High-confidence VIN errors can collide on the check digit

VIN OCR validation should keep three signals separate: model confidence, checksum validity, and agreement with independent visible equipment evidence. Multiple incorrect characters can preserve the weighted check digit, so adding checksum validation alone cannot eliminate confidently wrong readings. When a dedicated VIN photo and a separately captured truck-side VIN suffix disagree, surface the conflict for review rather than treating the model's confidence as adjudication. Do not automatically substitute the suffix: either source could concern another vehicle or be misread.