Abstract: Information, such as make, model, serial number, color, marks, etc, associated with a motor vehicle, along with data associated with the owner of the vehicle, are registered in an information repository, such as a police station, a bureau of motor vehicles or the like. The vehicle information is stored on a registration card and/or on a decal which is permanently attached to the motor vehicle. The information can be stored in the form of a bar code. If a vehicle is stolen or otherwise operated in a manner not authorized by the owner of the vehicle, this information is input into the information repository. Fuel pumps at a fueling station are connected to the vehicle registration information either via a computer at the fuel station or a relay station at the fuel station. Before activation of the fuel pumps, the data on either the card or the decal must be read into a data port on the fuel pump. This data is compared to data stored in the repository.