Motor Vehicle Theft Law Enforcement Act of 1984
PL 98-547 (H.R.6257), enacted 10/25/1984

98 STAT. 2754 
PUBLIC LAW 98-547—OCT. 25, 1984 
Public Law 98-547 
98th Congress 
An Act 
Oct. 25, 1984 
[H.R. 6257] 
Motor Vehicle 
Theft Law 
Enforcement Act 
of 1984. 
15 u s e 1901 
note. 
To amend the Motor Vehicle and Information Cost Savings Act to impede those 
motor vehicle thefts which occur for purposes of dismantling the vehicles and 
reselling the major parts by requiring passenger motor vehicles and major replace-
ment parts to have identifying numbers or symbols, and for other purposes. 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled, 
SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS 
SECTION 1. (a) This Act may be cited as the "Motor Vehicle Theft 
Law Enforcement Act of 1984". 
(b) The table of contents for this Act follows: 
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. 
Sec. 2. Purpose. 
TITLE I—IMPROVED IDENTIFICATION FOR PASSENGER MOTOR VEHICLES 
AND PARTS 
Sec. 101. Motor vehicle theft prevention standard. 
Sec. 102. Report regarding theft prevention systems. 
TITLE II-ANTIFENCING MEASURES 
Sec. 201. Motor vehicle identification numbers; forfeitures. 
Sec. 202. Definition of securities. 
Sec. 203. Sale or receipt of stolen motor vehicles. 
Sec. 204. Trafficking in certain motor vehicles, motor vehicle parts, or motor vehi-
cle components. 
Sec. 205. Definition of racketeering activity. 
TITLE III—IMPORTATION AND EXPORTATION MEASURES 
Sec. 301. Amendment to title 18, United States Code. 
Sec. 302. Amendment to Tariff Act of 1930. 
15 u s e 2021 
note. 
PURPOSE 
SEC. 2. It is the purpose of this Act— 
(1) to provide for the identification of certain motor vehicles 
and their major replacement parts to impede motor vehicle 
theft; 
(2) to augment the Federal criminal penalties imposed upon 
persons trafficking in stolen motor vehicles; 
(3) to encourage decreases in premiums charged consumers 
for motor vehicle theft insurance; and 
(4) to reduce opportunities for exporting or importing stolen 
motor vehicles and off-highway mobile equipment. 
PUBLIC LAW 98-547—OCT. 25, 1984 
98 STAT. 2755 
TITLE I—IMPROVED IDENTIFICATION FOR PASSENGER 
MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS 
MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT PREVENTION STANDARD 
SEC. 101. (a) The Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act 
(15 U.S.C. 1901 and following) is amended by adding at the end the 
following new title: 
"TITLE VI—THEFT PREVENTION 
"DEFINITIONS 
"SEC. 601. For purposes of this title: 
15 use 2021. 
"(1) The term 'passenger motor vehicle' does not include any 
multipurpose passenger vehicle (including any vehicle com-
monly known as a 'passenger van'). 
"(2) The term 'line' means a name which a manufacturer 
applies to a group of motor vehicle models of the same make 
which have the same body or chassis, or otherwise are similar in 
construction or design. 
"(3) The term 'existing line' means any line introduced into 
commerce before the beginning of the 2-year period specified in 
section 603(a)(1)(A). 
"(4) The term 'new line' means any line introduced into 
commerce on or after the beginning of the 2-year period speci-
fied in section 603(a)(1)(A). 
"(5) The term 'first purchaser' means first purchaser for 
purposes other than resale. 
"(6) The term 'covered major part' means any major part 
selected in accordance with sections 602(d)(1)(B) and 603 for 
coverage by the vehicle theft prevention standard issued under 
section 602. 
"(7) The term 'major part' means— 
"(A) the engine; 
"(B) the transmission; 
"(C) each door allowing entrance or egress to the passen-
ger compartment; 
"(D) the hood; 
"(E) the grille; 
"(F) each bumper; 
"(G) each front fender; 
"(H) the deck lid, tailgate, or hatchback (whichever is 
present); 
"(I) rear quarter panels; 
"(J) the trunk floor pan; 
"(K) the frame or, in the case of a unitized body, the 
supporting structure which serves as the frame; and 
"(L) any other part of a passenger motor vehicle which 
the Secretary, by rule, determines is comparable in design 
or function to any of the parts listed in subparagraphs (A) 
through (K). 
"(8) The term 'major replacement part' means any major 
part— 
"(A) which is not installed in or on a motor vehicle at the 
time of its delivery to the first purchaser, and 
98 STAT. 2756 
PUBLIC LAW 98-547—OCT. 25, 1984 
"(B) the equitable or legal title to which has not been 
transferred to any first purchaser. 
"(9) The term 'model year' has the meaning given such term 
under section 501(12) of this Act. 
"(10) The term 'vehicle theft prevention standard' means a 
minimum performance standard for the identification of— 
"(A) major parts of new motor vehicles, and 
"(B) major replacement parts, 
by inscribing or affixing numbers or symbols to such parts. 
"THEFT PREVENTION STANDARD 
Regulations. 
"SEC. 602. (a) The Secretary shall by rule promulgate, in accord-
15 use 2022. 
ance with this section, a vehicle theft prevention standard which 
conforms to the requirements of this title and which applies with 
respect to— 
"(1) the covered major parts which are installed by manufac-
turers into passenger motor vehicles in lines designated under 
section 603 as high theft lines; and 
"(2) the major replacement parts for the major parts de-
scribed in paragraph (1). 
"(b) The standard under this section shall be practicable, and shall 
provide relevant objective criteria. 
"(cXD Not later than 3 months after the date of the enactment of 
this title, the Secretary shall prescribe and publish a proposed 
vehicle theft prevention standard. 
"(2) As soon as practicable after the 30th day following the 
publication of the proposed standard under paragraph (1), but not 
later than 6 months after such date of enactment, the Secretary 
shall promulgate a final rule establishing such a standard. 
"(3) The Secretary may, for good cause, extend the 3-month and 
6-month periods under paragraphs (1) and (2) if the Secretary pub-
lishes the reasons therefor. Either such period may not, in the 
aggregate, be extended by more than 5 months. 
"(4) Such standard shall take effect not earlier than 6 months 
after the date such final rule is prescribed, except that the Secretary 
may prescribe an earlier effective date if the Secretary— 
"(A) finds, for good cause shown, that the earlier date is in the 
public interest, and 
"(B) publishes the reasons for such finding, 
"(5) The standard may apply only with respect to— 
"(A) major parts which are installed by the motor vehicle 
manufacturer in any passenger motor vehicle which has a 
model year designation later than the calendar year in which 
such standard takes effect, and 
"(B) major replacement parts manufactured after such stand-
ard takes effect. 
"(dXD In the case of major parts installed by the motor vehicle 
manufacturer, the standard under this section may not require— 
"(A) any part to have more than a single identification, and 
"(B) any motor vehicle to have identification of more than 14 
of its major parts. 
"(2) In the case of major replacement parts, the standard under 
this section may not require— 
"(A) identification of any part which is not designed as a 
replacement for a major part required to be identified under 
such standard, and 
PUBLIC LAW 98-547—OCT. 25, 1984 
98 STAT. 2757 
"(B) the inscribing or affixing of any identification other than 
a symbol identifying the manufacturer and a common symbol 
identifying the part as a major replacement part. 
"(e) Nothing in this title shall be construed to grant authority to 
require any person to keep records or make reports, except as 
expressly provided in sections 603(c), 605(b), 606(a), and 612. 
"DESIGNATION OF HIGH THEFT VEHICLE UNES AND PARTS 
"SEC. 603. (aXD For purposes of the standard under section 602, 
15 USC 2023. 
the following motor vehicle lines are high theft lines: 
"(A) passenger motor vehicles of any line which is determined 
under subsection (b) to have had a new passenger motor vehicle 
theft rate in the 2 calendar years immediately preceding the 
year in which the final standard is promulgated which exceeds 
the median theft rate for all new passenger motor vehicle thefts 
in such 2-year period; 
"(B) passenger motor vehicles of any line initially introduced 
into commerce in the United States at any time after the 
beginning of the 2-year period specified in subparagraph (A) 
which is determined under paragraph (2) to be likely to have a 
theft rate exceeding such median theft rate; and 
"(C) passenger motor vehicles of any line which is below the 
median theft rate (in the case of existing lines) or which is likely 
to be below the median theft rate (in the case of new lines) if the 
major parts contained in such vehicles are determined under 
paragraph (2) to be interchangeable with the majority of the 
major parts which are subject to the standard and which are 
contained in the motor vehicles of a line subject to the standard 
pursuant to subparagraph (A) or (B); except that such standard 
shall not apply to such major parts of any line specified by this 
paragraph if all the passenger motor vehicles of lines— 
"(i) which are or are likely to be below the median theft 
rate, and 
"(ii) which contain parts which are interchangeable with 
the major parts of the line involved, 
account (in the case of existing lines) or the Secretary deter-
mines are likely to account (in the case of new lines) for more 
than 90 percent of the total annual production of all lines of 
that manufacturer which contain those interchangeable parts. 
"(2) The specific lines, and the major parts of the vehicles within 
such lines, which are to be subject to the standard may be selected 
by agreement between that manufacturer and the Secretary. If 
the manufacturer and the Secretary disagree as to such selection, 
the Secretary shall select such lines and parts, after notice to the 
manufacturer and opportunity for written comment, and subject to 
the confidentiality requirements of this title. 
"(3) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), of those passenger motor 
vehicle lines initially introduced by a manufacturer into commerce 
in the United States before the effective date of the standard, no 
more than 14 of the lines of any manufacturer shall be selected as 
high theft lines under paragraph (1) (A) and (B). Any such selection 
shall be made under paragraph (2) within one year after the date of 
the enactment of the Motor Vehicle Theft Law Enforcement Act of 
1984. 
Ante, p. 2754. 
"(4) The Secretary shall prescribe reasonable procedures designed 
to assure that, to the maximum extent practicable, any selection 
31-194 0 - 86 - 13 : QL.3 Part3 
98 STAT. 2758 
PUBLIC LAW 98-547—OCT. 25, 1984 
under paragraph (2) or (3) is made at least 6 months before the first 
applicable model year beginning after such selection. 
"(5) A manufacturer shall not be required to begin to comply with 
the standard pursuant to any selection made under paragraph (2) or 
(3) for a model year beginning earlier than 6 months after the date 
of selection. 
"(b)(1) For purposes of subsection (a), the theft rate for passenger 
motor vehicles of a line shall be determined by a fraction, the 
numerator of which is the number of new passenger motor vehicle 
thefts for that line during the 2 calendar years specified in subsec-
tion (a)(lXA), and the denominator of which is the sum of the 
respective production volumes of all passenger motor vehicles of 
that line (as reported to the Environmental Protection Agency 
15 use 2001. 
under title V of this Act) which are of the 2 model years having the 
same model-year designations as the 2 calendar years specified in 
subsection (a)(lXA) and which are distributed for sale in commerce 
within the United States. 
"(2) For purposes of subsection (a), the median theft rate for all 
new passenger motor vehicle thefts during such 2-year period is that 
theft rate midway between the highest and the lowest theft rates 
determined under paragraph (1). If there is an even number of theft 
rates determined under paragraph (1), the median theft rate is the 
arithmetic average of the two adjoining theft rates midway between 
the highest and the lowest of such theft rates. 
Public 
"(3) Immediately upon enactment of this title, and periodically 
availability. 
thereafter, the Secretary, in consultation with the Director of the 
Federal Bureau of Investigation, shall obtain from the most reliable 
source or sources accurate and timely theft and recovery data and 
publish such data for review and comment. To the greatest extent 
possible, the Secretary shall utilize theft data reported by Federal, 
State, or local police. After such publication and opportunity for 
comment, the Secretary shall utilize the theft data to determine the 
median theft rate under this subsection. The Secretary and such 
Director shall take such actions as may be necessary to improve the 
accuracy, reliability, and timeliness of such data, including ensuring 
that vehicles represented as stolen are in fact stolen. 
"(4) In calculating the median theft rate, the Secretary shall take 
into account the theft rate of lines which are exempted by reason of 
the 14-line limitation in subsection (a)(3). 
"(5) As used in this section, the term 'new passenger motor vehicle 
thefts', when used with respect to any calendar year, refers to those 
thefts in the United States in such year which are of passenger 
motor vehicles with the same model-year designation as tha;t calen-
dar year. 
"(c) The Secretary shall, by rule, require each manufacturer to 
provide information necessary to select pursuant to subsection (a)(2) 
the high theft lines and the major parts to be subject to the 
standard. 
"(d) Except as provided in section 605, the Secretary may not 
render the standard inapplicable to any line which at any time has 
been subject to the standard. 
"COST LIMITATION 
15 use 2024. 
"SEC. 604. (a) The standard under section 602 may not— 
"(1) impose costs upon any manufacturer of motor vehicles to 
comply with such standard in excess of $15 per motor vehicle, or 
PUBLIC LAW 98-547—OCT. 25, 1984 
98 STAT. 2759 
"(2) impose costs upon any manufacturer of major replace-
ment parts to comply with such standard in excess of such 
reasonable lesser amount per major replacement part as the 
Secretary specifies in such standard. 
"(b) In the case of any manufacturer engaged in identifying 
engines or transmissions on the effective date of this title in a 
manner which substantially complies with the requirements of the 
theft prevention standard promulgated under section 602— 
"(1) the costs of identifying engines and transmissions shall 
not be taken into account in calculating such manufacturer's 
costs under subsection (a); and 
"(2) the manufacturer shall not be required, pursuant to the 
standard or any subsequent modification, to conform to any 
identification system for engines and transmissions which im-
poses greater costs on the manufacturer than are incurred 
under the identification system used by the manufacturer on 
such effective date. 
"(c)(1) At the beginning of each calendar year commencing on or 
Federal 
after January 1, 1985, as there becomes available necessary data 
Register, 
from the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor, the 
P"t>iication. 
Secretary of Labor shall certify to the Secretary and publish in the 
Federal Register the percentage difference between the price index 
for the 12 months preceding the beginning of such calendar year and 
the price index for the base period. Effective for model years begin-
ning in such calendar year, the amounts specified under subsections 
(a) (1) and (2) shall be adjusted by such percentage difference. 
"(2) For purposes of paragraph (1)— 
"(A) The term 'base period' means calendar year 1984. 
"(B) The term 'price index' means the average over a calendar 
year of the Consumer Price Index (all items—United States city 
average) published monthly by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. 
"EXEMPTION FOR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ANTITHEFT DEVICES 
"SEC. 605. (a)(1) Any manufacturer may petition the Secretary for 
15 use 2025. 
an exemption from the application of any of the requirements of the 
vehicle theft prevention standard under section 602 for any line or 
lines of passenger motor vehicles which are equipped as standard 
equipment with an antitheft device which the Secretary determines 
is likely to be as effective in reducing and deterring motor vehicle 
theft as compliance with the requirements of such standard. 
"(2) For the initial model year to which such standard applies, the 
Secretary may not grant an exemption for more than 2 lines of any 
manufacturer. For each subsequent model year, the Secretary may 
grant exemption for not more than 2 additional lines of any manu-
facturer, and such exemption shall not affect the validity of the 
exemption of any line previously exempted under this paragraph. 
"(3) For purposes of paragraph (1), the term 'standard equipment' 
means equipment which is installed in a vehicle at the time it is 
delivered from the manufacturer and which is not an accessory or 
other item which the first purchaser customarily has the option to 
have installed. 
"(b) Any such petition shall be filed with the Secretary not later 
than 8 months before the commencement of production for the first 
model year covered by the petition. Such petition shall include— 
"(Da detailed description of such device. 
98 STAT. 2760 
PUBLIC LAW 98-547—OCT. 25, 1984 
"(2) the reasons for the manufacturer's conclusion that such 
device will be effective in reducing and deterring theft of motor 
vehicles, and 
"(3) such additional information as the Secretary determines 
may be reasonably required to make the determination speci-
fied in subsection (a)(1). 
"(c) Such determination shall be made, based upon substantial 
evidence, within 120 days after the date of filing of such petition. 
The Secretary may approve such petition in whole or in part. If the 
Secretary fails to make such determination within such time period, 
the petition shall be considered approved, and the manufacturer 
shall be exempt from the application of such standard for the 
subsequent model year. 
"(d) Nothing in this section shall preclude the Secretary from 
rescinding any such exemption for any model year after the model 
year in which such rescission occurs if the Secretary determines 
that such device has not been as effective in reducing and deterring 
motor vehicle theft as compliance with the requirements of the 
standard under section 602, except that such rescission shall not be 
effective until at least 6 months after the manufacturer receives 
written notice from the Secretary of such rescission. 
"(e) As used in this section, the term 'antitheft device' means a 
device to reduce or deter theft which is in addition to the theft-
deterrent devices required by Federal motor vehicle safety standard 
numbered 114 (49 CFR 571.114) which the manufacturer believes 
will be effective in reducing or deterring theft of motor vehicles, and 
which does not utilize any signaling device which is reserved by a 
provision of any State law for use on police, emergency, or official 
vehicles, or on school buses. 
"DETERMINATION OF COMPUANCE OF MANUFACTURER 
15 use 2026. 
"SEC. 606. (a) Every manufacturer of any motor vehicle any part 
of which is subject to the standard under section 602, and any 
manufacturer of major replacement parts subject to such standard, 
shall— 
"(1) establish and maintain such records, make such reports, 
and provide such items and information as the Secretary may 
reasonably require to enable the Secretary to determine 
whether such manufacturer has acted or is acting in compliance 
with this title and such standard, and 
"(2) upon request of an officer or employee duly designated by 
the Secretary, permit such officer or employee to inspect (A) 
vehicles and major parts which are subject to such standard, 
and (B) appropriate books, papers, records, and documents rele-
vant to determining whether such manufacturer has acted or is 
acting in compliance with this title and any motor vehicle theft 
prevention standard promulgated pursuant to this title; such 
manufacturer shall make available all such items and informa-
tion in accordance with such reasonable rules as the Secretary 
may prescribe. 
"(b) For purposes of enforcing this title, officers or employees duly 
designated by the Secretary, upon presenting appropriate creden-
tials and a written notice to the owner, operator, or agent in charge, 
may enter and inspect any facility in which motor vehicles contain-
ing major parts subject to such standard, or major replacement 
parts subject to such standard, are manufactured, held for introduc-
PUBLIC LAW 98-547—OCT. 25, 1984 
98 STAT. 2761 
tion into interstate commerce, or are held for sale after such intro-
duction. Each such inspection shall be conducted at reasonable 
times and in a reasonable manner and shall be commenced and 
completed with reasonable promptness. 
"(c)(1) Every manufacturer of a motor vehicle subject to the 
standard promulgated under section 602, and every manufacturer of 
any major replacement part subject to such standard, shall furnish 
at the time of delivery of such vehicle or part a certification that 
such vehicle or replacement part conforms to the applicable motor 
vehicle theft prevention standard. Such certification shall accom-
pany such vehicle or replacement part until delivery to the first 
purchaser. The Secretary may issue rules prescribing the manner 
and form of such certification. 
"(2) Paragraph (1) shall not apply to any motor vehicle or major 
replacement part— 
"(A) which is intended solely for export, 
"(B) which is so labeled or tagged on the vehicle or replace-
ment part itself and on the outside of the container, if any, until 
exported, and 
(C) which is exported. 
"(d) If a manufacturer obtains knowledge that (1) the identifica-
tion applied, to conform to the standard under section 602, to any 
major part installed by the manufacturer in a motor vehicle during 
its assembly, or to any major replacement part manufactured by the 
manufacturer, contains an error, and (2) such motor vehicle or 
major replacement part has been distributed in interstate com-
merce, the manufacturer shall furnish notification of such error to 
the Secretary. 
"PROHIBITED ACTS 
"SEC. 607. (a) No person shall— 
15 use 2027. 
"(1) manufacture for sale, sell, offer for sale, or introduce or 
deliver for introduction in interstate commerce, or import into 
the United States— 
"(A) any motor vehicle subject to the standard under 
section 602, or 
"(B) any major replacement part subject to such 
standard, 
which is manufactured on or after the date the standard under 
section 602 takes effect under this title for such vehicle or major 
replacement part unless it is in conformity with such standard; 
"(2) fail to comply with any rule prescribed by the Secretary 
under this title; 
"(3) fail to keep specified records or refuse access to or copying 
of records, or fail to make reports or provide items or informa-
tion, or fail or refuse to permit entry or inspection, as required 
by this title; or 
"(4) fail to— 
"(A) furnish certification required by section 606(c), or 
"(B) issue a certification required by section 606(c) if such 
person knows, or in the exercise of due care has reason to 
know, that such certification is false or misleading in a 
material respect. 
"(b) Subsection (aXD shall not apply to any person who establishes 
that he did not have reason to know in the exercise of due care that 
the vehicle or major replacement part is not in conformity with an 
applicable theft prevention standard. 
98 STAT. 2762 
PUBLIC LAW 98-547—OCT. 25, 1984 
"ENFORCEMENT PROVISIONS 
15 use 2028. 
"SEC. 608. (a)(1) Whoever violates section 607(a) may be assessed a 
civil penalty of not to exceed $1,000 for each violation. The failure of 
more than one part of a single motor vehicle to conform to an 
applicable motor vehicle theft prevention standard shall constitute 
only a single violation. 
Ck)urts, U.S. 
"(2) Any such penalty shall be assessed by the Secretary and 
collected in a civil action brought by the Attorney General of the 
United States. Any such civil penalty may be compromised by the 
Secretary. In determining the amount of such penalty, or the 
amount agreed upon in compromise, the appropriateness of such 
penalty to the size of the business of the person charged and the 
gravity of the violation shall be considered. 
"(3) The amount of such penalty, when finally determined, or the 
amount agreed upon in compromise, may be deducted from any 
sums owed by the United States to the person charged. 
"(4) The maximum civil penalty shall not exceed $250,000 for any 
related series of violations. 
"(b)(1) Upon petition by the Attorney General on behalf of the 
United States, the United States district courts shall have jurisdic-
tion, for cause shown and subject to the provisions of rule 65 (a) and 
18 use app. 
(b) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, to restrain violations of 
this title, or to restrain the sale, offer for sale, or the introduction or 
delivery for introduction in interstate commerce, or the importation 
into the United States, o
f
— 
"(A) any passenger motor vehicle containing a major part, or 
"(B) any major replacement part, 
which is subject to the standard under section 602 and is deter-
mined, before the sale of such vehicle or such major replacement 
part to a first purchaser, not to conform to such standard. Whenever 
practicable, the Secretary shall give notice to any person against 
whom an action for injunctive relief is contemplated and afford the 
person an opportunity to present his views, and except in the case of 
a knowing and willful violation, shall afford the person reasonable 
opportunity to achieve compliance. The failure to give such notice 
and afford such opportunity shall not preclude the granting of 
appropriate relief. 
"(2) In any proceeding for criminal contempt for violation of an 
injunction or restraining order issued under this subsection, which 
violation also constitutes a violation of this title, trial shall be by the 
court, or, upon demand of the accused, by a jury. Such trial shall be 
conducted in accordance with the practice and procedure applicable 
in the case of proceedings subject to the provisions of rule 42(b) of 
the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure. 
"(3) Actions under paragraph (1) and under subsection (a) may be 
brought in the district wherein any act or transaction constituting 
the violation occurred, or in the district wherein the defendant is 
found or is an inhabitant or transacts business, and process in such 
cases may be served in any other district in which the defendant is 
an inhabitant or wherever the defendant may be found. 
"(4) In any actions brought under paragraph (1) and under subsec-
tion (a), subpenas for witnesses who are required to attend a United 
States district court may run into any other district. 
PUBLIC LAW 98-547—OCT. 25, 1984 
98 STAT. 2763 
"CONFIDENTIAUTY OF INFORMATION 
"SEC. 609. All information reported to, or otherwise obtained by, 
15 USC 2029. 
the Secretary or the Secretary's representative under this title 
which contains or relates to a trade secret or other matter referred 
to in section 1905 of title 18, United States Code, or in section 
552(b)(4) of title 5, United States Code, shall be considered confiden-
tial for the purpose of the applicable section of this title, except that 
such information may be disclosed to other officers or employees 
concerned with carrying out this title or when relevant in any 
proceeding under this title (other than a proceeding under section 
603(a) (2) or (3) of this title). Nothing in this section shall authorize 
the withholding of information by the Secretary or any officer or 
employee under the Secretary's control from any committee of the 
Congress. 
"JUDICIAL REVIEW 
"SEC. 610. Any person who may be adversely affected by any 
15 USC 2030. 
provision of any standard or other rule under this title may obtain 
judicial review of such standard or rule in accordance with section 
504. Nothing in this section shall preclude the availability to any 
person of other remedies provided by law in the case of any stand-
ard, rule, or other action under this title. 
"COORDINATION WITH STATE AND LOCAL LAW 
"SEC. 611. Whenever a vehicle theft prevention standard estab- 
15 USC 2031. 
lished under section 602 is in effect, no State or political subdivision 
of a State shall have any authority either to establish, or to continue 
in effect, with respect to any motor vehicle, or major replacement 
part, any vehicle theft prevention standard which is not identical to 
such vehicle theft prevention standard. 
"INSURANCE REPORTS AND INFORMATION 
"SEC. 612. (a)(1) In order to— 
15 use 2032. 
"(A) prevent or discourage the theft of motor vehicles, par-
ticularly those vehicles which are stolen for the removal of 
certain parts, 
"(B) prevent or discourage the sale and distribution in inter-
state commerce of used parts that are removed from such 
vehicles, and 
"(C) help reduce the cost to consumers of comprehensive 
insurance coverage for motor vehicles, 
each insurer of such coverage (or their designated agents) shall 
provide to the Secretary the information required by this subsection. 
Such information shall be provided annually, beginning 2 years 
after the date of the enactment of this section. 
"(2) Such information shall include— 
"(A) the thefts and recoveries (in whole or in part) of motor 
vehicles; 
"(B) the number of vehicles which have been recovered intact; 
"(C) the rating rules and plans, such as loss data and rating 
characteristics, used by such insurers to establish premiums for 
comprehensive insurance coverage for motor vehicles, including 
the basis for such premiums, and premium penalties for motor 
vehicles considered by such insurers as more likely to be stolen; 
98 STAT. 2764 
PUBLIC LAW 98-547—OCT. 25, 1984 
Regulations. 
Public 
information. 
"(D) the actions taken by such insurers to reduce such premi-
ums, including changes in rate levels for automobile compre-
hensive coverages, due to a reduction in thefts of motor vehicles; 
"(E) the actions taken by such insurers to assist in deterring 
or reducing thefts of motor vehicles; and 
"(F) such other information as the Secretary may require to 
administer this title and to make the report and findings re-
quired by this title. 
The information on thefts and recoveries of such vehicles shall 
include an explanation about how such information is obtained by 
the insurer, the accuracy and timeliness of such information, and 
the use made of such information, including the extent to which 
such information is reported, including the frequency of such report-
ing, to national, public, and private entities, such as the Federal 
Bureau of Investigation and State and local police. 
"(3) For purposes of this section, the term 'insurer' includes any 
person which has a fleet of 20 or more motor vehicles (other than 
any governmental entity) which are used primarily for rental or 
lease and which are not covered by theft insurance policies issued by 
insurers of passenger motor vehicles. 
"(4) The Secretary shall exempt from the requirements of this 
section, for one or more years, any insurer if the Secretary deter-
mines that such insurer should be exempted because— 
"(A) the cost of preparing and furnishing reports and informa-
tion is excessive in relation to the size of the business of the 
insurer, and 
"(B) such reports and information will not significantly con-
tribute to carrying out the purposes of this title. 
"(5)(A) Subject to subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall, by rule, 
exempt from the requirements of this section small insurers if the 
Secretary finds that siich exemption will not significantly affect the 
validity or usefulness of the information collected and compiled 
under this section, nationally or State-by-State. 
"(B) The Secretary may not, under subparagraph (A), exempt any 
person who is considered an insurer under this section solely by 
reason of paragraph (3). 
"(C)(i) Subject to clause (ii), for purposes of this paragraph, the 
term 'small insurer' means any insurer whose premiums for motor 
vehicle insurance issued directly or through any affiliate, including 
any pooling arrangement established under State law or regulation 
for the issuance of motor vehicle insurance, account for less than 
one percent of the total premiums for all forms of motor vehicle 
insurance issued by insurers within the United States. The regula-
tions under this paragraph shall provide that eligibility as a small 
insurer shall be based on the most recent calendar year for which 
adequate data is available, and that, once attained, such eligibility 
shall continue without further demonstration of qualification for 
one or more years, as the Secretary considers appropriate. 
"(ii) For purposes of the reporting requirements under this section 
for an insurer's operations within any State, the term 'small in-
surer' shall not include any insurer whose premiums for motor 
vehicle insurance issued directly or through any affiliate, includ-
ing any pooling arrangement described in clause (i), account for 
10 percent or more of the total premiums for all forms of motor 
vehicle insurance issued by insurers within such State. 
"(b) The information obtained by the Secretary under this section 
shall be periodically compiled and (subject to section 552 of title 5, 
PUBLIC LAW 98-547—OCT. 25, 1984 
98 STAT. 2765 
United States Code) published by the Secretary in a form that will 
be helpful to the public, including Federal, State, and local police, 
and Congress. 
"(c) The Secretary shall consult with such State and insurance 
regulatory agencies and other agencies and associations, both public 
and private, as the Secretary deems appropriate. 
"(d) If, in paying claims pursuant to adjustment or negotiations 
between the insurer and the insured for any stolen motor vehicle, 
any insurer reduces such payment by the amount of the value, 
salvage or otherwise, of any part subject to the standard which is 
recovered and such reduction is not made at the express election of 
the insured, the insurer shall promptly report such action in writing 
to the Secretary. 
"(e) The information required by this section shall be fur-
nished in such form as the Secretary shall prescribe by regulation 
or otherwise. 
"(f) For purposes of this section, the term 'motor vehicle' includes 
trucks, multipurpose passenger vehicles, and motorcycles. 
"VOLUNTARY VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION STANDARDS 
"SEC. 613. (a) The Secretary may, by rule, promulgate a vehicle 
15 use 2033. 
theft prevention standard under which any person may elect to 
inscribe or affix an identifying number or symbol on major parts of 
any motor vehicle manufactured or owned by such person for 
purposes of section 511 of title 18, United States Code and related 
provisions. Such standard may include provisions for registration of 
such identification with the Secretary or any person designated by 
the Secretary. 
"(b) The standard under this section shall be practicable, and shall 
provide relevant objective criteria. 
"(c) Compliance with such standard shall be voluntary, and any 
failure to comply shall not be subject to penalty or enforcement 
under this title. 
"(d) Compliance with such standard shall not relieve any manu-
facturer of any requirement under the standard under section 602. 
"3-YEAR A N D 5-YEAR STUDIES REGARDING MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT 
"SEC. 614. (a)(1) Not later than 3 years after the date of the 
Report, 
enactment of this title, the Secretary shall submit a report to the 
15 USC 2034. 
Congress which includes the information and legislative recommen-
dations required under paragraphs (2) and (3). 
"(2) The report required by this subsection shall include— 
"(A) data on the number of trucks, multipurpose passenger 
vehicles, and motorcycles, stolen and recovered annually, com-
piled by model, make, and line for all such motor vehicles 
distributed for sale in interstate commerce; 
"(B) information on the extent to which trucks, multipurpose 
passenger vehicles, and motorcycles, stolen annually are dis-
mantled to recover parts or are exported; 
"(C) a description of the market for such stolen parts; 
"(D) information concerning the premiums charged by insur-
ers of comprehensive insurance coverage of trucks, multipur-
pose passenger vehicles, or motorcycles, including any increase 
in such premiums charged because any such motor vehicle is a 
likely candidate for theft; and 
98 STAT. 2766 
PUBLIC LAW 98-547—OCT. 25, 1984 
"(E) an assessment of whether the identification of parts of 
trucks, multipurpose passenger vehicles, and motorcycles is 
likely to have (i) a beneficial impact in decreasing the rate of 
theft of such vehicles; (ii) improve the recovery rate of such 
vehicles; (iii) decrease the trafficking in stolen parts of 
such vehicles; (iv) stem the export and import of such stolen 
vehicles or parts; or (v) benefits which exceed the cost of such 
identification. 
"(3) The report under this subsection shall recommend to Con-
gress whether, and to what extent, the identification of trucks, 
multipurpose passenger vehicles, and motorcycles should be re-
quired by statute. 
Report. 
"(b)(1) Not later than 5 years after the promulgation of the 
standard required by this title, the Secretary shall submit a report 
to the Congress which includes the information and legislative 
recommendations required under paragraphs (2) and (3). 
"(2) The report required by this subsection shall include— 
"(A) information about the methods and procedures used by 
public and private entities for collecting, compiling, and dis-
seminating information concerning the theft and recovery of 
motor vehicles, including classes thereof, and about the reliabil-
ity, accuracy, and timeliness of such information, and how such 
information can be improved; 
"(B) data on the number of motor vehicles stolen and recov-
ered annually, compiled by the class of vehicle, model, make, 
and line for all such motor vehicles distributed for sale in 
interstate commerce; 
"(C) information on the extent to which motor vehicles stolen 
annually are dismantled to recover parts or are exported; 
"(D) a description of the market for such stolen parts; 
"(E) information concerning the costs to manufacturers, as 
well as to purchasers of passenger motor vehicles, in complying 
with the standard promulgated under this title, as well as the 
identification of the beneficial impacts of the standard and the 
monetary value of any such impacts, and the extent to which 
such monetary value is greater than the costs; 
"(F) information concerning the experience of Federal, State, 
and local officials in making arrests and successfully prosecut-
ing persons for violations of the provisions of law set forth in 
titles II and III of the Motor Vehicle Theft Law Enforcement 
Post, pp. 2768, 
Act of 1984, in preventing or reducing the number, and rate of, 
2771. 
thefts of motor vehicles that are dismantled for parts subject to 
this title, and in preventing or reducing the availability of used 
parts that are stolen from motor vehicles subject to this title; 
"(G) information concerning the premiums charged by insur-
ers of comprehensive insurance coverage of motor vehicles sub-
ject to this title, including any increase in such premiums 
charged because a motor vehicle is a likely candidate for theft, 
and the extent to which such insurers have reduced for the 
benefit of consumers such premiums as a result of this title or 
have foregone premium increases as a result of this title; 
"(H) information concerning the adequacy and effectiveness 
of Federal and State laws aimed at preventing the distribution 
and sale of used parts that have been removed from stolen 
motor vehicles and the adequacy of systems available to enforce-
ment personnel for tracing parts to determine if they have been 
stolen from a motor vehicle; 
PUBLIC LAW 98-547—OCT. 25, 1984 
98 STAT. 2767 
"(I) an assessment of whether the identification of parts of 
other classes of motor vehicles is likely to have (i) a beneficial 
impact in decreasing the rate of theft of such vehicles; (ii) 
improve the recovery rate of such vehicles; (iii) decrease the 
trafficking in stolen parts of such vehicles; (iv) stem the export 
and import of such stolen vehicles, parts, or components; or (v) 
benefits which exceed the costs of such identification; and 
"(J) other pertinent and reliable information available to the 
Secretary concerning the impact, including the beneficial 
impact, of this title and titles II and III of the Motor Vehicle 
Theft Law Enforcement Act of 1984 on law enforcement, con-
sumers, and manufacturers. 
"(3) The report submitted under this subsection to the Congress 
shall include recommendations for (A) continuing the standard 
established by this title without change, (B) modifying this title to 
cover more or fewer lines of passenger motor vehicles, (C) modifying 
this title to cover other classes of motor vehicles, or (D) terminating 
the standard for all future motor vehicles. The report may include, 
as appropriate, legislative and administrative recommendations. 
"(c)(1) The reports under subsections (a) and (b) shall each be 
based on (A) the information reported under this title by insurers of 
motor vehicles and manufacturers of such vehicles and major re-
placement parts, (B) information provided by the Federal Bureau of 
Investigation, (C) experience obtained in the implementation, ad-
ministration, and enforcement of this title, (D) experience gained by 
the Government under titles II and III of the Motor Vehicle Theft 
Law Enforcement Act of 1984, and (E) any other reliable and 
relevant information available to the Secretary. 
"(2) In preparing each such report, the Secretary shall consult 
with the Attorney General of the United States and with State and 
local law enforcement officials, as appropriate. 
"(3) The report under subsection (b) shall (A) cover a period of at 
least four years subsequent to the promulgation of the standard 
required by this title, and (B) reflect any information, as appropri-
ate, from the report under subsection (a) updated from the time of 
such report. 
"(4) At least 90 days before submitting each such report to Con-
gress, the Secretary shall publish the proposed report for public 
review and for an opportunity for written comment of at least 45 
days. The Secretary shall consider such comments in preparing the 
final report and shall include a summary of such comments with the 
final report.". 
(b) Section 2 of the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings 
Act (15 U.S.C. 1901) is amended by inserting "and except as provided 
in section 601 of this Act" immediately after "title V". 
Post, pp. 2768, 
2771. 
Report. 
Public 
availability. 
REPORT REGARDING THEFT PREVENTION SYSTEMS 
SEC. 102. (a) The Secretary of Transportation, not later than one 
year after the date of the enactment of this Act, shall submit a 
report to the Congress regarding security devices and systems which 
are designed to deter individuals from entering a locked motor 
vehicle and starting the motor vehicle for the purpose of stealing the 
motor vehicle, 
(b) The report required in subsection (a) shall contain— 
( D a determination by the Secretary of whether a Federal 
standard regarding security devices and systems can be devised 
98 STAT. 2768 
PUBLIC LAW 98-547—OCT. 25, 1984 
which does not result in the compromising of motor vehicle 
theft prevention devices and systems in the process of demon-
strating compliance with such standard; 
(2) a determination by the Secretary of whether the purposes 
of theft prevention would be better served by such a standard or 
whether owners of motor vehicles used primarily in areas 
having high crime rates should be encouraged to equip their 
vehicles with security devices or systems; and 
(3) a description of the costs and effectiveness of such devices 
and systems. 
(c) The report required in subsection (a) also may include an 
examination and review of any matters relating to motor vehicle 
theft prevention which the Secretary of Transportation considers 
appropriate to examine and review. The Secretary shall prepare 
such report after consulting with the Attorney General of the 
United States. Such report shall include recommendations for such 
legislative or administrative action as the Secretary considers neces-
sary or appropriate. 
TITLE II—ANTIFENCING MEASURES 
MOTOR VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS; FORFEITURES 
SEC. 20 L (a) Chapter 25 of title 18, United States Code, is amended 
by adding at the end the following new sections: 
18 use 511. 
"§ 51L Altering or removing motor vehicle identification numbers 
"(a) Whoever knowingly removes, obliterates, tampers with, or 
alters an identification number for a motor vehicle, or motor vehicle 
part, shall be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned not more 
than five years, or both. 
"flaXD Subsection (a) of this section does not apply to a removal, 
obliteration, tampering, or alteration by a person specified in para-
graph (2) of this subsection (unless such person knows that the 
vehicle or part involved is stolen). 
"(2) The persons referred to in paragraph (1) of this subsection 
are— 
"(A) a motor vehicle scrap processor or a motor vehicle demol-
isher who complies with applicable State law with respect to 
such vehicle or part; 
"(B) a person who repairs such vehicle or part, if the removal, 
obliteration, tampering, or alteration is reasonably necessary 
for the repair; and 
"(C) a person who restores or replaces an identification 
number for such vehicle or part in accordance with applicable 
State law. 
"(c) As used in this section, the term— 
"(1) 'identification number' means a number or S5mibol that is 
inscribed or affixed for purposes of identification under the 
15 use 1381 
National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966, or the 
?iot6: 
Motor Vehicle Information and (Dost Savings Act; 
note 
"^^^ 'motor vehicle' has the meaning given that term in 
section 2 of the Motor Vehicle Information and Ck>st Savings 
15 use 1901. 
Act; 
"(3) 'motor vehicle demolisher' means a person, including any 
motor vehicle dismantler or motor vehicle recycler, who is 
engaged in the business of reducing motor vehicles or motor 
PUBLIC LAW 98-547—OCT. 25, 1984 
98 STAT. 2769 
vehicle parts to metallic scrap that is unsuitable for use as 
either a motor vehicle or a motor vehicle part; 
"(4) 'motor vehicle scrap processor' means a person— 
"(A) who is engaged in the business of purchasing motor 
vehicles or motor vehicle parts for reduction to metallic 
scrap for recycling; 
"(B) who, from a fixed location, uses machinery to process 
metallic scrap into prepared grades; and 
"(C) whose principal product is metallic scrap 
for 
recycling; 
but such term does not include any activity of any such person 
relating to the recycling of a motor vehicle or a motor vehicle 
part as a used motor vehicle or a used motor vehicle part. 
"§ 512. Forfeiture of certain motor vehicles and motor vehicle 
18 USC 512. 
parts 
"(a) If an identification number for a motor vehicle or motor 
vehicle part is removed, obliterated, tampered with, or altered, such 
vehicle or part shall be subject to seizure and forfeiture to the 
United States unless— 
"(1) in the case of a motor vehicle part, such part is attached 
to a motor vehicle and the owner of such motor vehicle does not 
know that the identification number has been removed, obliter-
ated, tampered with, or altered; 
"(2) such motor vehicle or part has a replacement identifica-
tion number that— 
"(A) is authorized by the Secretary of Transportation 
under the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 
1966; or 
15 USC 1381 
"(B) conforms to applicable State law; 
note. 
"(3) such removal, obliteratiop, tampering, or alteration is 
caused by collision or fire or is carried out as described in section 
511(b) of this title; or 
"(4) such motor vehicle or part is in the possession or control 
of a motor vehicle scrap processor who does not know that such 
identification number was removed, obliterated, tampered with, 
or altered in any manner other than by collision or fire or as 
described in section 511(b) of this title. 
"(b) All provisions of law relating to— 
"(1) the seizure and condemnation of vessels, vehicles, mer-
chandise, and baggage for violation of customs laws, and proce-
dures for summary and judicial forfeiture applicable to such 
violations; 
"(2) the disposition of such vessels, vehicles, merchandise, and 
baggage or the proceeds from such disposition; 
"(3) the remission or mitigation of such forfeiture; and 
"(4) the compromise of claims and the award of compensation 
to informers with respect to such forfeiture; 
shall apply to seizures and forfeitures under this section, to the 
extent that such provisions are not inconsistent with this section. 
The duties of the collector of customs or any other person with 
respect to seizure and forfeiture under such provisions shall be 
performed under this section by such persons as may be designated 
by the Attorney General. 
"(c) As used in this section, the terms 'identification number', 
'motor vehicle', and 'motor vehicle scrap processor' have the mean-
ings given those terms in section 511 of this title.". 
98 STAT. 2770 
PUBLIC LAW 98-547—OCT. 25, 1984 
(b) The table of sections for chapter 25 of title 18, United States 
Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new items: 
"511. Altering or removing motor vehicle identification numbers. 
"512. Forfeiture of certain motor vehicles and motor vehicle parts.". 
DEFINITION OF SECURITIES 
SEC. 202. Section 2311 of title 18, United States Code, is amended 
in the fifth definition by inserting after "voting-trust certificate;" 
the following: "valid or blank motor vehicle title;". 
SALE OR RECEIPT OF STOLEN MOTOR VEHICLES 
SEC. 203. Section 2313 of title 18, United States Code, is 
amended— 
(1) by inserting "possesses," after "receives,"; and 
(2) by striking out "moving as, or which is a part of, or which 
constitutes interstate or foreign commerce," and inserting in 
lieu thereof "which has crossed a State or United States bound-
ary after being stolen,". 
TRAFFICKING IN CERTAIN MOTOR VEHICLES OR MOTOR VEHICLE PARTS 
SEC. 204. (a) Chapter 113 of title 18, United States Code, is 
amended by adding at the end the following new section: 
1
8 use 2320. 
"§2320. Trafficking in certain motor vehicles or motor vehicle 
parts 
"(a) Whoever buys, receives, possesses, or obtains control of, with 
intent to sell or otherwise dispose of, a motor vehicle or motor 
vehicle part, knowing that an identification number for such motor 
vehicle or part has been removed, obliterated, tampered with, or 
altered, shall be fined not more than $20,000 or imprisoned not more 
than ten years, or both. 
"(b) Subsection (a) does not apply if the removal, obliteration, 
teunpering, or alteration— 
"(1) is caused by collision or 
fire; 
or 
"(2) is not a violation of section 511 of this title. 
"(c) As used in this section, the terms 'identification number' and 
'motor vehicle' have the meaning given those terms in section 511 of 
Ante, p. 2768. 
this title.". 
(b) The table of sections for chapter 113 of title 18, United States 
Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new item: 
"2320. Trafficking in certain motor vehicles or motor vehicle parts.". 
DEFINITION OF RACKETEERING ACTIVITY 
SEC. 205. Section 1961(1) of title 18, United States Code, is 
amended— 
(1) by inserting "sections 2312 and 2313 (relating to interstate 
transportation of stolen motor vehicles)," after "section 1955 
(relating to the prohibition of illegal gambling businesses),"; and 
(2) by inserting "section 2320 (relating to trafficking in certain 
motor vehicles or motor vehicle parts)," after "sections 2314 and 
2315 (relating to interstate transportation of stolen property),". 
PUBLIC LAW 98-547—OCT. 25, 1984 
98 STAT. 2771 
TITLE III—IMPORTATION AND EXPORTATION MEASURES 
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 18, UNITED STATES CODE 
SEC. 301. (a) Chapter 27 of title 18, United States Code, is amended 
by adding at the end the following new section: 
"§ 553. Importation or exportation of stolen motor vehicles, off- 
18 use 553. 
highway mobile equipment, vessels, or aircraft 
"(a) Whoever knowingly imports, exports, or attempts to import or 
export— 
"(1) any motor vehicle, off-highway mobile equipment, vessel, 
aircraft, or part of any motor vehicle, off-highway mobile equip-
ment, vessel, or aircraft, knowing the same to have been stolen; 
or 
"(2) any motor vehicle or off-highway mobile equipment or 
part of any motor vehicle or off-highway mobile equipment, 
knowing that the identification number of such motor vehicle, 
equipment, or part has been removed, obliterated, tampered 
with, or altered; 
shall be fined not more than $15,000 or imprisoned not more than 
five years, or both. 
"(b) Subsection (aX2) shall not apply if the removal, obliteration, 
tampering, or alteration— 
"(1) is caused by collision or fire; or 
"(2) is not a violation of section 511 of this title. 
"(c) As used in this section, the term— 
"(1) 'motor vehicle' has the meaning given that term in 
section 2 of the Motor Vehicle Information and C!ost Savings 
Act; 
"(2) 'off-highway mobile equipment' means any self-propelled 
agricultural equipment, self-propelled construction equipment, 
and self-propelled special use equipment, used or designed for 
running on land but not on rail or highway; 
"(3) 'vessel' has the meaning given that term in section 401 of 
the Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. 1401); 
"(4) 'aircraft' has the meaning given that term in section 101 
of the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 (49 U.S.C. App. 1301); and 
"(5) 'identification number'— 
"(A) in the case of a motor vehicle, has the meaning given 
that term in section 511 of this title; and 
"(B) in the case of any other vehicle or equipment covered 
by this section, means a number or symbol assigned to the 
vehicle or equipment, or part thereof, by the manufacturer 
primarily for the purpose of identifying such vehicle, equip-
ment, or part.", 
(b) The table of sections for chapter 27 of title 18, United States 
Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new item: 
"553. Importation or exportation of stolen motor vehicles, off-highway mobile equip-
ment, vessels, or aircraft.". 
AMENDMENT TO TARIFF ACT OF 1930 
SEC. 302. Part V of title IV of the Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. 1581 
et seq.) is amended by adding at the end thereof the following new 
section: 
98 STAT. 2772 
PUBLIC LAW 98-547—OCT. 25, 1984 
19 u s e 1627. 
"SEC. 627. UNLAWFUL IMPORTATION OR EXPORTATION OF CERTAIN VEHI-
CLES AND EQUIPMENT; INSPECTIONS. 
"(a)(1) Whoever knowingly imports, exports, or attempts to import 
or export— 
"(A) any motor vehicle, off-highway mobile equipment, vessel, 
aircraft, or part of any motor vehicle, off-highway mobile equip-
ment, vessel or aircraft, knowing the same to have been stolen; 
or 
"(B) any motor vehicle or off-highway mobile equipment, or 
part of any motor vehicle or off-highway mobile equipment, 
knowing that the identification number has been removed, 
obliterated, tampered with, or altered; 
shall be subject to a civil penalty in an amount determined by the 
Secretary, not to exceed $10,000 for each violation. 
"(2) Any violation of this subsection shall make such motor vehi-
cle, off-highway mobile equipment, vessel, aircraft, or part thereof 
subject to seizure and forfeiture under this Act. 
"(3) The provisions of paragraph (1)(B) shall not apply in the case 
of any vehicle, equipment, or part, if the removal, obliteration, 
tampering with, or alteration of the identification number for such 
vehicle, equipment, or part— 
"(A) was caused by any collision or fire which results in 
damage to that portion of such vehicle, equipment, or part on 
which such identification number is displayed; or 
"(B) was carried out in accordance with the provisions of 
section 511(b) of title 18, United States Code. 
Regulations. 
"(b) The Secretary shall prescribe regulations under which a 
person attempting to export any used motor vehicle or any used off-
highway mobile equipment shall present to the appropriate customs 
officer both the vehicle or equipment, as the case may be, and a 
document describing such vehicle or equipment, as the case may be, 
which includes the vehicle or equipment identification number, as 
the case may be, before lading if the vehicle or equipment, as the 
case may be, is to be transported by vessel or aircraft, or before 
export if the vehicle or equipment, as the case may be, is to be 
transported by rail, highway, or under its own power. Failure to 
comply with such regulations of the Secretary shall subject such 
person to a civil penalty of not more than $500 for each violation. 
"(c) For purposes of this section— 
"(1) the term 'motor vehicle' includes any automobile, truck, 
bus, motorcycle, or motor home, but such term does not include 
any off-highway mobile equipment; 
"(2) the term 'off-highway mobile equipment' means self-
propelled agricultural equipment, self-propelled construction 
equipment, and self-propelled special use equipment, used or 
designed for running on land but not on rail or highway; 
"(3) the term 'aircraft' has the meaning given it in section 
101(5) of the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 (49 U.S.C. 1301(5)); 
"(4) the term 'used' refers to any motor vehicle or off-highway 
mobile equipment the equitable or legal title to which has been 
transferred by a manufacturer, distributor, or dealer to an 
ultimate purchaser; 
"(5) the term 'ultimate purchaser' means the first person, 
other than a dealer purchasing in his capacity as a dealer, who 
in good faith purchases a motor vehicle or off-highway mobile 
equipment for purposes other than resale; and 
PUBLIC LAW 98-547—OCT. 25, 1984 
98 STAT. 2773 
"(6) the term 'identification number' has the meaning given 
such term in section 553(b)(5) of title 18, United States Code. 
"(d) Customs officers may cooperate and exchange information 
concerning motor vehicles, off-highway mobile equipment, vessels, 
or aircraft, either before exportation or after exportation or impor-
tation, with such Federal, State, local, and foreign law enforce-
ment or governmental authorities, and with such organizations 
engaged in theft prevention activities, as may be designated by the 
Secretary.". 
Approved October 25, 1984. 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—H.R. 6257 (S. 1400): 
HOUSE REPORT No. 98-1087, Pt. 1 (Comm. on Energy and Commerce). 
SENATE REPORT No. 98-478 accompanying S. 1400 (Comm. on Commerce, Science, 
and Transportation). 
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 130 (1984): 
Oct. 1, considered and passed House. 
Oct. 4, considered and passed Senate.