The National Motor Vehicle Title Information System

Transcription

1 The National Motor Vehicle Title Information System

2 Preventing Auto Theft and Fraud A Local Law Enforcement Imperative Auto theft is the highest property crime in the U.S., and is an $8.2 billion business each year. (NICB, Vehicle Theft Fraud Solutions NOW ) This cost is passed on to consumers and government. Stolen vehicles account for many police pursuits that too often result in injury or death of law enforcement officers and/or innocent civilians. In a new twist on identity theft, thieves are now able to swipe the VIN from a legally-owned vehicle of an unsuspecting owner and duplicate that VIN for use on a similar model stolen vehicle. As many as 500,000 vehicles received significant flood damage or were totaled during Hurricane Katrina, many now being resold as good used cars. Many innocent consumers unknowingly purchase stolen, cloned and/or unsafe vehicles (e.g., previously totaled, flood damaged, methamphetamine contaminated) and jeopardize the safety of their families and ours by putting these cars on the road.

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4 Meeting Law Enforcement Needs BA J NCSL Fall Forum, November 2007

5 Meeting Law Enforcement Needs NCSL Fall Forum, November 2007

6 NMVTIS: Keeping Katrina Vehicles From Becoming a Source of Fraud/Theft

7 NMVTIS: A Tool to Prevent Auto Theft & Fraud And to Aid Law Enforcement NMVTIS is a Congressionally-mandated information system designed to allow states to share vehicle title information, including critical theft and brand data, during titling transactions. In addition, information to investigate and prevent fraud and theft is made available to law enforcement, and information to protect consumers from fraud and unsafe vehicles can be made available to the public.

8 Key Statutory Requirements Summary Anti Car Theft Act of 1992 (Public Law ) and Anti Car Theft Improvements Act of 1996 (Public Law ) Directs the Attorney General to implement NMVTIS and monitor and enforce compliance with the law (and any regulations). Specifies what information is to be made available and to whom, and provides the authority to designate an existing information system as the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System. Authorizes DOJ to establish NMVTIS by designating, after consultation with the States, a third party that represents the interest of the states as the operator. Requires that the system shall be paid for by user fees and should be selfsufficient.

9 Key Statutory Requirements Summary (cont d) Anti Car Theft Act of 1992 (Public Law ) and Anti Car Theft Improvements Act of 1996 (Public Law ) Limits the release of information by NMVTIS and prohibits the collection of certain individual information. Directs states to make titling information available to other states through NMVTIS. Directs states to perform an instant title verification check in NMVTIS before issuing a new title. Authorizes the Attorney General to issue regulations, to include detailed reporting requirements for salvage yards, insurance carriers, and states.

10 History and Status of NMVTIS U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) responsible for NMVTIS. American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) named as the system operator for NMVTIS (1996). Anti Car Theft Improvements Act of 1996 moves NMVTIS from DOT to DOJ. DOJ s (BJA) makes the first grant award to AAMVA for NMVTIS (1997). Over $13 million awarded since 1997 for NMVTIS. A U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) analysis of NMVTIS issued in 1999, finding strong potential for NMVTIS, but recommending a cost-benefit analysis be conducted. DOJ s NIJ conducted a cost-benefit analysis of NMVTIS in 2001 and found that NMVTIS could achieve benefits in the range of $4 billion to $11.3 billion annually.

11 History and Status of NMVTIS (cont d) FBI s Office of General Counsel initiates rulemaking process for NMVTIS in 1996, with support from BJA and DOJ s Office of Legal Policy. Expected release: Spring BJA develops a multi-year plan to achieve NMVTIS implementation as a 50-state self sustaining system to prevent fraud and theft (1996). In fiscal year 2007, BJA awarded funds directly to states and to AAMVA to support NMVTIS implementation solicitation is on the streets now. As of end of 2007, 25 states are involved, with another 9 expected to be participating by end of year Currently 60% of U.S. vehicle population is included in NMVTIS. Additional states to be awarded funds in 2008, law enforcement and consumer access to be online in 2008, insurance and salvage data to be included.

12 History and Status of NMVTIS (cont d)

13 Who Supports NMVTIS? State and local law enforcement International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) International Association of Auto Theft Investigators (IAATI) National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators North American Export Committee Consumers for Auto Reliability and Safety (CARS) FBI s Major Theft Unit Hundreds of local agencies and organizations have expressed support, including those in enforcement/safety, consumer protection, insurance, and commercial enterprise (e.g., auto retail and wholesale, etc.)

14 Closing Commentary NMVTIS provides a rare opportunity to make a measurable and significant impact in criminal activity and safety that touches many Americans on a daily basis while also demonstrating an impressive return on investment. NMVTIS is a win-win for consumers, local government, and industry!

15 Meeting Law Enforcement Needs Contact: Jim Burch Deputy Director U.S. Department of Justice NCSL Fall Forum, November 2007