Motor vehicle theft prevention program
In general
Not later than 180 days after
the owner of a motor vehicle may voluntarily sign a consent form with a participating State or locality in which the motor vehicle owner—
states that the vehicle is not normally operated under certain specified conditions; and
agrees to—
display program decals or devices on the owner’s vehicle; and
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
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.
Uniform decal or device designs
In general
Type of design
The uniform design shall—
be highly visible; and
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.
Voluntary consent form
The voluntary consent form used to enroll in the program shall—
clearly state that participation in the program is voluntary;
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;
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
include any additional information that the Attorney General may reasonably require.
Specified conditions under which stops may be authorized
In general
The 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—
the operation of the vehicle during certain hours of the day; or
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.
More than one set of conditions
No new conditions without consent
Limited participation by States and localities
Motor vehicles for hire
Notification to lessees
Type of notice
The notice required by this subsection shall—
be in writing;
be in a prominent format to be determined by the Attorney General; and
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.
Fine for failure to provide notice
Notification of police
Regulations
Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to carry out this section.1
$1,500,000 for fiscal year 1996;
$1,700,000 for fiscal year 1997; and
$1,800,000 for fiscal year 1998.