Title 18 — Crimes and Criminal ProcedureRelease 119-73not60

§2724 Civil Action

Title 18 › Part I— CRIMES › Chapter 123— PROHIBITION ON RELEASE AND USE OF CERTAIN PERSONAL INFORMATION FROM STATE MOTOR VEHICLE RECORDS › § 2724

Last updated Apr 5, 2026|Official source

Summary

If someone knowingly gets, shares, or uses personal information from a motor vehicle record for a purpose not allowed under this law, the person whose information was misused can sue in federal court. A judge can order payment for real harm, but at least $2,500; extra punishment money if the misuse was willful or reckless; reasonable lawyer fees and other court costs; and other temporary or fair remedies the judge thinks are appropriate.

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 5, 2026

Release point: 119-73not60