New York § 398-A - 398-AShipment of motor vehicles outside the continental United States
Full text of New York New York Consolidated Laws § 398-A — 398-AShipment of motor vehicles outside the continental United States, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 398-A. 398-AShipment of motor vehicles outside the continental United States
§ 398-a. Shipment of motor vehicles outside the continental United States. 1. No person whose business involves the preparation of the shipping order or dock receipt or bill of lading or other export papers for the transportation by water of a motor vehicle outside the continental United States shall prepare such export papers unless he receives from the person sending such motor vehicle outside the continental United States a photocopy or other facsimile of a transfer of registration or other proof of ownership for such motor vehicle indicating thereon the identification number of such vehicle. Upon receipt of such document, said person shall determine that the motor vehicle to be transported outside the continental United States is the same vehicle described in such proof of ownership and shall certify such fact upon the copy of the shipping order, dock receipt, bill of lading or other export paper for such vehicle which he retains for his records. The person who prepares such export papers for the transportation of a motor vehicle outside the continental United States shall maintain on file for a period of three years the photocopy or other facsimile of such transfer of registration or other proof of ownership together with the appropriate shipping order, dock receipt, bill of lading or other export paper. This section shall not apply to a motor vehicle which the manufacturer thereof or a duly authorized dealer has never sold to a purchaser for the purpose of use rather than of resale. 2. If a motor vehicle delivered for export does not correspond with the proof of ownership presented for such vehicle, such facts shall be immediately made known to the appropriate police department or other law enforcement agency. 3. The person who prepares such export papers for the transportation of a motor vehicle outside the continental United States shall, at least forty-eight hours prior to the time the motor vehicle is shipped, furnish to the police department in whose jurisdiction the point of shipment lies and if there is no police department at that place to the superintendent of state police at Albany, a description and identification of the motor vehicle listing its make, year manufactured, model, color and vehicle identification number or special vehicle identification number designated by the commissioner of motor vehicles. 4. A police officer may at all reasonable times examine and inspect all files and records relating to the shipment of such vehicle which are in the custody of the shipper or of the person who prepares the export papers. 5. Any person who shall violate, aid and abet the violation of, or conspire or attempt to violate this section shall be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.
Source: official New York text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About New York § 398-A
What does New York Consolidated Laws § 398-A cover?
Section 398-A ("398-AShipment of motor vehicles outside the continental United States") is part of the New York Consolidated Laws, the codified statutory law of New York. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite New York § 398-A?
A common citation format is "New York Consolidated Laws § 398-A" (New York). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of New York law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the New York official source linked on this page or consult a licensed New York attorney.
How does New York § 398-A apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in New York can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in New York.