Motor Vehicle and Motor Vehicle Equipment Defect Notification Improvement Act
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S9566-9567)
Congressional Research Service
Official summary
Version 00 · Introduced in Senate · Sep 15, 2000
Motor Vehicle and Motor Vehicle Equipment Defect Notification Improvement Act - Amends Federal transportation law to authorize the Secretary of Transportation to: (1) cooperate with transportation authorities of foreign countries to enhance motor vehicle and traffic safety by exchanging information about motor vehicle and motor vehicle equipment safety defects, noncompliance with motor vehicle safety, and motor vehicle equipment standards and regulations; and (2) negotiate for an international agreement governing the recall by manufacturers of motor vehicles and motor vehicle equipment with safety-related defects.(Sec. 4) Prohibits a person from affixing a label to a motor vehicle or an item of motor vehicle equipment that certifies that it complies with applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards unless that person has established, through testing or engineering analyses, that such vehicle or equipment complies with such standards.(Sec. 5) Requires a manufacturer of a motor vehicle, original equipment, or replacement equipment to review and consider information regarding accidents involving motor vehicles or equipment manufactured by such manufacturer (or related party) that resulted in fatalities, serious injuries, or fires (including information about such accidents outside the United States) and notify the Secretary if the manufacturer has reason to believe that the vehicle or equipment has a safety-related defect or fails to comply with Federal motor vehicle safety standards.(Sec. 6) Extends the period of time for no-charge remedies with respect to defective motor vehicles, replacement equipment, or tires.(Sec. 7) Prohibits: (1) a dealer from selling a used motor vehicle (except for purposes other than resale), or leasing a used motor vehicle to another, unless such dealer informs the purchaser or lessee of any notification of a defect or noncompliance with respect to such vehicle that has not been remedied; and (2) a person who owns or leases a school bus or a motor vehicle used to transport passengers, and who receives a notice of a defect or noncompliance for that bus or vehicle, from operating it unless such defect or noncompliance is remedied.(Sec. 10) Sets forth civil penalties for violations of the requirements of this Act.Makes it unlawful for a manufacturer to introduce a motor vehicle or motor vehicle equipment into interstate commerce with a safety-related defect that causes grievous bodily harm or death to an individual if the manufacturer knows of the defect at the time the vehicle or equipment is introduced into interstate commerce. Sets forth both civil and criminal penalties for violations of such requirements.(Sec. 11) Sets forth certain reporting and recordkeeping requirements for manufacturers of motor vehicles or motor vehicle equipment with respect to: (1) accidents that result in fatalities, injuries, or fires involving such vehicles or equipment; and (2) certain warranty information, consumer complaints, personal injury claims, and other safety-related information as they relate to actual or potential defects.(Sec. 12) Increases civil penalties for tampering with motor vehicle odometers.(Sec. 13) Directs the Secretary to initiate rulemaking proceedings to: (1) review and revise motor vehicle safety standards for pneumatic tires; and (2) improve the labeling of tires in order to improve public understanding of load limits and appropriate tire inflation levels.
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S9566-9567)
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 839.
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator McCain with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 106-423.
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator McCain with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 106-423.
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S8635-8636)
Introduced in Senate
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