US Code

Public Law 119-73 (01/23/2026)

49 U.S.C. § 30144

Importing motor vehicles on a temporary basis

(a)

General .—

Section 30112(a) of this title does not apply to a motor vehicle imported on a temporary basis for personal use by an individual who is a member of—
(1)
(A)
22 U.S.C. 288 the personnel of the government of a foreign country on assignment in the United States or a member of the Secretariat of a public international organization designated under the International Organizations Immunities Act ( et seq.); and
(B)
the class of individuals for whom the Secretary of State has authorized free importation of motor vehicles; or
(2)
the armed forces of a foreign country on assignment in the United States.
(b)

Verification .—

The Secretary of Transportation or the Secretary of the Treasury may require verification, that the Secretary of Transportation considers appropriate, that an individual is a member described under subsection (a) of this section. The Secretary of Transportation shall ensure that a motor vehicle imported under this section will be exported (at no cost to the United States Government) or abandoned to the Government when the individual no longer—
(1)
resides in the United States; and
(2)
is a member described under subsection (a) of this section.
(c)

Sale in the United States .—

A motor vehicle imported under this section may not be sold when in the United States.

Pub. L. 103–272, § 1(e)108 Stat. 964Pub. L. 104–287, § 5(57)110 Stat. 3394(, , ; , , .)

Historical and Revision Notes

Pub. L. 103–272

Revised

Section

Source (U.S. Code)

Source (Statutes at Large)

30144(a)

15:1397(h) (1st sentence).

Sept. 9, 1966, Pub. L. 89–563, 80 Stat. 718, § 108(h); added Oct. 31, 1988, Pub. L. 100–562, § 2(b), 102 Stat. 2823.

30144(b)

15:1397(h) (2d, 3d sentences).

30144(c)

15:1397(h) (last sentence).

In subsection (a)(1)(B), the word “importation” is substituted for “entry” for clarity and consistency in this chapter.

In subsection (b), before clause (1), the words “that an individual is a member described under subsection (a) of this section” are substituted for “such status” for clarity. The word “imported” is substituted for “entered” for clarity and consistency in this chapter. In clause (2), the words “a member described under subsection (a) of this section” are substituted for “hold such status” for clarity.

Pub. L. 104–287

This amends 49:30144(a)(1)(A) to correct an erroneous cross-reference.

Editorial Notes

References in Text

act Dec. 29, 1945, ch. 65259 Stat. 669section 288 of Title 22The International Organizations Immunities Act, referred to in subsec. (a)(1)(A), is title I of , , which is classified principally to subchapter XVIII (§ 288 et seq.) of chapter 7 of Title 22, Foreign Relations and Intercourse. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under and Tables.

Amendments

Pub. L. 104–2871996—Subsec. (a)(1)(A). substituted “International Organizations” for “International Organization”.