What character in a vehicle identification number (VIN) identifies the model year?

The character in a vehicle identification number (VIN) that identifies the model year is the 10th character. This character corresponds to a specific code that designates the model year of the vehicle. Each letter and number in the VIN has a specific meaning and follows a standardized system established by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

For instance, vehicles produced for model years ranging from 1980 to the present have designated characters representing each year, allowing for easy identification of the year of manufacture. This is particularly useful for dealerships, buyers, and regulatory authorities in determining compliance with safety and emissions standards that may vary by year.