US Code

Public Law 119-83 (04/13/2026)

49 U.S.C. § 46304

Liens on aircraft

(a)

Aircraft Subject to Liens .—

When an aircraft is involved in a violation referred to in section 46301(a)(1)(A)–(C) of this title and the violation is by the owner of, or individual commanding, the aircraft, the aircraft is subject to a lien for the civil penalty.
(b)

Seizure .—

An aircraft subject to a lien under this section may be seized summarily and placed in the custody of a person authorized to take custody of it under regulations of the Secretary of Transportation (or the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration with respect to aviation safety duties and powers designated to be carried out by the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration). A report on the seizure shall be submitted to the Attorney General. The Attorney General promptly shall bring a civil action in rem to enforce the lien or notify the Secretary or Administrator that the action will not be brought.
(c)

Release .—

An aircraft seized under subsection (b) of this section shall be released from custody when—
(1)
the civil penalty is paid;
(2)
a compromise amount agreed on is paid;
(3)
the aircraft is seized under a civil action in rem to enforce the lien;
(4)
the Attorney General gives notice that a civil action will not be brought under subsection (b) of this section; or
(5)
a bond (in an amount and with a surety the Secretary or Administrator prescribes), conditioned on payment of the penalty or compromise, is deposited with the Secretary or Administrator.

Pub. L. 103–272, § 1(e)108 Stat. 1235 Pub. L. 108–176, title V, § 503(d)(2)117 Stat. 2559 Pub. L. 115–254, div. K, title I, § 1991(g)(2)132 Stat. 3644 (, , ; , , ; , , .)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised

Section

Source (U.S. Code)

Source (Statutes at Large)

46304(a)

49 App.:1471(b).

Aug. 23, 1958, Pub. L. 85–726, §§ 901(b), 903(b)(2), (3), 72 Stat. 784, 786.

46304(b)

49 App.:1473(b)(2).

 

49 App.:1551(b)(1)(E).

Aug. 23, 1958, Pub. L. 85–726, 72 Stat. 731, § 1601(b)(1)(E); added Oct. 4, 1984, Pub. L. 98–443, § 3(e), 98 Stat. 1704.

 

49 App.:1655(c)(1).

Oct. 15, 1966, Pub. L. 89–670, § 6(c)(1), 80 Stat. 938; Jan. 12, 1983, Pub. L. 97–449, § 7(b), 96 Stat. 2444.

46304(c)

49 App.:1473(b)(3).

 

49 App.:1551(b)(1)(E).

 

49 App.:1655(c)(1).

In this section, the word “civil” is added before “penalty” for consistency in the revised title and with other titles of the United States Code.

Public Law 85–72672 Stat. 786 In subsections (b) and (c), the word “Administrator” in section 902(b)(2) and (3) of the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 (, ) is retained on authority of 49:106(g). The words “Attorney General” are substituted for “United States attorney for the judicial district in which the seizure is made” and “United States attorney” because of 28:503 and 509.

In subsection (b), the words “report on the seizure” are substituted for “report of the cause” for clarity. The words “bring a civil action in rem” are substituted for “institute proceedings” for clarity and consistency in the revised title and with other titles of the Code and the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (28 App. U.S.C.). The words “that the action will not be brought” are substituted for “of his failure to so act” for clarity.

In subsection (c)(3), the words “under a civil action in rem” are substituted for “in pursuance of process of any court in proceedings in rem” to eliminate unnecessary words and for consistency.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

Pub. L. 115–2542018—Subsec. (b). substituted “or the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration with respect to aviation safety duties and powers designated to be carried out by the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration” for “or the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration with respect to aviation safety duties and powers designated to be carried out by the Administrator”.

Pub. L. 108–1762003—Subsec. (a). struck out “, (2), or (3)” after “section 46301(a)(1)(A)–(C)”.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2003 Amendment

Pub. L. 108–176section 3 of Pub. L. 108–176section 106 of this titleAmendment by applicable only to fiscal years beginning after , except as otherwise specifically provided, see , set out as a note under .