Title 18 — Crimes and Criminal ProcedureRelease 119-73
§2724 Civil action
Title 18 › Part PART I— - CRIMES › Chapter CHAPTER 123— - PROHIBITION ON RELEASE AND USE OF CERTAIN PERSONAL INFORMATION FROM STATE MOTOR VEHICLE RECORDS › § 2724
Summary
People whose personal info from motor-vehicle records was knowingly misused can sue in federal court. Courts can order at least $2,500, punitive damages for willful or reckless acts, lawyer fees, costs, and other relief.
Full Legal Text
Title 18, §2724
Crimes and Criminal Procedure — Source: USLM XML via OLRC
(a)A person who knowingly obtains, discloses or uses personal information, from a motor vehicle record, for a purpose not permitted under this chapter shall be liable to the individual to whom the information pertains, who may bring a civil action in a United States district court.
(b)The court may award—
(1)actual damages, but not less than liquidated damages in the amount of $2,500;
(2)punitive damages upon proof of willful or reckless disregard of the law;
(3)reasonable attorneys’ fees and other litigation costs reasonably incurred; and
(4)such other preliminary and equitable relief as the court determines to be appropriate.
Legislative History
Notes & Related Subsidiaries
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date
Section effective on the date that is 3 years after Sept. 13, 1994, with provisions relating to release of personal information before the
Effective Date
and compliance after such date, see section 300003 of Pub. L. 103–322, set out as a note under section 2721 of this title.
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
18 U.S.C. § 2724
Title 18 — Crimes and Criminal Procedure
Last Updated
Apr 6, 2026
Release point: 119-73