2D ~ Matrix ~ Data Matrix ~ PDF417 ~ Stacked Barcodes The above pictured 2D matrix codes have been appearing on many different makes and models of vehicles. Besides the PVIN and Federal Certification Label; they can be found on component part labels (including the NHTSA and tire labels) as well as direct parts markings on components, Titles, and Registrations. Recently there have been a lot of questions raised regarding GM vehicles and the PVIN barcode. 1D linear barcoded VIN 2010 CADILLAC CTS (barcoded VIN covered by windshield cutout). 2010 Cadillac SRX 2010 Buick LaCrosse (Barcoded VIN hidden under cutout)
Same 2010 Buick LaCrosse looking at an angle to view hidden barcoded VIN. The following GM vehicles have the 2D barcode but it is hidden beneath the glass: 2010 Chevrolet Equinox 2010 GMC Terrain 2010 Buick LaCrosse 2011 Buick Regal 2011 Chevrolet Cruze Other GM vehicles that have the 2D VIN visible are: 09 Chev Malibu F Plant 09 Chev Traverse S Plant 09 Saturn Aura F Plant 10 Chev Camaro 9 Plant; 1D on PVIN, 2D on Fed 10 Buick Lucerne 1D on PVIN, 2D on Fed 10 Cad SRX S Plant More vehicles coming on line: Federal Safety Certification Label Sample Combinations: 2010 CHEVROLET CAMARO SS 1D PVIN 2D Federal PVIN barcode complies with SAE J1877 Scans: I2G1FK1EJ0A9159886 Federal Label barcode does not comply with SAE J1877 Scans: 2G1FK1EJ0A9159886
2010 CADILLAC SRX 2D PVIN, no barcode on Federal PVIN barcode complies with SAE J1877 Scans: I3GYFNBEY5AS536615 2010 CADILLAC CTS PVIN & FED PVIN barcode does not comply with SAE J1877 because it cannot be scanned due to windshield cutout covering barcode.
2010 GMC TERRAIN SLE 2D PVIN & Federal PVIN barcode does not comply with SAE J1877 because it cannot be scanned due to windshield cutout covering barcode. Can be viewed if looking at an angle as pictured in the 2010 Buick LaCrosse example previously shown. 09 Saturn Aura decoded with VINtrack 2D/1D scanner into VINtrack software.
Other 2D examples: 2009 MAZDA 6S 2007 Chevrolet HHR Component Label Scans: 3GNDA33P27S580208 2010 Ford Mustang Transmission Scans: 24009TC04A100022 BL3P 7006 BD Airbag
History of 2D: Two-dimensional bar code symbologies (2D) are becoming more prevalent in the automotive industry for vehicle identification. Linear bar codes (1D) have served the auto industry well for over 20 years, first appearing as a VIN since 1990. However, a major drawback is the limitation of the amount of data they hold. Data capacity and space efficiency are two of the major advantages of 2D symbologies. 2D should be looked at as a portable data file. There are also security features that can be used with 2D. With some 2D labels you could have a damaged label and still read all of the data that was on the full label. This will help us when the suspects remove only part of the label. Isuzu Amigo, Rodeo, and Honda Passport in the past put a 2D label on the driver s doorpost that contained the VIN. There are two main types of 2D that effect law enforcement, PDF417 and Data Matrix (or just Matrix). A Matrix 2D label as pictured on the PVIN s and Federal Labels can hold up to 2335 alphanumeric characters in a single symbol. A PDF417 symbol (pictured left) can encode more than a kilobyte of data up to 100 times the capacity of a linear bar code of similar size, (250 characters per square inch vs. 28 characters). This pictured PDF417 holds 198 bytes of information. It includes the VIN, year, make, model, inspection and expiration date, inspection site, registration expiration date, licensed number, and vehicle info such as: weight, engine and transmission info. They may also contain registered owner and part and warranty information. These types of 2D codes are typically found on drivers' licenses, emission and inspection stickers, titles and registration documents and have been used since 1994. VINtrack.com offers several systems that will read 1D and 2D VIN s through glass. (Be careful when choosing a scanner to read barcodes. Not all 2D scanners will read VIN s through glass).
TRACEABILITY ~ Additional uses of 2D codes Direct Parts Markings can include date, supplier, product number, serial number and other traceability information. Some of these codes are dot peen and require a different scanner.