Us Code § 2119 - Motor vehicles
Full text of Us Code United States Code § 2119 — Motor vehicles, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 2119. Motor vehicles
Whoever, with the intent to cause death or serious bodily harm 1 takes a motor vehicle that has been transported, shipped, or received in interstate or foreign commerce from the person or presence of another by force and violence or by intimidation, or attempts to do so, shall—
(1) be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than 15 years, or both,
(2) if serious bodily injury (as defined in section 1365 of this title, including any conduct that, if the conduct occurred in the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States, would violate section 2241 or 2242 of this title) results, be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than 25 years, or both, and
(3) if death results, be fined under this title or imprisoned for any number of years up to life, or both, or sentenced to death.
(Added Pub. L. 102–519, title I, §101(a), Oct. 25, 1992, 106 Stat. 3384; amended Pub. L. 103–322, title VI, §60003(a)(14), Sept. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 1970; Pub. L. 104–217, §2, Oct. 1, 1996, 110 Stat. 3020.)
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1996—Par. (2). Pub. L. 104–217 inserted ", including any conduct that, if the conduct occurred in the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States, would violate section 2241 or 2242 of this title" after "section 1365 of this title".
1994—Pub. L. 103–322, §60003(a)(14), which directed the amendment of section 2119(3) of title 18 by substituting ", with the intent to cause death or serious bodily harm" for ", possessing a firearm as defined in section 921 of this title,", was executed by making the substitution in introductory provisions rather than in par. (3), to reflect the probable intent of Congress.
Par. (3). Pub. L. 103–322, §60003(a)(14), inserted before period at end ", or sentenced to death".
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Federal Cooperation To Prevent "Carjacking" and Motor Vehicle Theft
Pub. L. 102–519, title I, §101(b), Oct. 25, 1992, 106 Stat. 3384, provided that: "In view of the increase of motor vehicle theft with its growing threat to human life and to the economic well-being of the Nation, the Attorney General, acting through the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Attorneys, is urged to work with State and local officials to investigate car thefts, including violations of section 2119 of title 18, United States Code, for armed carjacking, and as appropriate and consistent with prosecutorial discretion, prosecute persons who allegedly violate such law and other relevant Federal statutes."
1 So in original. Probably should be followed by a comma.
CHAPTER 105—SABOTAGE
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1996—Pub. L. 104–294, title VI, §601(f)(11), Oct. 11, 1996, 110 Stat. 3500, substituted ", or" for "or" in items 2155 and 2156.
1994—Pub. L. 103–322, title XXXIII, §330004(13), Sept. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 2142, struck out item 2157 "Temporary extension of sections 2153 and 2154".
1954—Act Sept. 3, 1954, ch. 1261, §106, 68 Stat. 1219, amended items 2153 to 2156 generally.
1953—Act June 30, 1953, ch. 175, §1, 67 Stat. 133, added item 2157.
About This Section
18 U.S.C. § 2119 is part of Title 18 of the United States Code. The United States Code is the official codification of federal statutes maintained by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congress amends the Code through new public laws, which are eventually incorporated into the relevant title.
This section may be cited in legal writing as 18 U.S.C. § 2119. For the most current official text, including any recent amendments, use the official source links below. Do not rely on this page as the sole authority for legal citation or litigation.
How to Read This Statute
Statutes are organized by title, chapter, section, and subsection. Pay attention to words like "shall," "may," "and," and "or," because they determine whether a requirement is mandatory or permissive and whether multiple conditions must all be met. Historical notes and amendments often appear at the end of a section.
Using This Page
This page is intended for research and educational use. Lawyers, students, journalists, and compliance professionals can use it as a starting point, but should always verify the current text through an official government source before relying on it for legal advice, filings, or compliance decisions.