables the retrieval of previous registration details, ownership history, and any reports connected to the vehicle, extending its utility beyond just physically present circumstances. Therefore, the ability to identify vehicles in absentia relies heavily on the uniqueness and comprehensive nature of the VIN. Without the VIN, such identification would be challenging, if not impossible, as other identifiers like license plates can change or be obscured.