(a) It is unlawful to knowingly own or have the custody or possession of a motor vehicle, trailer or semitrailer, the original vehicle identification number of which has been destroyed, removed, altered or defaced, except as contemplated by K.S.A. 8-116a, and amendments thereto, when no part of the motor vehicle, trailer or semitrailer has been stolen and a vehicle identification number has been assigned to the motor vehicle according to law. Violation of this subsection is a Class C misdemeanor.

(b) Every law enforcement officer in this state having knowledge of a motor vehicle, trailer or semitrailer, the vehicle identification number of which has been destroyed, removed, altered or defaced, shall seize and take possession of such motor vehicle, trailer or semitrailer.

(c) Every motor vehicle, trailer or semitrailer, the vehicle identification number of which has been destroyed, removed, altered, or defaced and that has been seized under this section is an article of contraband and the provisions of K.S.A. 22-2512, and amendments thereto, shall apply.

(d) No law enforcement agency or employee of such agency acting within the scope of employment shall be liable for damages resulting from the adoption or enforcement of any policy adopted under this section.

(e) The provisions of this section shall not apply when a person removes and reinstalls a manufacturer’s serial number or a vehicle identification number on an antique vehicle, as defined in K.S.A. 8-166, and amendments thereto, if: