What should you state when describing the year of a vehicle?

The model year of a vehicle is the correct detail to provide when describing it. This is the year that the vehicle was designated by the manufacturer, which can be significant for identifying specific features, design changes, safety regulations, and compliance with emissions standards that may vary from year to year. For example, a car model released in 2023 may have different specifications compared to the same model produced in 2022, even if they were manufactured in the same calendar year.

In contrast, the manufacturing date refers to when the vehicle was actually built, which may not align with the model year. The last year it was registered does not provide information about the vehicle's specifications or market classification, and the year it was first sold may vary, as the model may have been produced in a previous year but sold later. Understanding these distinctions is critical in law enforcement contexts, such as during traffic stops, investigations, or vehicle documentation.