Garrett v. State, Department of Safety

OPINION

BROCK, Chief Justice.

Ray J. Garrett, a farmer-trucker, purchased a truck in February 1979 for $11,-500. On July 25, 1983, when members of the Motor Vehicle Enforcement Division stopped Mr. Garrett, a division investigator for the Tennessee Department of Safety examined the truck. During this inspection, the investigator discovered that the public vehicle inspection number was missing from the truck door where it normally should have been. Upon further examination, the investigator found an identification number stamped on the frame. Apparently this number had been altered by welding…