Driver’s Privacy Protection Act of 1994 (18 U.S.C. § 2721)

The Driver's Privacy Protection Act of 1994 ("DPPA") prohibits knowing disclosure by a state department of motor vehicles or its agents of “any personal information about any individual” obtained in connection with a motor vehicle record. Uses related to motor vehicle safety, law enforcement, verification of information submitted by the individual, insurance claims, and vehicle towing are among fourteen exceptions identified by the statute. Significantly, as amended, the law allows blanket disclosure of motor vehicle records if consents by an “opt-in” notification are obtained. The law limits resale of information disclosed to authorized recipients to those uses under which the disclosure was permitted. The DPPA does not define personal information or specify remedies for violations.

The constitutionality of DPPA was upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in Reno v. Condon, 120 S.Ct. 666 (Jan. 12, 2000) Read summary.

For more information, please contact Bruce L. McDonald at 202.719.7014 or bmcdonal@wileyrein.com.