34 USC 12611 - Motor vehicle theft prevention program

View all text of Subchapter IX [§ 12611 - § 12611]

§ 12611. Motor vehicle theft prevention program

(a) In generalNot later than 180 days after September 13, 1994, the Attorney General shall develop, in cooperation with the States, a national voluntary motor vehicle theft prevention program (in this section referred to as the “program”) under which—

(1) the owner of a motor vehicle may voluntarily sign a consent form with a participating State or locality in which the motor vehicle owner—

(A) states that the vehicle is not normally operated under certain specified conditions; and

(B) agrees to—

(i) display program decals or devices on the owner’s vehicle; and

(ii) permit law enforcement officials in any State to stop the motor vehicle and take reasonable steps to determine whether the vehicle is being operated by or with the permission of the owner, if the vehicle is being operated under the specified conditions; and

(2) participating States and localities authorize law enforcement officials in the State or locality to stop motor vehicles displaying program decals or devices under specified conditions and take reasonable steps to determine whether the vehicle is being operated by or with the permission of the owner.

(b) Uniform decal or device designs

(1) In general

(2) Type of designThe uniform design shall—

(A) be highly visible; and

(B) explicitly state that the motor vehicle to which it is affixed may be stopped under the specified conditions without additional grounds for establishing a reasonable suspicion that the vehicle is being operated unlawfully.

(1) clearly state that participation in the program is voluntary;

(2) clearly explain that participation in the program means that, if the participating vehicle is being operated under the specified conditions, law enforcement officials may stop the vehicle and take reasonable steps to determine whether it is being operated by or with the consent of the owner, even if the law enforcement officials have no other basis for believing that the vehicle is being operated unlawfully;

(3) include an express statement that the vehicle is not normally operated under the specified conditions and that the operation of the vehicle under those conditions would provide sufficient grounds for a prudent law enforcement officer to reasonably believe that the vehicle was not being operated by or with the consent of the owner; and

(4) include any additional information that the Attorney General may reasonably require.

(d) Specified conditions under which stops may be authorized

(1) In generalThe Attorney General shall promulgate rules establishing the conditions under which participating motor vehicles may be authorized to be stopped under this section. These conditions may not be based on race, creed, color, national origin, gender, or age. These conditions may include—

(A) the operation of the vehicle during certain hours of the day; or

(B) the operation of the vehicle under other circumstances that would provide a sufficient basis for establishing a reasonable suspicion that the vehicle was not being operated by the owner, or with the consent of the owner.

(2) More than one set of conditions

(3) No new conditions without consent

(4) Limited participation by States and localities

(e) Motor vehicles for hire

(1) Notification to lessees

(2) Type of noticeThe notice required by this subsection shall—

(A) be in writing;

(B) be in a prominent format to be determined by the Attorney General; and

(C) explain the possibility that if the motor vehicle is operated under the specified conditions, the vehicle may be stopped by law enforcement officials even if the officials have no other basis for believing that the vehicle is being operated unlawfully.

(3) Fine for failure to provide notice

(f) Notification of police

(g) Regulations

(h) Authorization of appropriationsThere are authorized to carry out this section.1

1 So in original. The period probably should be a dash.

(1) $1,500,000 for fiscal year 1996;

(2) $1,700,000 for fiscal year 1997; and

(3) $1,800,000 for fiscal year 1998.

(Pub. L. 103–322, title XXII, § 220002, Sept. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 2074.)