§553 Importation or Exportation of Stolen Motor Vehicles, Off-highway Mobile Equipment, Vessels, or Aircraft

Summary

It makes it a crime to bring into or out of the United States, or try to bring, stolen motor vehicles, off-highway mobile machines, boats, aircraft, or any parts of those things, when you know they were stolen. It is also a crime to import or export motor vehicles or off-highway machines, or their parts, if you know their identification number (like a VIN) has been removed, changed, or messed with. Conviction can mean a fine, up to 10 years in prison, or both. The rule about altered identification does not apply if the number was lost or damaged by a crash or fire, or if changing or removing it would not break the separate federal rule that bans altering vehicle ID numbers. Motor vehicle — as defined in federal highway law. Off-highway mobile equipment — self-propelled farm, construction, or special-use machines that run on land but not on roads or rails. Vessel — as defined in the Tariff Act. Aircraft — as defined in federal aviation law. Identification number — the VIN for motor vehicles, or the maker’s identifying number for other covered equipment or parts.