(a) Cause of Action.— A person who knowingly obtains, discloses or uses personal information , from a motor vehicle record, for a purpose not permitted under this chapter shall be liable to the individual to whom the information pertains, who may bring a civil action in a United States district court. (b) Remedies.— The court may award— (1) actual damages, but not less than liquidated damages in the amount of $2,500; (2) punitive damages upon proof of willful or reckless disregard of the law; (3) reasonable attorneys’ fees and other litigation costs reasonably incurred; and (4) such other preliminary and equitable relief as the court determines to be appropriate. (Added Pub. L. 103–322, title XXX, § 300002(a) , Sept. 13, 1994 , 108 Stat. 2101 .) Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries Effective Date Section effective on the date that is 3 years after Sept. 13, 1994 , with provisions relating to release of personal information before the effective date and compliance after such date, see section 300003 of Pub. L. 103–322 , set out as a note under section 2721 of this title .