1. (a) Cause of Action.— A person who knowingly obtains, discloses or uses personal information, from a motor vehicle record, for a purpose not permitted under this chapter shall be liable to the individual to whom the information pertains, who may bring a civil action in a United States district court.

2. (b) Remedies.— The court may award—

   1. (1) actual damages, but not less than liquidated damages in the amount of $2,500;
   2. (2) punitive damages upon proof of willful or reckless disregard of the law;
   3. (3) reasonable attorneys’ fees and other litigation costs reasonably incurred; and
   4. (4) such other preliminary and equitable relief as the court determines to be appropriate.

(Added Pub. L. 103–322, title XXX, § 300002(a), Sept. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 2101.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective on the date that is 3 years after Sept. 13, 1994, with provisions relating to release of personal information before the effective date and compliance after such date, see section 300003 of Pub. L. 103–322, set out as a note under section 2721 of this title.