Joshua D. Drake wrote:
In "theory" the item that would be a natural key in this instance is the VIN. You would of course have to make some kind of allowance for cars that don't have a VIN (nothing in the last what... 50 years?).
And some kind of allowance for Title 49, Sec. 565.4, subsection (d):
"The VINs of any two vehicles manufactured within a 30-year period shall not be identical."
After 30 years, all bets are off. And the manufacturers have been tinkering with the VIN due to the inadequacies of the VIN number. Since VINs were first standardized in 1980, does this mean we are approaching a Y2010 problem?
I'm sure someone has defined a "vehicle", but I don't know what number applies when you've pieced together a rebuilt engine, salvaged transmission, junkyard hood and so-on to get a working car. I think custom builders end up applying for a new VIN but I don't think that applies to repairs. Of course defining when a vehicle becomes a different vehicle is a problem that remains regardless of choice of key.
VINs are apparently not required on directly imported vehicles (ie. those imported by other than the manufacturer).
The above applies to the US. I'm sure the laws of other countries vary. Cheers, Steve ---------------------------(end of broadcast)--------------------------- TIP 5: don't forget to increase your free space map settings