Motor Vehicles: "Carjacking" 18 U.S.C. Sec. 2119 is a federal law that outlaws the theft of any motor vehicle from another person by force or intimidation. The law applies to all types of motor vehicles, including cars, trucks, vans, motorcycles, buses, recreational vehicles, and any other type of self-propelled vehicle. The law also applies to boats, airplanes, and other vehicles that are propelled by motors. Under 18 U.S.C. Sec. 2119, carjacking is punishable by up to 15 years in prison, a fine, or both. To be convicted of carjacking, the government must prove that the defendant used force or intimidation to take the vehicle from another person. The use of a deadly or dangerous weapon in the commission of the crime can result in an increased sentence.