CHAPTER 327 —ODOMETERS
§32701. Findings and purposes
(a)
(1) buyers of motor vehicles rely heavily on the odometer reading as an index of the condition and value of a vehicle;
(2) buyers are entitled to rely on the odometer reading as an accurate indication of the mileage of the vehicle;
(3) an accurate indication of the mileage assists a buyer in deciding on the safety and reliability of the vehicle; and
(4) motor vehicles move in, or affect, interstate and foreign commerce.
(b)
(1) to prohibit tampering with motor vehicle odometers; and
(2) to provide safeguards to protect purchasers in the sale of motor vehicles with altered or reset odometers.
(
| Revised Section | Source (U.S. Code) | Source (Statutes at Large) |
|---|---|---|
| 32701(a) | 15:1981 (1st sentence). | Oct. 20, 1972, |
| 32701(b) | 15:1981 (last sentence). |
§32702. Definitions
In this chapter—
(1) "auction company" means a person taking possession of a motor vehicle owned by another to sell at an auction.
(2) "dealer" means a person that sold at least 5 motor vehicles during the prior 12 months to buyers that in good faith bought the vehicles other than for resale.
(3) "distributor" means a person that sold at least 5 motor vehicles during the prior 12 months for resale.
(4) "leased motor vehicle" means a motor vehicle leased to a person for at least 4 months by a lessor that leased at least 5 vehicles during the prior 12 months.
(5) "odometer" means an instrument or system of components for measuring and recording the distance a motor vehicle is driven, but does not include an auxiliary instrument or system of components designed to be reset by the operator of the vehicle to record mileage of a trip.
(6) "repair" and "replace" mean to restore to a sound working condition by replacing any part of an odometer or by correcting any inoperative part of an odometer.
(7) "title" means the certificate of title or other document issued by the State indicating ownership.
(8) "transfer" means to change ownership by sale, gift, or any other means.
(
| Revised Section | Source (U.S. Code) | Source (Statutes at Large) |
|---|---|---|
| 32702(1) | 15:1982(8). | Oct. 20, 1972, |
| 32702(2) | 15:1982(1). | Oct. 20, 1972, |
| 32702(3) | 15:1982(2). | |
| 32702(4) | 15:1982(7). | |
| 32702(5) | 15:1982(3). | Oct. 20, 1972, |
| 32702(6) | 15:1982(4). | |
| 32702(7) | 15:1982(6). | |
| 32702(8) | 15:1982(5). |
In clause (1), the words "(whether through consignment or bailment or through any other arrangement)" and "such motor vehicle" are omitted as surplus.
In clause (4), the words "a term of" are omitted as surplus.
In clause (5), the words "the distance a motor vehicle is driven" are substituted for "the actual distance a motor vehicle travels while in operation" for clarity and to eliminate unnecessary words.
Pub. L. 104–287
This amends 49:32702(8) and 32705 to clarify the restatement of 15:1982(5) and 1988 by section 1 of the Act of July 5, 1994 (
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2012—Par. (5).
1996—Par. (8).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2012 Amendment
Amendment by
Effective Date of 1996 Amendment
Amendment by
§32703. Preventing tampering
A person may not—
(1) advertise for sale, sell, use, install, or have installed, a device that makes an odometer of a motor vehicle register a mileage different from the mileage the vehicle was driven, as registered by the odometer within the designed tolerance of the manufacturer of the odometer;
(2) disconnect, reset, alter, or have disconnected, reset, or altered, an odometer of a motor vehicle intending to change the mileage registered by the odometer;
(3) with intent to defraud, operate a motor vehicle on a street, road, or highway if the person knows that the odometer of the vehicle is disconnected or not operating; or
(4) conspire to violate this section or
(
| Revised Section | Source (U.S. Code) | Source (Statutes at Large) |
|---|---|---|
| 32703(1) | 15:1983. | Oct. 20, 1972, |
| 32703(2) | 15:1984. | Oct. 20, 1972, |
| 32703(3) | 15:1985. | |
| 32703(4) | 15:1986. | Oct. 20, 1972, |
In clause (1), the words "the mileage the vehicle was driven, as registered by the odometer within the designed tolerance of the manufacturer of the odometer" are substituted for "the true mileage driven. For purposes of this section, the true mileage driven is that mileage driven by the vehicle as registered by the odometer within the manufacturer's designed tolerance" to eliminate unnecessary words.
In clause (3), the words "public" and "road" are added for consistency in this subtitle.
Pub. L. 103–429
This amends 49:32703(3) to correct an error in the codification enacted by section 1 of the Act of July 5, 1994 (
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1994—Par. (3).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 1994 Amendment
Amendment by
§32704. Service, repair, and replacement
(a)
(1) the person shall adjust the odometer to read zero; and
(2) the owner of the vehicle or agent of the owner shall attach a written notice to the left door frame of the vehicle specifying the mileage before the service, repair, or replacement and the date of the service, repair, or replacement.
(b)
(
| Revised Section | Source (U.S. Code) | Source (Statutes at Large) |
|---|---|---|
| 32704 | 15:1987. | Oct. 20, 1972, |
In subsection (b), the text of 15:1987(b)(1) is omitted as surplus.
§32705. Disclosure requirements on transfer of motor vehicles
(a)(1)
(A) Disclosure of the cumulative mileage registered on the odometer.
(B) Disclosure that the actual mileage is unknown, if the transferor knows that the odometer reading is different from the number of miles the vehicle has actually traveled.
(2) A person transferring ownership of a motor vehicle may not violate a regulation prescribed under this section or give a false statement to the transferee in making the disclosure required by such a regulation.
(3) A person acquiring a motor vehicle for resale may not accept a written disclosure under this section unless it is complete.
(4)(A) This subsection shall apply to all transfers of motor vehicles (unless otherwise exempted by the Secretary by regulation), except in the case of transfers of new motor vehicles from a vehicle manufacturer jointly to a dealer and a person engaged in the business of renting or leasing vehicles for a period of 30 days or less.
(B) For purposes of subparagraph (A), the term "new motor vehicle" means any motor vehicle driven with no more than the limited use necessary in moving, transporting, or road testing such vehicle prior to delivery from the vehicle manufacturer to a dealer, but in no event shall the odometer reading of such vehicle exceed 300 miles.
(5) The Secretary may exempt such classes or categories of vehicles as the Secretary deems appropriate from these requirements. Until such time as the Secretary amends or modifies the regulations set forth in 49 CFR 580.6, such regulations shall have full force and effect.
(b)
(2)(A) Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary, if the title to a motor vehicle issued to a transferor by a State is in the possession of a lienholder when the transferor transfers ownership of the vehicle, the transferor may use a written power of attorney (if allowed by State law) in making the mileage disclosure required under subsection (a) of this section. Regulations prescribed under this paragraph—
(i) shall prescribe the form of the power of attorney;
(ii) shall provide that the form be printed by means of a secure printing process (or other secure process);
(iii) shall provide that the State issue the form to the transferee;
(iv) shall provide that the person exercising the power of attorney retain a copy and submit the original to the State with a copy of the title showing the restatement of the mileage;
(v) may require that the State retain the power of attorney and the copy of the title for an appropriate period or that the State adopt alternative measures consistent with
(vi) shall ensure that the mileage at the time of transfer be disclosed on the power of attorney document;
(vii) shall ensure that the mileage be restated exactly by the person exercising the power of attorney in the space referred to in paragraph (3)(A)(iii) of this subsection;
(viii) may not require that a motor vehicle be titled in the State in which the power of attorney was issued;
(ix) shall consider the need to facilitate normal commercial transactions in the sale or exchange of motor vehicles; and
(x) shall provide other conditions the Secretary considers appropriate.
(B) Section 32709(a) and (b) applies to a person granting or granted a power of attorney under this paragraph.
(3)(A) A motor vehicle the ownership of which is transferred may not be licensed for use in a State unless the title issued by the State to the transferee—
(i) is produced by means of a secure printing process (or other secure process);
(ii) indicates the mileage disclosure required to be made under subsection (a) of this section; and
(iii) contains a space for the transferee to disclose the mileage at the time of a future transfer and to sign and date the disclosure.
(B) Subparagraph (A) of this paragraph does not require a State to verify, or preclude a State from verifying, the mileage information contained in the title.
(c)
(2) Under those regulations, the lessor shall provide written notice to the lessee of—
(A) the lessee's mileage disclosure requirements under paragraph (1) of this subsection; and
(B) the penalties for failure to comply with those requirements.
(3) The lessor shall retain the disclosures made by a lessee under paragraph (1) of this subsection for at least 4 years following the date the lessor transfers the leased motor vehicle.
(4) If the lessor transfers ownership of a leased motor vehicle without obtaining possession of the vehicle, the lessor, in making the disclosure required by subsection (a) of this section, may indicate on the title the mileage disclosed by the lessee under paragraph (1) of this subsection unless the lessor has reason to believe that the disclosure by the lessee does not reflect the actual mileage of the vehicle.
(d)
(e)
(1) the name of the most recent owner of the motor vehicle (except the auction company) and the name of the buyer of the motor vehicle.
(2) the vehicle identification number required under
(3) the odometer reading on the date the auction company took possession of the motor vehicle.
(f)
(2) If a State requests, the Secretary shall assist the State in revising its laws to comply with subsection (b) of this section. If a State requires time beyond April 28, 1989, to revise its laws to achieve compliance, the Secretary, on request of the State, may grant additional time that the Secretary considers reasonable by publishing a notice in the Federal Register. The notice shall include the reasons for granting the additional time. In granting additional time, the Secretary shall ensure that the State is making reasonable efforts to achieve compliance.
(g)
(1) Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of the Motor Vehicle and Highway Safety Improvement Act of 2012, in carrying out this section, the Secretary shall prescribe regulations permitting any written disclosures or notices and related matters to be provided electronically.
(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1) and subject to paragraph (3), a State, without approval from the Secretary under subsection (d), may allow for written disclosures or notices and related matters to be provided electronically if—
(A) in compliance with—
(i) the requirements of sub
(ii) the requirements of a State law under
(B) the disclosures or notices otherwise meet the requirements under this section, including appropriate authentication and security measures.
(3) Paragraph (2) ceases to be effective on the date the regulations under paragraph (1) become effective.
(
| Revised Section | Source (U.S. Code) | Source (Statutes at Large) |
|---|---|---|
| 32705(a) | 15:1988(a). | Oct. 20, 1972, |
| 15:1988(b) (related to false statements). | Oct. 20, 1972, |
|
| 15:1988(c). | Oct. 20, 1972, |
|
| 32705(b)(1) | 15:1988(d)(1)(A), (B). | Oct. 20, 1972, |
| 32705(b)(2) | 15:1988(d)(1)(C). | Oct. 20, 1972, |
| 15:1988 (note). | Nov. 28, 1990, |
|
| 32705(b)(3) | 15:1988(d)(2). | |
| 32705(c) | 15:1988(e). | |
| 32705(d) | 15:1988(f). | |
| 32705(e) | 15:1988(g). | |
| 32705(f) | 15:1988 (note). | Oct. 28, 1986, |
In subsection (a)(1), before clause (A), the words "Not later than 90 days after October 20, 1972" are omitted as executed. In clause (B), the words "if the transferor knows that the mileage registered by the odometer is incorrect" are substituted for "if the odometer reading is known to the transferor to be different from the number of miles the vehicle has actually traveled" to eliminate unnecessary words.
In subsection (b)(2)(A), before clause (i), the words "Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary" are substituted for "prescribed by rule by the Secretary" for consistency in the revised title and because "rule" is synonymous with "regulation". The words "to a transferor" are added for clarity. The words "before February 1, 1989" are omitted as expired. The words "in the possession of" are substituted for "physically held by", and the words "when the transferor transfers ownership of the vehicle" are substituted for "at the time of a transfer of such motor vehicle", for clarity and consistency. The words "the transferor may" are substituted for "nothing in this subsection shall be construed to prohibit" for clarity and to eliminate unnecessary words. Clause (i) is substituted for "in a form" and clause (ii) is substituted for "in accordance with paragraph (2)(A)(i)" for clarity and consistency. In clause (iii), the words "consistent with the purposes of this Act and the need to facilitate enforcement thereof" are omitted as surplus. In clauses (iv), (v), (viii), and (ix), the amendment made by section 7(a) of the Independent Safety Board Act Amendments of 1990 (
In subsection (b)(3)(A), before clause (i), the words "following such transfer" are omitted as surplus. In clause (i), the word "produced" is substituted for "set forth" for clarity. In clause (iii), the words "(in the event of a future transfer)" are omitted as surplus.
In subsection (d), the text of 15:1988(f)(1) (last sentence) is omitted as surplus because of 49:322(a).
In subsection (e), before clause (1), the words "establish and" are omitted as executed.
In subsection (f)(1), the text of section 2(c)(3) of the Truth in Mileage Act of 1986 (
Pub. L. 103–429
This amends 49:32705(c)(2)(A) to clarify the restatement of 15:1988(e)(2)(A) by section 1 of the Act of July 5, 1994 (
Pub. L. 104–287
This amends 49:32702(8) and 32705 to clarify the restatement of 15:1982(5) and 1988 by section 1 of the Act of July 5, 1994 (
Editorial Notes
References in Text
The date of enactment of the Motor Vehicle and Highway Safety Improvement Act of 2012, referred to in subsec. (g)(1), is the date of enactment of title I of div. C of
Sub
Amendments
2015—Subsec. (g).
2012—Subsec. (g).
1998—Subsec. (a)(4), (5).
1996—Subsec. (a).
"(1) Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Transportation, a person transferring ownership of a motor vehicle shall give the transferee a written disclosure—
"(A) of the cumulative mileage registered by the odometer; or
"(B) that the mileage is unknown if the transferor knows that the mileage registered by the odometer is incorrect.
"(2) A person making a written disclosure required by a regulation prescribed under paragraph (1) of this subsection may not make a false statement in the disclosure.
"(3) A person acquiring a motor vehicle for resale may accept a disclosure under this section only if it is complete.
"(4) The regulations prescribed by the Secretary shall provide the way in which information is disclosed and retained under this section."
Subsec. (b)(3)(A).
1994—Subsec. (c)(2)(A).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2012 Amendment
Amendment by
Effective Date of 1996 Amendment
Amendment by
Effective Date of 1994 Amendment
Amendment by
Regulations
1 See References in Text note below.
§32706. Inspections, investigations, and records
(a)
(b)
(A) enter and inspect commercial premises in which a motor vehicle or motor vehicle equipment is manufactured, held for shipment or sale, maintained, or repaired;
(B) enter and inspect noncommercial premises in which the Secretary reasonably believes there is a motor vehicle or motor vehicle equipment that is an object of a violation of this chapter;
(C) inspect that motor vehicle or motor vehicle equipment; and
(D) impound for not more than 72 hours for inspection a motor vehicle or motor vehicle equipment that the Secretary reasonably believes is an object of a violation of this chapter.
(2) An inspection or impoundment under this subsection shall be conducted at a reasonable time, in a reasonable way, and with reasonable promptness. The written notice may consist of a warrant issued under
(c)
(d)
(A) to keep records;
(B) to provide information from those records if the Secretary states the purpose for requiring the information and identifies the information to the fullest extent practicable; and
(C) to allow an officer or employee designated by the Secretary to inspect relevant records of the dealer or distributor.
(2) This subsection and subsection (e)(1)(B) of this section do not authorize the Secretary to require a dealer or distributor to provide information on a regular periodic basis.
(e)
(A) inspect and copy records of any person at reasonable times;
(B) order a person to file written reports or answers to specific questions, including reports or answers under oath; and
(C) conduct hearings, administer oaths, take testimony, and require (by subpena or otherwise) the appearance and testimony of witnesses and the production of records the Secretary considers advisable.
(2) A witness summoned under this subsection is entitled to the same fee and mileage the witness would have been paid in a court of the United States.
(3) A civil action to enforce a subpena or order of the Secretary under this subsection may be brought in the United States district court for any judicial district in which the proceeding by the Secretary is conducted. The court may punish a failure to obey an order of the court to comply with the subpena or order of the Secretary as a contempt of court.
(f)
(
| Revised Section | Source (U.S. Code) | Source (Statutes at Large) |
|---|---|---|
| 32706(a) | 15:1990d(a)(1). | Oct. 20, 1972, |
| 32706(b) | 15:1990d(a)(2). | |
| 32706(c) | 15:1990d(a)(3). | |
| 32706(d) | 15:1990d(b). | |
| 32706(e)(1) | 15:1990d(c)(1)–(3). | |
| 32706(e)(2) | 15:1990d(c)(5). | |
| 32706(e)(3) | 15:1990d(c)(4). | |
| 32706(f) | 15:1990f. |
In subsection (a), the words "Subject to
In subsection (b)(1), before clause (A), the words "duly" and "stating their purpose and" are omitted as surplus. In clause (A), the words "any factory, warehouse, establishment, or other" are omitted as surplus.
In subsection (b)(2), the words "shall be commenced and completed" are omitted as surplus. The words "a warrant issued under
In subsection (c), the words "the authority of" and "any item of" are omitted as surplus.
In subsection (d)(1), before clause (A), the words "the Secretary may require" are substituted for "as the Secretary may reasonably require" and "as the Secretary finds necessary" to eliminate unnecessary words. In clause (B), the words "such officer or employee" and "reason or" are omitted as surplus. In clause (C), the words "duly" and "upon request of such officer or employee" are omitted as surplus.
In subsection (d)(2), the words "and subsection (e)(1)(B) of this section" are added for clarity.
In subsection (e)(1), before clause (A), the words "In carrying out this chapter" are substituted for "For the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this subchapter", "In order to carry out the provisions of this subchapter", "relevant to any function of the Secretary under this subchapter", and "relating to any function of the Secretary under this subchapter" for consistency. The words "or, with the authorization of the Secretary, any officer or employee of the Department of Transportation" and "or his duly authorized agent" are omitted as surplus because of 49:322(b). In clause (A), the words "inspect and copy" are substituted for "have access to, and for the purposes of examination the right to copy" to eliminate unnecessary words. The word "records" is substituted for "documentary evidence" for consistency. The words "having materials or information" are omitted as surplus. In clause (B), the word "order" is substituted for "require, by general or special orders" to eliminate unnecessary words. The words "in such form as the Secretary may prescribe" and "shall be filed with the Secretary within such reasonable period as the Secretary may prescribe" are omitted as surplus because of 49:322(a). In clause (C), the words "sit and act at such times and places" are omitted as being included in "conduct hearings".
In subsection (e)(3), the words "A civil action to enforce a subpena or order of the Secretary under this subsection may be brought in the United States district court for the judicial district in which the proceeding by the Secretary was conducted" are substituted for 15:1990d(c)(4) (words before last comma) for consistency in the revised title and to eliminate unnecessary words.
Pub. L. 103–429
This amends 49:32706(e)(3) to clarify the restatement of 15:1990d(c)(4) by section 1 of the Act of July 5, 1994 (
Pub. L. 105–102
This amends 49:32706(c) to correct a cross-reference necessary because of the restatement of subtitle IV of title 49 by the ICC Termination Act (
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1997—Subsec. (c).
1994—Subsec. (e)(3).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 1994 Amendment
Amendment by
§32707. Administrative warrants
(a)
(b)
(2) A judge of a court of the United States or a State court of record or a United States magistrate may issue a warrant for an inspection or impoundment under
(A) establishes probable cause to issue the warrant; and
(B) is sworn to before the judge or magistrate by an officer or employee who knows the facts alleged in the affidavit.
(3) The judge or magistrate shall issue the warrant when the judge or magistrate decides there is a reasonable basis for believing that probable cause exists to issue the warrant. The warrant must—
(A) identify the premises, property, or motor vehicle to be inspected and the items or type of property to be impounded;
(B) state the purpose of the inspection, the basis for issuing the warrant, and the name of the affiant;
(C) direct an individual authorized under
(D) direct that the warrant be served during the hours specified in the warrant; and
(E) name the judge or magistrate with whom proof of service is to be filed.
(4) A warrant under this section is not required when—
(A) the owner, operator, or agent in charge of the premises consents;
(B) it is reasonable to believe that the mobility of the motor vehicle to be inspected makes it impractical to obtain a warrant;
(C) an application for a warrant cannot be made because of an emergency;
(D) records are to be inspected and copied under
(E) a warrant is not constitutionally required.
(c)
(2) When property is impounded under a warrant, the individual serving the warrant shall—
(A) give the person from whose possession or premises the property was impounded a copy of the warrant and a receipt for the property; or
(B) leave the copy and receipt at the place from which the property was impounded.
(3) The judge or magistrate shall file the warrant, proof of service, and all documents filed about the warrant with the clerk of the United States district court for the judicial district in which the inspection is made.
(
| Revised Section | Source (U.S. Code) | Source (Statutes at Large) |
|---|---|---|
| 32707(a) | 15:1990e(b)(1) (last sentence). | Oct. 20, 1972, |
| 32707(b)(1) | 15:1990e(a) (words before 1st comma). | |
| 32707(b)(2) | 15:1990e(b)(1) (1st sentence), (2) (1st sentence). | |
| 32707(b)(3) | 15:1990e(b)(2) (2d, last sentences). | |
| 32707(b)(4) | 15:1990e(a) (words after 1st comma). | |
| 32707(c)(1) | 15:1990e(b)(3) (1st, 3d–last sentences). | |
| 32707(c)(2) | 15:1990e(b)(3) (2d sentence). | |
| 32707(c)(3) | 15:1990e(b)(4). |
In subsection (a), the words "inspection or impoundment" are substituted for "administrative inspections of the area, factory, warehouse, establishment, premises, or motor vehicle, or contents thereof" to eliminate unnecessary words and for consistency in this section.
In subsection (b)(1), the words "Except as provided in paragraph (4) of this subsection" are added for clarity. The words "an inspection or impoundment" are substituted for "any entry or administrative inspection (including impoundment of motor vehicles or motor vehicle equipment)" to eliminate unnecessary words.
In subsection (b)(2), before clause (A), the words "inspection or impoundment" are substituted for "the purpose of conducting administrative inspections authorized by
In subsection (b)(3), before clause (A), the words "when the judge or magistrate decides there is a reasonable basis for believing that probable cause exists to issue the warrant" are substituted for "If the judge or magistrate is satisfied that grounds for the application exist or that there is a reasonable basis for believing they exist" for consistency in this section and to eliminate unnecessary words. In clauses (A) and (C), the words "area, factory, warehouse, establishment" are omitted as being included in "premises". In clause (A), the word "property" is substituted for "and, where appropriate, the type of property to be inspected, if any" to eliminate unnecessary words. In clause (B), the words "the name of the affiant" are substituted for "the name of the person or persons whose affidavit has been taken in support thereof" to eliminate unnecessary words. In clause (C), the words "command the person to whom it is directed" are omitted as surplus. The word "property" is added for consistency with the source provisions restated in clause (A) of this paragraph. In clause (E), the words "proof of service is to be filed" are substituted for "it shall be returned" for clarity.
In subsection (b)(4)(A), the words "factory, warehouse, establishment" are omitted as being included in "premises".
Subsection (b)(4)(C) is substituted for 15:1990e(a)(3) to eliminate unnecessary words.
In subsection (b)(4)(D), the words "are to be inspected and copied" are substituted for "for access to and examination" for consistency.
In subsection (b)(4)(E), the words "in any other situations where" are omitted as surplus.
In subsection (c)(2)(A), the words "from whose possession or" are substituted for "from whom or from whose" for clarity.
In subsection (c)(3), the words "shall file the warrant, proof of service, and all documents filed about the warrant" are substituted for "shall attach to the warrant a copy of the return and all papers filed in connection therewith and shall file them" to eliminate unnecessary words. The words "United States district court" are substituted for "district court of the United States" for consistency with the definition in section 32101 of the revised title and with other provisions of the chapter.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Change of Name
Reference to United States magistrate or to magistrate deemed to refer to United States magistrate judge pursuant to section 321 of
§32708. Confidentiality of information
(a)
(1) to another officer or employee of the United States Government for use in carrying out this chapter; or
(2) in a proceeding under this chapter.
(b)
(
| Revised Section | Source (U.S. Code) | Source (Statutes at Large) |
|---|---|---|
| 32708 | 15:1990d(d). | Oct. 20, 1972, |
In subsection (a), before clause (1), the words "reported to or otherwise" and "or his representative" are omitted as surplus. The words "related to a confidential matter referred to" are substituted for "contains or relates to a trade secret or other matter referred to" to eliminate unnecessary words. The words "shall be considered confidential for the purpose of that section" are omitted as surplus.
In subsection (b), the words "a committee of Congress authorized to have the information" are substituted for "the duly authorized committees of the Congress" for clarity.
§32709. Penalties and enforcement
(a)
(2) The Secretary of Transportation shall impose a civil penalty under this subsection. The Attorney General shall bring a civil action to collect the penalty. Before referring a penalty claim to the Attorney General, the Secretary may compromise the amount of the penalty. Before compromising the amount of the penalty, the Secretary shall give the person charged with a violation an opportunity to establish that the violation did not occur.
(3) In determining the amount of a civil penalty under this subsection, the Secretary shall consider—
(A) the nature, circumstances, extent, and gravity of the violation;
(B) with respect to the violator, the degree of culpability, any history of prior violations, the ability to pay, and any effect on the ability to continue doing business; and
(C) other matters that justice requires.
(b)
(c)
(d)
(A) to enjoin the violation; or
(B) to recover amounts for which the person is liable under
(2) An action under this subsection may be brought in an appropriate United States district court or in a State court of competent jurisdiction. The action must be brought not later than 2 years after the claim accrues.
(
| Revised Section | Source (U.S. Code) | Source (Statutes at Large) |
|---|---|---|
| 32709(a) | 15:1988(b) (related to violating rules). | Oct. 20, 1972, |
| 15:1990b. | Oct. 20, 1972, |
|
| 32709(b) | 15:1988(b) (related to violating rules). | |
| 15:1990c. | ||
| 32709(c) | 15:1990. | Oct. 20, 1972, |
| 32709(d) | 15:1990a. | Oct. 20, 1972, |
In subsection (a)(1), the words "that violates this chapter" are substituted for "who commits any act or causes to be done any act that violates any provision of this subchapter or omits to do any act or causes to be omitted any act that is required by any such provision" in 15:1990b(a) for consistency and to eliminate unnecessary words. The words "or a regulation prescribed or order issued under this chapter" are substituted for "No transferor shall violate any rule prescribed under this section" in 15:1988 for consistency in the revised title and because "rule" is synonymous with "regulations". The words "A separate violation occurs for each motor vehicle or device involved in the violation" are substituted for "A violation of any such provision shall, for purposes of this section, constitute a separate violation with respect to each motor vehicle or device involved" in 15:1990b(a) to eliminate unnecessary words.
In subsection (a)(2), the words "on behalf of the United States" are omitted as surplus. The words "Before compromising the amount of a penalty, the Secretary shall give" are substituted for "after affording" for clarity. The words "to present views and evidence in support thereof" and "alleged" are omitted as surplus.
In subsection (b), the words "that knowingly and willfully violates this chapter" are substituted for "knowingly and willfully commits any act or causes to be done any act that violates any provision of this subchapter or knowingly and willfully omits to do any act or causes to be omitted any act that is required by such provision" to eliminate unnecessary words. The words "or a regulation prescribed or order issued under this chapter" are substituted for "No transferor shall violate any rule prescribed under this section" in 15:1988 for consistency in the revised title and because "rule" is synonymous with "regulation". The words "fined under title 18" are substituted for "fined not more than $50,000" for consistency with title 18. The words "an act in violation of" are substituted for "any of the acts or practices constituting in whole or in part a violation of" to eliminate unnecessary words.
In subsections (c) and (d), the word "enjoin" is substituted for "restrain" for consistency.
In subsection (c), the words "The United States district courts shall have jurisdiction" are omitted because of 28:1331. The words "for cause shown and subject to the provisions of rule 65(a) and (b) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure" are omitted as surplus because the rules apply in the absence of an exemption from them. The words "the violation occurred" are substituted for "wherein any act, omission, or transaction constituting the violation occurred", and the word "resides" is substituted for "is an inhabitant", to eliminate unnecessary words. The words "may be served in" are substituted for "may run into" for clarity.
In subsection (d)(1), before clause (A), the words "this chapter or a regulation prescribed or order issued under this chapter" are substituted for "requirement imposed under this subchapter" for consistency. The words "civil action" are substituted for "any action" for consistency with rule 2 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (28 App. U.S.C.).
In subsection (d)(2), the words "without regard to the amount in controversy" are omitted because jurisdiction is now allowed under 28:1331 without regard to the amount in controversy. The words "United States district court" are substituted for "district court of the United States" for consistency with the definition in section 32101 of the revised title and with other provisions of the chapter.
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2012—Subsec. (a)(1).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2012 Amendment
Amendment by
§32710. Civil actions by private persons
(a)
(b)
(
| Revised Section | Source (U.S. Code) | Source (Statutes at Large) |
|---|---|---|
| 32710(a) | 15:1989(a)(1). | Oct. 20, 1972, |
| 32710(b) | 15:1989(a)(2), (b). |
In subsection (a), the words "this chapter or a regulation prescribed or order issued under this chapter" are substituted for "requirement imposed under this subchapter" for consistency.
In subsection (b), the words "A person may bring a civil action to enforce a claim" are substituted for "An action to enforce any liability created . . . may be brought" for consistency with rule 2 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (28 App. U.S.C.). The word "appropriate" is added for clarity. The words "without regard to the amount in controversy" are omitted because jurisdiction is now allowed under 28:1331 without regard to the amount in controversy. The words "after the claim accrues" are substituted for "from the date on which the liability arises" to eliminate unnecessary words. The words "The court shall award . . . to the person when a judgment is entered for that person" are substituted for "in the case of any successful action to enforce the foregoing liability . . . as determined by the court" for clarity.
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2012—Subsec. (a).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2012 Amendment
Amendment by
§32711. Relationship to State law
Except to the extent that State law is inconsistent with this chapter, this chapter does not—
(1) affect a State law on disconnecting, altering, or tampering with an odometer with intent to defraud; or
(2) exempt a person from complying with that law.
(
| Revised Section | Source (U.S. Code) | Source (Statutes at Large) |
|---|---|---|
| 32711 | 15:1991. | Oct. 20, 1972, |
In this section, before clause (1), the words "and then only to the extent of the inconsistency" are omitted as surplus. In clause (1), the word "affect" is substituted for "annul, alter, or affect" to eliminate unnecessary words. In clause (2), the words "subject to the provisions of this subchapter" are omitted as surplus.