Motor vehicles
Official text prohibited actmental stateif conditionpenaltylegal term
Whoever, with the intent to cause death or serious bodily harm [1] takes a motor vehicle that has been transported, shipped, or received in from the person or presence of another by force and violence or by intimidation, or to do so, shall—
(1) be or imprisoned not more than 15 years, or both,
(2) if (as defined in section 1365 of this title, including any conduct that, if the conduct occurred in the , would violate section 2241 or 2242 of this title) results, be or imprisoned not more than 25 years, or both, and
(3) if death results, be or imprisoned for any number of years up to life, or both, or sentenced to death.
History: (Added Pub. L. 102–519, title I, §101(a), Oct. 25, 1992, 106 Stat. 3384 (PDF, 2.9 MB); amended Pub. L. 103–322, title VI, §60003(a)(14), Sept. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 1970 (PDF, 52 MB); Pub. L. 104–217, §2, Oct. 1, 1996, 110 Stat. 3020.)
1 So in original. Probably should be followed by a comma.
Simplified explanation
It is a federal crime to take a motor vehicle that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce from another person by force, violence, or intimidation, with intent to cause death or serious harm (carjacking). Attempts are also covered.