§30144 — Title 49 Transportation | U.S. Code

Summary

Allows certain foreign government and international organization officials, and members of foreign armed forces who are assigned to the United States, to bring a car into the U.S. for personal use temporarily without following the usual import rules. The Transportation or Treasury Secretary can ask for proof that the person qualifies. The Transportation Secretary must make sure the car is either sent out of the U.S. at no cost to the U.S. government or given to the government when the person leaves or is no longer eligible. The car cannot be sold while in the U.S.

Title 49, §30144

Transportation — Source: USLM XML via OLRC

(a)section 30112(a) of this title does not apply to a motor vehicle imported on a temporary basis for personal use by an individual who is a member of—

(1)(A)the personnel of the government of a foreign country on assignment in the United States or a member of the Secretariat of a public international organization designated under the International Organizations Immunities Act (22 U.S.C. 288 et seq.); and

(B)the class of individuals for whom the Secretary of State has authorized free importation of motor vehicles; or

(2)the armed forces of a foreign country on assignment in the United States.

(b)The Secretary of Transportation or the Secretary of the Treasury may require verification, that the Secretary of Transportation considers appropriate, that an individual is a member described under subsection (a) of this section. The Secretary of Transportation shall ensure that a motor vehicle imported under this section will be exported (at no cost to the United States Government) or abandoned to the Government when the individual no longer—

(1)resides in the United States; and

(2)is a member described under subsection (a) of this section.

(c)A motor vehicle imported under this section may not be sold when in the United States.

Notes & Related Subsidiaries

Historical and Revision Notes

Pub. L. 103–272 Revised SectionSource (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large) 30144(a)15:1397(h) (1st sentence).Sept. 9, 1966, Pub. L. 89–563, 80 Stat. 718, § 108(h); added Oct. 31, 1988, Pub. L. 100–562, § 2(b), 102 Stat. 2823. 30144(b)15:1397(h) (2d, 3d sentences). 30144(c)15:1397(h) (last sentence). In subsection (a)(1)(B), the word “importation” is substituted for “entry” for clarity and consistency in this chapter. In subsection (b), before clause (1), the words “that an individual is a member described under subsection (a) of this section” are substituted for “such status” for clarity. The word “imported” is substituted for “entered” for clarity and consistency in this chapter. In clause (2), the words “a member described under subsection (a) of this section” are substituted for “hold such status” for clarity. Pub. L. 104–287This amends 49:30144(a)(1)(A) to correct an erroneous cross-reference.

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The International Organizations Immunities Act, referred to in subsec. (a)(1)(A), is title I of act Dec. 29, 1945, ch. 652, 59 Stat. 669, which is classified principally to subchapter XVIII (§ 288 et seq.) of chapter 7 of Title 22, Foreign Relations and Intercourse. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see

Short Title

note set out under section 288 of Title 22 and Tables.

Amendments

1996—Subsec. (a)(1)(A). Pub. L. 104–287 substituted “International Organizations” for “International Organization”.

§30144 Importing Motor Vehicles on a Temporary Basis