PORTLAND, Ore. (COIN) — In just a few weeks, transportation regulators in Portland will automatically tow vehicles without legal identification in sight.

The The Portland Bureau of Transportation announced will tow vehicles without a visible VIN number plate starting Friday, November 12. According to the agency, this new policy will allow parking enforcement officers to remove vehicles violating city code from the public right-of-way much more effectively.

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While VINs are usually found on the driver’s side dashboard, license plates are usually found on both the front and rear of the vehicle. Oregon requires most drivers to have two license plates, however certain vehicles — including mopeds, motorcycles and caravans — must have only one on the back.

If a vehicle has only one license plate when it should have two, PBOT Communications’ Hannah Schafer told KOIN 6 the driver will be released but not towed. She also said most RVs that violate city code are addressed through the city’s Impact Reduction Program.

“The purpose of this new policy is primarily to target bad actors who appear to be intentionally hiding their VINs and removing license plates from vehicles to make them unidentifiable to parking officers,” Schafer wrote.

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There will be no tow notices for these vehicles. Residents who suspect their vehicle has been towed can contact Portland Police Auto Records. The city also has a list of it towing contractors online.

For those whose vehicles have been stolen and for some low-income residents, officials are offering “hardship towing” funds of up to $300.

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