Vehicle (4) are automatically identified using a specially constructed windshield (8) which carries identifying indicia (10). The window is a layered construction, similar to safety glass, and includes an intermediate layer (20) sandwiched between inner and outer glass layers (22, 24). The intermediate layer carries the identifying indicia, typically in a bar coded pattern. The indicia are invisible to the unaided human eye but are detectable when illuminated with a chosen electromagnetic radiation, typically infrared light from a CO.sub.2 laser. The bar coded indicia are preferably unique to the particular vehicle. Since the bar coded indicia can cover substantially an entire windshield, and since windshields are normally kept clean, sensing of the indicia is aided. The vehicle identification system thus permits the non-invasive identification of a vehicle even under adverse environmental condition.