18 U.S.C. § 2724: Civil action

Summary

If someone knowingly gets, shares, or uses personal information from a motor vehicle record for a reason not allowed by this law, the person whose information was used can sue in a United States district court. The court can order money for real losses (but at least $2,500), punitive damages if the act was willful or reckless, reasonable lawyer fees and court costs, and other temporary or fair court orders the judge finds appropriate.

Title 18, §2724

Crimes and Criminal Procedure, Source: USLM XML via OLRC

(a)Cause of Action.—

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)Remedies.—

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.

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.

§2724 Civil Action

Summary

Title 18, §2724

Notes & Related Subsidiaries

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Effective Date

Citations & Metadata