National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Authorization Act of 1989 - Title I: Authorization of Appropriations - Amends the following Acts to authorize appropriations for FY 1990 and 1991: (1) the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966; (2) the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act with respect to bumper standards, automobile consumer information, and odometer requirements; and (3) the National Driver Register Act of 1982.
Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation (the Secretary) to derive a specified maximum amount from unobligated highway safety program funds to implement a national community education program regarding drunk driving prevention and the use and effectiveness of airbag technology.
Title II: Side Impact Protection and Crashworthiness Data - Directs the Secretary to: (1) issue a final rule amending Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 214 to establish performance criteria for improved occupant protection in side impacts; and (2) issue an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to extend the applicability of such Standard to multipurpose passenger vehicles.
Directs the Secretary to enter into arrangements with the National Academy of Sciences to study means of establishing a method for calculating a uniform numerical rating enabling consumers to compare meaningfully crashworthiness data for passenger automobiles and multipurpose passenger vehicles. Prescribes the contents of such study. Requires that a report of such study be submitted to the Secretary and the Congress within 19 months after the date of enactment of this Act.
Prescribes schedules for: (1) obtaining public comment on implementation of National Academy recommendations; (2) determining whether an objectively based system of comparative crashworthiness data can be established; (3) promulgating a rule to establish such a system, if the determination is positive; (4) submitting the proposed rule for review to specified congressional committees; (5) waiting 60 calendar days after such submission, unless both committees notify the Secretary that they have no objection to the rule; and (6) establishing (by rule) procedures requiring auto dealers to make comparative crashworthiness data available to prospective customers.
Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Amends the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 to direct the Secretary to: (1) establish a schedule for use in ensuring compliance with each Federal motor vehicle safety standard established under such Act which the Secretary determines is capable of being tested; (2) establish written guidelines and procedures for conducting investigations regarding noncompliance with the regulations issued under such Act; and (3) establish criteria for the determination and imposition of civil penalties for such noncompliance.
Requires the Secretary, 18 months after enactment of this Act, to require each State to provide for a uniform system for handicapped parking according to prescribed guidelines. Provides for reduction of apportioned funds for noncompliance.
Directs the Secretary to complete rulemaking to: (1) revise specified motor vehicle safety standards regarding multipurpose passenger vehicles; (2) review the classification system for vehicles with a gross weight under 10,000 pounds to determine if such vehicles should be reclassified; (3) amend Federal motor vehicle safety standards to provide that lap and shoulder seatbelt protection for outboard rear seat passengers should be installed in passenger automobiles after specified dates and to provide for head restraints for multipurpose passenger vehicles; and (4) consider the establishment of a standard to protect against unreasonable risk of rollover of multipurpose passenger vehicles. Mandates that a specified percentage of certain authorized appropriations be used to disseminate consumer information regarding retrofitting passenger automobiles with lap and shoulder rear seatbelts.
Directs the Secretary to establish a program requiring airbags for Federal passenger vehicles.
Amends the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act to direct the Secretary to: (1) promulgate regulations establishing passenger motor vehicle bumper system labeling requirements; and (2) arrange with the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a study of specified aspects of the effectiveness of State motor vehicle safety inspection programs for transmittal to certain congressional committees.
Amends the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 to: (1) conduct a rulemaking to increase the safety of child booster seats used in passenger automobiles; and (2) authorize the Secretary of Transportation to direct the manufacturer of a defective motor vehicle or motor vehicle part to send a second notification if the Secretary determines that the first notification sent by such manufacturer has not resulted in an adequate number of vehicles (or items of equipment) being returned for remedy.
Requires any lessor who receives notification of a defective motor vehicle part pertaining to any leased motor vehicle to send a copy of such notice to the lessee.
Provides that a dealer may sell or lease a motor vehicle (or motor vehicle item) for which a safety defect notice has been received only if: (1) the defect or failure to comply has been remedied before delivery under sale or lease; or (2) an enforcement order has been set aside or restrained.
Directs the Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to conduct a study of the use of darkened windshields and window glass in passenger automobiles, and to submit the results of such study to certain congressional committees.
Directs the Secretary to amend the bumper standard published in the Code of Federal Regulations to ensure that such standard is identical to that in effect on January 1, 1982.
Directs the Secretary to make grants to States which adopt and implement seatbelt and child restraint programs which include specified measures to foster the increased use of seatbelts and the correct use of child restraint systems. Sets conditions for the use of such grants by such States. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1990 through 1992.
Directs the Secretary to initiate a rulemaking to: (1) consider methods of reducing head injuries in passenger automobiles and multipurpose passenger vehicles from contact with vehicle interior components by revising the appropriate Federal motor vehicle safety standards; and (2) consider the establishment of a standard to minimize pedestrian death and injury attributable to vehicle components.
Calendar No. 121 101st CONGRESS 1st Session S. 673 [Report No. 101-49] A BILL To amend the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 and the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 1990 and 1991, and for other purposes. June 13 (legislative day, JANUARY 3), 1989 Reported with an amendment S 673 RS Calendar No. 121 101st CONGRESS 1st Session S. 673 [Report No. 101-49] To amend the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 and the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 1990 and 1991, and for other purposes. IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES March 17 (legislative day, JANUARY 3), 1989 Mr. BRYAN (for himself, Mr. HOLLINGS, Mr. DANFORTH, Mr. GORTON, Mr. GORE, Mr. KERRY, and Mr. MCCAIN) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation June 13 (legislative day, JANUARY 3), 1989 Reported by Mr. HOLLINGS, with an amendment [Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert the part printed in italic] A BILL To amend the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 and the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 1990 and 1991, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, [Struck out->] That this Act may be cited as the `National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Authorization Act of 1989'. [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] DEFINITIONS [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] SEC. 2. As used in this Act, the term-- [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] (1) `multipurpose passenger vehicle' and `passenger automobile' shall have the meaning given such terms by the Secretary; and [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] (2) `Secretary' means the Secretary of Transportation. [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] TITLE I--AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS GENERAL AUTHORIZATIONS [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] SEC. 101. (a) Section 121 of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 (15 U.S.C. 1409) is amended-- [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] (1) by striking `and'; and [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] (2) by striking the period and inserting in lieu thereof `, $65,424,000 for fiscal year 1990 and $68,433,000 for fiscal year 1991.'. [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] (b) Section 111 of the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act (15 U.S.C. 1921) is amended-- [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] (1) by striking `and'; and [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] (2) by striking the period and inserting in lieu thereof `, $336,000 for fiscal year 1990, and $351,000 for fiscal year 1991.'. [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] (c) Section 209 of the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act (15 U.S.C. 1949) is amended-- [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] (1) by striking `and'; and [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] (2) by striking the period and inserting in lieu thereof `, $2,384,000 for fiscal year 1990, and $2,493,000 for fiscal year 1991.'. [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] (d) Section 417 of the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act (15 U.S.C. 1990g) is amended-- [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] (1) by striking `and'; and [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] (2) by striking the period and inserting in lieu thereof `, $640,000 for fiscal year 1990, and $669,000 for fiscal year 1991.'. [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] (e) Section 211(b) of the National Driver Register Act of 1982 (23 U.S.C. 401 note) is amended)-- [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] (1) by striking `and' the second time it appears; and [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] (2) by inserting immediately before the period at the end the following: `not to exceed $5,315,000 for fiscal year 1990, and not to exceed $5,559,000 for fiscal year 1991'. [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] COMMUNITY EDUCATION PROGRAM [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] SEC. 102. In order to carry out a national program of community education regarding (1) drunk driving prevention and (2) the use and effectiveness of airbag technology, the Secretary may derive an additional amount not to exceed $10,000,000 from unobligated balances of funds made available for highway safety programs under section 408 of title 23, United States Code. Of the funds allocated to such efforts, not less than one-half shall be used for educational efforts related to airbags. Such amounts shall remain available until expended. [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] TITLE II--SIDE IMPACT PROTECTION AND CRASHWORTHINESS DATA SIDE IMPACT PROTECTION [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] SEC. 201. (a) The Secretary shall, not later than twelve months after the date of enactment of this Act, issue a final rule amending Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 214, published as section 571.214 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations. The rule shall establish performance criteria for improved protection for occupants of passenger automobiles in side impact accidents. [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] (b) Not later than sixty days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue a notice of proposed rulemaking to extend the applicability of such Standard 214 to multipurpose passenger vehicles. The Secretary shall, not later than two years after such date of enactment, issue a final rule on such extension, taking into account the performance criteria established by the final rule issued in accordance with subsection (a). [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] AUTOMOBILE CRASHWORTHINESS DATA [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] SEC. 202. (a)(1) The Secretary shall, within thirty days after the date of enactment of this Act, enter into appropriate arrangements with the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a comprehensive study and investigation regarding means of establishing a method for calculating a uniform numerical rating which will enable consumers to compare meaningfully the crashworthiness of different passenger automobile and multipurpose passenger vehicle makes and models. [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] (2) Such study shall include examination of current and proposed crashworthiness tests and testing procedures and shall be directed to determining whether additional objective, accurate, and relevant information regarding the comparative crashworthiness of different passenger automobile and multipurpose passenger vehicle makes and models reasonably can be provided to consumers by means of a crashworthiness rating rule. Such study shall include examination of at least the following proposed elements of a crashworthiness rating rule: [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] (A) information on the degree to which different passenger automobile and multipurpose passenger vehicle makes and models will protect occupants across the range of motor vehicle crash types when in use on public roads; [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] (B) a repeatable and objective test which is capable of identifying meaningful differences in the degree of crash protection provided occupants by the vehicles tested, with respect to such aspects of crashworthiness as occupant crash protection with and without use of manual seatbelts fuel system integrity, and other relevant aspects; [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] (C) ratings which are accurate, simple in form, readily understandable, and of benefit to consumers in making informed decisions in the purchase of automobiles; [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] (D) dissemination of comparative crashworthiness ratings to consumers either at the time of introduction of a new passenger automobile or multipurpose passenger vehicle make or model or very soon after such time of introduction; and [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] (E) the development and dissemination of crashworthiness data at a cost which is reasonably balanced with the benefits of such data to consumers in making informed purchase decisions. [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] (3) Any such arrangement shall require the National Academy of Sciences to report to the Secretary and the Congress not later than nineteen months after the date of enactment of this Act on the results of such study and investigation, together with its recommendations. The Secretary shall, to the extent permitted by law, furnish to the Academy upon its request any information which the Academy considers necessary to conduct the investigation and study required by this subsection. [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] (4) Within sixty days after transmittal of the report of the National Academy of Sciences to the Secretary and the Congress under paragraph (3) of this subsection, the Secretary shall initiate a period (not longer than ninety days) for public comment on implementation of the recommendations of the National Academy of Sciences with respect to a rule promulgated under title II of the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act (15 U.S.C. 1901 et seq.) establishing an objectively based system for determining and publishing accurate comparative crashworthiness ratings for different makes and models of passenger automobiles and multipurpose passenger vehicles. [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] (5) Not later than one hundred and eighty days after the close of the public comment period provided for in paragraph (4) of this subsection, the Secretary shall determine, on the basis of the report of the National Academy of Sciences and the public comments on such report, whether an objectively based system can be established by means of which accurate and relevant information can be derived that reasonably predicts the degree to which different makes and models of passenger automobiles and multipurpose passenger vehicles provide protection to occupants against the risk of personal injury or death as a result of motor vehicle accidents. The Secretary shall promptly publish the basis of such determination, and shall transmit such determination to the Congress. [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] (b)(1) If the Secretary determines that the system described in subsection (a)(5) of this section can be established, the Secretary shall, subject to the exception provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, not later than three years after the date of enactment of this Act, promulgate a final rule under section 201 of the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act (15 U.S.C. 1941) establishing an objectively based system for determining and publishing accurate comparative crashworthiness ratings for different makes and models of passenger automobiles and multipurpose passenger vehicles. The rule promulgated under such section 201 shall be practicable and shall provide to the public relevant objective information in a simple and readily understandable form in order to facilitate comparison among the various makes and models of passenger automobiles and multipurpose passenger vehicles so as to contribute meaningfully to informed purchase decisions. [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] (2) The Secretary shall not promulgate such rule unless (A) a period of sixty calendar days has passed after the Secretary has transmitted to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and to the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives a summary of the comments received during the period for public comment specified in subsection (a)(4) of this section, or (B) each such committee before the expiration of such sixty-day period has transmitted to the Secretary written notice to the effect that such committee has no objection to the promulgation of such rule. [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] (c) If the Secretary promulgates a rule under subsection (b) of this section, not later than six months after such promulgation, the Secretary shall by rule establish procedures requiring passenger automobile and multipurpose passenger vehicle dealers to make available to prospective passenger automobile and multipurpose passenger vehicle purchasers information developed by the Secretary and provided to the dealer which contains data comparing the crashworthiness of passenger automobiles and multipurpose passenger vehicles. [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] TITLE III--MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS STANDARDS COMPLIANCE [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] SEC. 301. Section 103 of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 (15 U.S.C. 1392) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] `(j)(1) The Secretary shall establish a schedule for use in ensuring compliance with each Federal motor vehicle safety standard established under this Act which the Secretary determines is capable of being tested. Such schedule shall ensure that each such standard is the subject of testing and evaluation on a regular, rotating basis. [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] `(2) The Secretary shall, not later than six months after the date of enactment of this subsection, conduct a review of the method for the collection of data regarding accidents related to Federal motor vehicle safety standards established under this Act. The Secretary shall consider the desirability of collecting data in addition to that information collected as of the date of enactment of this subsection, and shall estimate the costs involved in the collection of such additional data, as well as the benefits to safety likely to be derived from such collection. If the Secretary determines that such benefits outweigh the costs of such collection, the Secretary shall collect such additional data and utilize it in determining which motor vehicles should be the subject of testing for compliance with Federal motor vehicle safety standards established under this Act.'. [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] INVESTIGATION AND PENALTY PROCEDURES [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] SEC. 302.(a) Section 112(a)(1) of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 (15 U.S.C. 1401(a)(1)) is amended by adding at the end the following: `The Secretary shall establish written guidelines and procedures for conducting any inspection or investigation regarding noncompliance with this title or any rules, regulations, or orders issued under this title. Such guidelines and procedures shall indicate timetables for processing of such inspections and investigations to ensure that such processing occurs in an expeditious and thorough manner. In addition, the Secretary shall develop criteria and procedures for use in determining when the results of such an investigation should be considered by the Secretary to be the subject of a civil penalty under section 109 of this title. Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to limit the ability of the Secretary to exceed any time limitation specified in such timetables where the Secretary determines that additional time is necessary for the processing of any such inspection or investigation.'. [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] (b) Section 109(a) of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 (15 U.S.C. 1398(a)) is amended by adding at the end thereof the following: `The Secretary shall establish procedures for determining the manner in which, and the time within which, a determination should be made regarding whether a civil penalty should be imposed under this section. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to limit the ability of the Secretary to exceed any time limitation specified for making any such determination where the Secretary determines that additional time is necessary for making a determination regarding whether a civil penalty should be imposed under this section.'. [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] TRAFFIC SAFETY FOR HANDICAPPED INDIVIDUALS [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] SEC. 303. (a) The Congress finds that-- [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] (1) a number of States fail to recognize the symbols of other States for the identification of motor vehicles transporting individuals with handicaps that limit or impair the ability to walk; and [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] (2) the failure to recognize such symbols increases the likelihood that such individuals will be involved in traffic accident incidents resulting in injury or death, posing a threat to the safety of such individuals as well as the safety of the operators of motor vehicles and others. [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] (b)(1) Section 402(b) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] `(3)(A) After the date that is eighteen months following the date of enactment of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Authorization Act of 1989, the Secretary shall not approve any State highway safety program under this section unless the program provides for the implementation of a uniform system for handicapped parking designed to enhance the safety of handicapped and nonhandicapped individuals. [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] `(B) For purposes of this paragraph, a uniform system for handicapped parking designed to enhance the safety of handicapped and nonhandicapped individuals is a system which-- [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] `(i) adopts the International Symbol of Access (as adopted by Rehabilitation International in 1969 at its 11th World Congress on Rehabilitation of the Disabled) as the only recognized symbol for the identification of vehicles used for transporting individuals with handicaps which limit or impair the ability to walk; [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] `(ii) provides for the issuance of license plates displaying the International Symbol of Access for vehicles which will be used to transport individuals with handicaps which limit or impair the ability to walk, under criteria determined by the State; [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] `(iii) provides for the issuance of removal windshield placards (displaying the International Symbol of Access) to individuals with handicaps which limit or impair the ability to walk, under criteria determined by the State; [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] `(iv) provides that fees charged for the licensing or registration of a vehicle used to transport such individuals with handicaps do not exceed fees charged for the licensing or registration of other similar vehicles operated in the State; and [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] `(v) for purposes of easy access parking, recognizes licenses and placards displaying the International Symbol of Access which have been issued by other States and countries.'. [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] (2) Section 402(c) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by inserting immediately after `, as appropriate' the first place it appears the following: `; except that in the case of a failure to obtain approval of or implement a highway safety program because of noncompliance with subsection (b)(3), such funds shall be reduced by amounts equal to 2 per centum of the amounts that would otherwise be apportioned to the State under this section, until such time as the Secretary approves such program or determines that the State is implementing an approved program, as appropriate'. [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] (c) Beginning not later than twenty-four months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall annually evaluate compliance by the States with the amendments made by this section. The Secretary shall submit to Congress an annual report regarding such evaluation. [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE SAFETY [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] SEC. 304. (a) The Congress finds that-- [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] (1) multipurpose passenger vehicles have become increasingly popular during this decade and are being used increasingly for the transportation of passengers, not property; and [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] (2) the safety of passengers in multipurpose passenger vehicles has been compromised by the failure to apply to them the Federal motor vehicle safety standards applicable to passenger automobiles. [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] (b) In addition to the rulemaking requirements applicable to multipurpose passenger vehicles under other provisions of this Act, the Secretary shall initiate (not later than sixty days after the date of enactment of this Act) and complete (not later than twelve months after such date of enactment) a rulemaking to revise, where appropriate, in accordance with the applicable provisions of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 (15 U.S.C. 1381 et seq.), including the provisions of section 103 (a) of such Act (15 U.S.C. 1392 (a)) requiring that Federal motor vehicle safety standards be practicable, meet the need for motor vehicle safety, and be stated in objective terms-- [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] (1) Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 216, published as section 571.216 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, to provide minimum roof crush resistance standards for multipurpose passener vehicles; [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] (2) Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108, published as section 571.108 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, to provide for a single, high-mounted stoplamp on multipurpose passenger vehicles; and [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] (3) Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 208, published as section 571.208 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, to extend the requirements of outboard front seat passive restraint occupant protection systems to multipurpose passenger vehicles. [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] (c) In accordance with the applicable provisions of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 (15 U.S.C. 1381 et seq.), the Secretary shall, not later than twelve months after the date of enactment of this Act, complete a rulemaking-- [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] (1) to review the system of classification of vehicles with a gross vehicle weight under ten thousand pounds to determine if such vehicles should be reclassified; [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] (2) to revise Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 202, published as section 571.202 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, to provide for head restraints for multipurpose passenger vehicles; and [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] (3) to establish a Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard to protect against unreasonable risk of rollover of multipurpose passenger vehicles. [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] REAR SEATBELTS [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] SEC. 305. (a) In accordance with applicable provisions of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 (15 U.S.C. 1381 et seq.), the Secretary shall complete, within twelve months after the date of enactment of this act, a rulemaking to amend Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 208, published as section 571.208 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, to provide that the outboard rear seat passengers of all passenger automobiles, except convertibles, manufactured after September 1, 1989, shall have lap and shoulder seatbelt protection, and that the outboard rear seat passengers of all multipurpose passenger vehicles and all convertible passenger automobiles manufactured after September 1, 1990, shall have lap and shoulder seatbelt protection. [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] (b) Notwithstanding any other provison of law, not less than 10 percent of the funds authorized to be appropriated under section 209 of the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act (15 U.S.C. 1949) in fiscal years 1990 and 1991 shall be utilized to disseminate information to consumers regarding the manner in which passenger automobiles may be retrofitted with lap and shoulder rear seatbelts. [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] CERTIFICATION OF BUMPERS [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] SEC. 306. The Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act (15 U.S.C. 1901 et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 102 the following new subsection: [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] `DISCLOSURE OF BUMPER IMPACT CAPABILITY [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] `SEC. 102A. (a) The Secretary shall promulgate, in accordance with the provisions of this section, a regulation establishing passenger motor vehicle bumper system labeling requirements. Such regulation shall apply to passenger motor vehicles manufactured for model years beginning more than one hundred and eighty days after the date such regulation is promulgated, as provided in subsection (c)(2) of this section. [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] `(b)(1) The regulation required to be promulgated in subsection (a) of this section shall provide that, before any passenger motor vehicle is offered for sale, the manufacturer shall affix a label to such vehicle, in a format prescribed in such regulation, disclosing an impact speed at which the manufacturer represents that the vehicle meets the applicable damage criteria. [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] `(2) For purposes of this subsection, the term `applicable damage criteria' means the damage criteria applicable under section 581.5(c) of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of enactment of this section). [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] `(c)(1) Not later than ninety days after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall publish in the Federal Register a proposed initial regulation under this section. [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] `(2) Not later than one hundred and fifty days after such date of enactment, the Secretary shall promulgate a final initial regulation under this section. [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] `(d) The Secretary may allow a manufacturer to comply with the labeling requirements of subsection (b) of this section by permitting such manufacturer to make the bumper system impact speed disclosure required in subsection (b) of this section on the label required by section 506 of this Act or section 3 of the Automobile Information Disclosure Act (15 U.S.C. 1232). [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] `(e) The regulation promulgated under subsection (a) of this section shall provide that the information disclosed under this section be provided to the Secretary at the beginning of the model year for the model involved. As soon as practicable after receiving such information, the Secretary shall furnish and distribute to the public such information in a simple and readily understandable form in order to facilitate comparison among the various types of passenger motor vehicles. The Secretary may by rule require automobile dealers to distribute to prospective purchasers any information compiled pursuant to this subsection. [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] `(f) For purposes of this section, the term `passenger motor vehicle' means any motor vehicle to which the standard under part 581 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, is applicable.'. [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] CHILD BOOSTER SEATS [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] SEC. 307. (a) In accordance with applicable provisions of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 (15 U.S.C. 1381 et seq.), the Secretary shall conduct a rulemaking to amend Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213, published as section 571.213 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, to increase the safety of child booster seats used in passenger automobiles. The rulemaking shall be initiated not later than thirty days after the date of enactment of this Act and completed not later than twelve months after such date of enactment. [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] (b) As used in this section, the term `child booster seat' has the meaning given the term `booster seat' in section 571.213 of title 49, of Code of Federal Regulations, as in effect on the date of the enactment of this Act. [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] AIRBAG REQUIREMENT FOR FEDERAL PASSENGER VEHICLES [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] SEC. 308. The Secretary, in cooperation with the Administrator of General Services and the heads of other appropriate Federal agencies, shall establish a program requiring that all passenger automobiles acquired after September 30, 1990, for use by the Federal Government be equipped, to the maximum extent practicable, with driver-side airbags and that all passenger automobiles acquired after September 30, 1993, for use by the Federal Government be equipped, to the maximum extent practicable, with airbags for both the driver and front seat outboard passenger seating positions. [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] STATE MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY INSPECTION PROGRAMS [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] SEC. 309. Part A of title II of the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act (15 U.S.C. 1961 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following new section: [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] `STATE MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY INSPECTION PROGRAMS [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] `SEC. 304. (a) The Secretary shall, within thirty days after the date of the enactment of this section, enter into appropriate arrangements with the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a study of the effectiveness of State motor vehicle safety inspection programs in-- [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] `(1) reducing motor vehicle accidents that result in injuries and deaths; and [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] `(2) limiting the number of defective or unsafe motor vehicles on the highways. [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] `(b)(1) The study shall include an evaluation of the implementation, inspection criteria, personnel, budgeting, and enforcement of all types of State motor vehicle inspection programs or periodic motor vehicle inspection programs, including inspections of motor vehicle brakes, glass, steering, suspension, and tires. [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] `(2) If warranted by the study, the National Academy of Sciences shall develop and submit to the Congress recommendations for an effective and efficient State motor vehicle safety inspection program. [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] `(c) The study shall also consider the feasibility of use by States of private organizations to conduct motor vehicle safety inspection programs of combining safety and emission inspection programs. [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] `(d) Appropriate public and private agencies and organizations, including the Secretary, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, affected industries and consumer organizations, State and local officials, and the motor vehicle insurance industry should be consulted in conducting the study required under this section. [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] `(e) The study required by subsection (a) shall be completed and transmitted to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives within nineteen months after the date of enactment of this section.'. [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] RECALL OF CERTAIN MOTOR VEHICLES [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] SEC. 310. (a) Section 153 of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 (15 U.S.C. 1413) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsections: [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] `(d) If the Secretary determines that a notification sent by a manufacturer pursuant to subsection (c) of this section has not resulted in an adequate number of vehicles or items of equipment being returned for remedy, the Secretary may direct the manufacturer to send a second notification in such manner as the Secretary may by regulation prescribe. [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] `(e)(1) Any lessor who receives a notification required by section 151 or 152 pertaining to any leased motor vehicle shall send a copy of such notice to the lessee in such manner as the Secretary may by regulation prescribe. [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] `(2) For purposes of this subsection, the term `leased motor vehicle' means any motor vehicle which is leased to a person for a term of at least four months by a lessor who has leased five or more vehicles in the twelve months preceding the date of the notification.'. [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] (b) Section 154 of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 (15 U.S.C. 1414) is amended by adding at the end the following: [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] `(d) If notification is required under section 151 or by an order under section 152(b) and has been furnished by the manufacturer to a dealer of motor vehicles with respect to any new motor vehicle or new item of replacement equipment in the dealer's possession at the time of notification which fails to comply with an applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standard or contains a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety, such dealer may sell or lease such motor vehicle or item of replacement equipment only if-- [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] `(1) the defect or failure to comply with has been remedied in accordance with this section before delivery under such sale or lease; or [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] `(2) in the case of notification required by an order under section 152(b), enforcement of the order has been restrained in an action to which section 155(a) applies or such order has been set aside in such an action. [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to prohibit any dealer from offering for sale or lease such vehicle or item of equipment.'. [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] STUDY OF DARKENED WINDOWS [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] SEC. 311. The Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shall conduct a study of the use of darkened windshields and window glass in passenger automobiles. In particular, the study shall consider the effects of such use on the safe operation of passenger automobiles, as well as on the hazards from such use to the safety of law enforcement personnel. In conducting such study, the Administrator shall consult with appropriate industry representatives, officials of law enforcement departments and agencies, and consumer representatives. The Administrator shall submit the results of such study to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives not later than six months after the date of enactment of this Act. [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] PETITIONS REGARDING CORPORATE AVERAGE FUEL ECONOMY STANDARDS [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] SEC. 312. Section 502(d)(1) of the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act (15 U.S.C. 2002(d)(1)) is amended by striking `1980. Such application' and inserting in lieu thereof the following: `1980, or for any model year after model year 1991. Any application seeking such modification'. [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] JUDICIAL REVIEW OF ACTIONS ON CERTAIN PETITIONS [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] SEC. 313. Section 124(d) of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 (15 U.S.C. 1410a(d)) is amended by adding at the end the following: `The denial of such petition is final agency action subject to judicial review as provided in section 706 of title 5, United States Code.'. [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] BUMPER STANDARD [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] SEC. 314. (a) Not later than one year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall, in accordance with section 102 of the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act (15 U.S.C. 1912), amend the bumper standard published as part 581 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, to ensure that such standard is identical to the bumper standard under such part 581 which was in effect on January 1, 1982. The amended standard shall apply to all passenger automobiles manufactured after September 1, 1990. [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] (b) Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit the Secretary from requiring under such part 581 that passenger automobile bumpers be capable of resisting impact speeds higher than those specified in the bumper standard in effect under such part 581 on January 1, 1982. [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] GRANT PROGRAM CONCERNING USE OF SEATBELTS AND CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEMS [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] SEC. 315. (a) Chapter 4 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section: [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] `Sec. 411. Seatbelt and child restraint programs [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] `(a) Subject to the provisions of this section, the Secretary shall make grants to those States which adopt and implement seatbelt and child restraint programs which include measures described in this section to foster the increased use of seatbelts and the correct use of child restraint systems. Such grants may only be used by recipient States to implement and enforce such measures. [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] `(b) No grant may be made to a State under this section in any fiscal year unless such State enters into such agreements with the Secretary as the Secretary may require to ensure that such State will maintain its aggregate expenditures from all other sources for seatbelt and child restraint programs at or above the average level of such expenditures in its two fiscal years preceding the date of enactment of this section. [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] `(c) No State may receive grants under this section in more than three fiscal years. The Federal share payable for any grant under this section shall not exceed-- [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] `(1) in the first fiscal year a State receives a grant under this section, 75 per centum of the cost of implementing and enforcing in such fiscal year the seatbelt and child restraint program adopted by the State pursuant to subsection (a) of this section; [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] `(2) in the second fiscal year the State receives a grant under this section, 50 per centum of the cost of implementing and enforcing in such fiscal year such program; and [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] `(3) in the third fiscal year the State receives a grant under this section, 25 per centum of the cost of implementing and enforcing in such fiscal year such program. [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] `(d) Subject to subsection (c), the amount of a grant made under this section for any fiscal year to any State which is eligible for such a grant under subsection (e) of this section shall equal 20 per centum of the amount apportioned to such State for fiscal year 1990 under section 402. [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] `(e) A State is eligible for a grant under this section if such State-- [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] `(1) has in force and effect a law requiring all occupants of a passenger automobile to use seatbelts; [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] `(2) has achieved-- [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] `(A) in the year immediately preceding a first-year grant, the lesser of either (i) 70 per centum seatbelt use by occupants and passenger automobiles in the State or (ii) an increase of at least 20 per centum over the rate of seatbelt use by such occupants achieved in 1989; [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] `(B) in the year immediately preceding a second-year grant, the lesser of either (i) 80 per centum seatbelt use by occupants or (ii) an increase of at least 35 per centum over the rate of seatbelt use by such occupants achieved in 1989; [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] `(C) in the year immediately preceding a third-year grant, the lesser of either (i) 90 per centum seatbelt use by occupants or (ii) an increase of at least 45 per centum over the rate of seatbelt use by such occupants achieved in 1989; and [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] `(3) has in force and effect an effective program, as determined by the Secretary, for encouraging the correct use of child restraint systems. [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] `(f) As used in this section, the term `child restraint system' has the meaning given such term in section 571.213 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, as in effect on the date of enactment of this section. [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] `(g) There are authorized to be appropriated, from any funds in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, to carry out this section, $10,000,000 for the fiscal year 1990, and $20,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1991 and 1992.'. [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] (b) The analysis of chapter 4 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end thereof the following: [<-Struck out] [Struck out->] `411. Seatbelt and child restraint programs.'. [<-Struck out] That this Act may be cited as the `National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Authorization Act of 1989'. DEFINITIONS SEC. 2. As used in this Act, the term-- (1) `multipurpose passenger vehicle' and `passenger automobile' shall have the meaning given such terms by the Secretary; and (2) `Secretary' means the Secretary of Transportation. TITLE I--AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS GENERAL AUTHORIZATIONS SEC. 101. (a) Section 121 of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 (15 U.S.C. 1409) is amended-- (1) by striking `and'; and (2) by striking the period and inserting in lieu thereof `, $65,424,000 for fiscal year 1990, and $68,433,000 for fiscal year 1991.'. (b) Section 111 of the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act (15 U.S.C. 1921) is amended-- (1) by striking `and'; and (2) by striking the period and inserting in lieu thereof `, $336,000 for fiscal year 1990, and $351,000 for fiscal year 1991.'. (c) Section 209 of the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act (15 U.S.C. 1949) is amended-- (1) by striking `and'; and (2) by striking the period and inserting in lieu thereof `, $2,384,000 for fiscal year 1990, and $2,493,000 for fiscal year 1991.'. (d) Section 417 of the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act (15 U.S.C. 1990g) is amended-- (1) by striking `and'; and (2) by striking the period and inserting in lieu thereof `, $640,000 for fiscal year 1990, and $669,000 for fiscal year 1991.'. (e) Section 211(b) of the National Driver Register Act of 1982 (23 U.S.C. 401 note) is amended)-- (1) by striking `and' the second time it appears; and (2) by inserting immediately before the period at the end the following: `not to exceed $5,315,000 for fiscal year 1990, and not to exceed $5,559,000 for fiscal year 1991'. COMMUNITY EDUCATION PROGRAM SEC. 102. In order to carry out a national program of community education regarding (1) drunk driving prevention and (2) the use and effectiveness of airbag technology, the Secretary may derive an additional amount not to exceed $10,000,000 from unobligated balances of funds made available for highway safety programs under section 408 of title 23, United States Code. Of the funds allocated to such efforts, not less than one-half shall be used for educational efforts related to airbags. Such amounts shall remain available until expended. TITLE II--SIDE IMPACT PROTECTION AND CRASHWORTHINESS DATA SIDE IMPACT PROTECTION SEC. 201. (a) The Secretary shall, not later than twelve months after the date of enactment of this Act, issue a final rule amending Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 214, published as section 571.214 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations. The rule shall establish performance criteria for improved protection for occupants of passenger automobiles in side impact accidents. (b) Not later than sixty days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue a notice of proposed rulemaking to extend the applicability of such Standard 214 to multipurpose passenger vehicles. The Secretary shall, not later than two years after such date of enactment, issue a final rule on such extension, taking into account the performance criteria established by the final rule issued in accordance with subsection (a). AUTOMOBILE CRASHWORTHINESS DATA SEC. 202. (a)(1) The Secretary shall, within thirty days after the date of enactment of this Act, enter into appropriate arrangements with the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a comprehensive study and investigation regarding means of establishing a method for calculating a uniform numerical rating which will enable consumers to compare meaningfully the crashworthiness of different passenger automobile and multipurpose passenger vehicle makes and models. (2) Such study shall include examination of current and proposed crashworthiness tests and testing procedures and shall be directed to determining whether additional objective, accurate, and relevant information regarding the comparative crashworthiness of different passenger automobile and multipurpose passenger vehicle makes and models reasonably can be provided to consumers by means of a crashworthiness rating rule. Such study shall include examination of at least the following proposed elements of a crashworthiness rating rule: (A) information on the degree to which different passenger automobile and multipurpose passenger vehicle makes and models will protect occupants across the range of motor vehicle crash types when in use on public roads; (B) a repeatable and objective test which is capable of identifying meaningful differences in the degree of crash protection provided occupants by the vehicles tested, with respect to such aspects of crashworthiness as occupant crash protection with and without use of manual seatbelts fuel system integrity, and other relevant aspects; (C) ratings which are accurate, simple in form, readily understandable, and of benefit to consumers in making informed decisions in the purchase of automobiles; (D) dissemination of comparative crashworthiness ratings to consumers either at the time of introduction of a new passenger automobile or multipurpose passenger vehicle make or model or very soon after such time of introduction; and (E) the development and dissemination of crashworthiness data at a cost which is reasonably balanced with the benefits of such data to consumers in making informed purchase decisions. (3) Any such arrangement shall require the National Academy of Sciences to report to the Secretary and the Congress not later than nineteen months after the date of enactment of this Act on the results of such study and investigation, together with its recommendations. The Secretary shall, to the extent permitted by law, furnish to the Academy upon its request any information which the Academy considers necessary to conduct the investigation and study required by this subsection. (4) Within sixty days after transmittal of the report of the National Academy of Sciences to the Secretary and the Congress under paragraph (3) of this subsection, the Secretary shall initiate a period (not longer than ninety days) for public comment on implementation of the recommendations of the National Academy of Sciences with respect to a rule promulgated under title II of the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act (15 U.S.C. 1901 et seq.) establishing an objectively based system for determining and publishing accurate comparative crashworthiness ratings for different makes and models of passenger automobiles and multipurpose passenger vehicles. (5) Not later than one hundred and eighty days after the close of the public comment period provided for in paragraph (4) of this subsection, the Secretary shall determine, on the basis of the report of the National Academy of Sciences and the public comments on such report, whether an objectively based system can be established by means of which accurate and relevant information can be derived that reasonably predicts the degree to which different makes and models of passenger automobiles and multipurpose passenger vehicles provide protection to occupants against the risk of personal injury or death as a result of motor vehicle accidents. The Secretary shall promptly publish the basis of such determination, and shall transmit such determination to the Congress. (b)(1) If the Secretary determines that the system described in subsection (a)(5) of this section can be established, the Secretary shall, subject to the exception provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, not later than three years after the date of enactment of this Act, promulgate a final rule under section 201 of the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act (15 U.S.C. 1941) establishing an objectively based system for determining and publishing accurate comparative crashworthiness ratings for different makes and models of passenger automobiles and multipurpose passenger vehicles. The rule promulgated under such section 201 shall be practicable and shall provide to the public relevant objective information in a simple and readily understandable form in order to facilitate comparison among the various makes and models of passenger automobiles and multipurpose passenger vehicles so as to contribute meaningfully to informed purchase decisions. (2) The Secretary shall not promulgate such rule unless (A) a period of sixty calendar days has passed after the Secretary has transmitted to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and to the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives a summary of the comments received during the period for public comment specified in subsection (a)(4) of this section, or (B) each such committee before the expiration of such sixty-day period has transmitted to the Secretary written notice to the effect that such committee has no objection to the promulgation of such rule. (c) If the Secretary promulgates a rule under subsection (b) of this section, not later than six months after such promulgation, the Secretary shall by rule establish procedures requiring passenger automobile and multipurpose passenger vehicle dealers to make available to prospective passenger automobile and multipurpose passenger vehicle purchasers information developed by the Secretary and provided to the dealer which contains data comparing the crashworthiness of passenger automobiles and multipurpose passenger vehicles. TITLE III--MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS STANDARDS COMPLIANCE SEC. 301. Section 103 of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 (15 U.S.C. 1392) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: `(j)(1) The Secretary shall establish a schedule for use in ensuring compliance with each Federal motor vehicle safety standard established under this Act which the Secretary determines is capable of being tested. Such schedule shall ensure that each such standard is the subject of testing and evaluation on a regular, rotating basis. `(2) The Secretary shall, not later than six months after the date of enactment of this subsection, conduct a review of the method for the collection of data regarding accidents related to Federal motor vehicle safety standards established under this Act. The Secretary shall consider the desirability of collecting data in addition to that information collected as of the date of enactment of this subsection, and shall estimate the costs involved in the collection of such additional data, as well as the benefits to safety likely to be derived from such collection. If the Secretary determines that such benefits outweigh the costs of such collection, the Secretary shall collect such additional data and utilize it in determining which motor vehicles should be the subject of testing for compliance with Federal motor vehicle safety standards established under this Act.'. INVESTIGATION AND PENALTY PROCEDURES SEC. 302. (a) Section 112(a)(1) of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 (15 U.S.C. 1401(a)(1)) is amended by adding at the end the following: `The Secretary shall establish written guidelines and procedures for conducting any inspection or investigation regarding noncompliance with this title or any rules, regulations, or orders issued under this title. Such guidelines and procedures shall indicate timetables for processing of such inspections and investigations to ensure that such processing occurs in an expeditious and thorough manner. In addition, the Secretary shall develop criteria and procedures for use in determining when the results of such an investigation should be considered by the Secretary to be the subject of a civil penalty under section 109 of this title. Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to limit the ability of the Secretary to exceed any time limitation specified in such timetables where the Secretary determines that additional time is necessary for the processing of any such inspection or investigation.'. (b) Section 109(a) of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 (15 U.S.C. 1398(a)) is amended by adding at the end thereof the following: `The Secretary shall establish procedures for determining the manner in which, and the time within which, a determination should be made regarding whether a civil penalty should be imposed under this section. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to limit the ability of the Secretary to exceed any time limitation specified for making any such determination where the Secretary determines that additional time is necessary for making a determination regarding whether a civil penalty should be imposed under this section.'. TRAFFIC SAFETY FOR HANDICAPPED INDIVIDUALS SEC. 303. (a) The Congress finds that-- (1) a number of States fail to recognize the symbols of other States for the identification of motor vehicles transporting individuals with handicaps that limit or impair the ability to walk; and (2) the failure to recognize such symbols increases the likelihood that such individuals will be involved in traffic accident incidents resulting in injury or death, posing a threat to the safety of such individuals as well as the safety of the operators of motor vehicles and others. (b)(1) After the date that is eighteen months following the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall require that each State provide for the implementation of a uniform system for handicapped parking designed to enhance the safety of handicapped and nonhandicapped individuals. If a State fails to meet such requirement, the funds that would otherwise be apportioned to the State under section 402 of title 23, United States Code, shall be reduced by 2 percent, until such time as the Secretary determines that the requirement is being met. (2) For purposes of this subsection, a uniform system for handicapped parking designed to enhance the safety of handicapped and nonhandicapped individuals is a system which-- (A) adopts the international symbol of access (as adopted by Rehabilitation International in 1969 at its Eleventh World Congress on Rehabilitation of the Disabled) as the only recognized symbol for the identification of vehicles used for transporting individuals with handicaps which limit or impair the ability to walk; (B) provides for the issuance of license plates displaying the international symbol of access for vehicles which will be used to transport individuals with handicaps which limit or impair the ability to walk, under criteria determined by the State; (C) provides for the issuance of removable windshield placards (displaying the international symbol of access) to individuals with handicaps which limit or impair the ability to walk, under criteria determined by the State; (D) provides that fees charged for the licensing or registration of a vehicle used to transport such individuals with handicaps do not exceed fees charged for the licensing or registration of other similar vehicles operated in the State; and (E) for purposes of easy access parking, recognizes licenses and placards displaying the international symbol of access which have been issued by other States and countries. (c) Beginning not later than twenty-four months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall annually evaluate compliance by the States with the requirement established by the Secretary under subsection (b). The Secretary shall submit to Congress an annual report regarding such evaluation. MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE SAFETY SEC. 304. (a) The Congress finds that-- (1) multipurpose passenger vehicles have become increasingly popular during this decade and are being used increasingly for the transportation of passengers, not property; and (2) the safety of passengers in multipurpose passenger vehicles has been compromised by the failure to apply to them the Federal motor vehicle safety standards applicable to passenger automobiles. (b) In addition to the rulemaking requirements applicable to multipurpose passenger vehicles under other provisions of this Act, the Secretary shall initiate (not later than sixty days after the date of enactment of this Act) and complete (not later than twelve months after such date of enactment) a rulemaking to revise, where appropriate, in accordance with the applicable provisions of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 (15 U.S.C. 1381 et seq.), including the provisions of section 103(a) of such Act (15 U.S.C. 1392(a)) requiring that Federal motor vehicle safety standards be practicable, meet the need for motor vehicle safety, and be stated in objective terms-- (1) Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 216, published as section 571.216 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, to provide minimum roof crush resistance standards for multipurpose passenger vehicles; (2) Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108, published as section 571.108 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, to provide for a single, high-mounted stoplamp on multipurpose passenger vehicles; and (3) Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 208, published as section 571.208 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, to extend the requirements of outboard front seat passive restraint occupant protection systems to multipurpose passenger vehicles. (c) In accordance with the applicable provisions of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 (15 U.S.C. 1381 et seq.), including the provisions of section 103(a) of such Act (15 U.S.C. 1392(a)) requiring that Federal motor vehicle safety standards be practicable, meet the need for motor vehicle safety, and be stated in objective terms, the Secretary shall, not later than twelve months after the date of enactment of this Act, complete a rulemaking-- (1) to review the system of classification of vehicles with a gross vehicle weight under ten thousand pounds to determine if such vehicles should be reclassified; (2) to revise Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 202, published as section 571.202 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, to provide for head restraints for multipurpose passenger vehicles; and (3) to consider establishment of a Federal motor vehicle safety standard to protect against unreasonable risk of rollover of multipurpose passenger vehicles. Any reclassification pursuant to paragraph (1) shall, to the maximum extent practicable, classify as a passenger automobile every motor vehicle determined by the Department of the Treasury or United States Customs Service to be a motorcar or other motor vehicle principally designed for the transport of persons under heading 8703 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States. Nothing in this section shall prevent the Secretary from classifying as a passenger automobile any motor vehicle determined by the Department of the Treasury or United States Customs Service to be a motor vehicle for the transport of goods under heading 8704 of such Harmonized Tariff Schedule. REAR SEATBELTS SEC. 305. (a) In accordance with applicable provisions of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 (15 U.S.C. 1381 et seq.), the Secretary shall complete, within twelve months after the date of enactment of this Act, a rulemaking to amend Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 208, published as section 571.208 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, to provide that the outboard rear seat passengers of all passenger automobiles, except convertibles, manufactured on or after September 1, 1989, shall have lap and shoulder seatbelt protection, and that the outboard rear seat passengers of all multipurpose passenger vehicles and all convertible passenger automobiles manufactured on or after September 1, 1991, shall have lap and shoulder seatbelt protection. (b) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, not less than 10 percent of the funds authorized to be appropriated under section 209 of the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act (15 U.S.C. 1949) in fiscal years 1990 and 1991 shall be utilized to disseminate information to consumers regarding the manner in which passenger automobiles may be retrofitted with lap and shoulder rear seatbelts. CERTIFICATION OF BUMPERS SEC. 306. The Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act (15 U.S.C. 1901 et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 102 the following new subsection: `DISCLOSURE OF BUMPER IMPACT CAPABILITY `SEC. 102A. (a) The Secretary shall promulgate, in accordance with the provisions of this section, a regulation establishing passenger motor vehicle bumper system labeling requirements. Such regulation shall apply to passenger motor vehicles manufactured for model years beginning more than one hundred and eighty days after the date such regulation is promulgated, as provided in subsection (c)(2) of this section. `(b)(1) The regulation required to be promulgated in subsection (a) of this section shall provide that, before any passenger motor vehicle is offered for sale, the manufacturer shall affix a label to such vehicle, in a format prescribed in such regulation, disclosing an impact speed at which the manufacturer represents that the vehicle meets the applicable damage criteria. `(2) For purposes of this subsection, the term `applicable damage criteria' means the damage criteria applicable under section 581.5(c) of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of enactment of this section). `(c)(1) Not later than ninety days after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall publish in the Federal Register a proposed initial regulation under this section. `(2) Not later than one hundred and eighty days after such date of enactment, the Secretary shall promulgate a final initial regulation under this section. `(d) The Secretary may allow a manufacturer to comply with the labeling requirements of subsection (b) of this section by permitting such manufacturer to make the bumper system impact speed disclosure required in subsection (b) of this section on the label required by section 506 of this Act or section 3 of the Automobile Information Disclosure Act (15 U.S.C. 1232). `(e) The regulation promulgated under subsection (a) of this section shall provide that the information disclosed under this section be provided to the Secretary at the beginning of the model year for the model involved. As soon as practicable after receiving such information, the Secretary shall furnish and distribute to the public such information in a simple and readily understandable form in order to facilitate comparison among the various types of passenger motor vehicles. The Secretary may by rule require automobile dealers to distribute to prospective purchasers any information compiled pursuant to this subsection. `(f) For purposes of this section, the term `passenger motor vehicle' means any motor vehicle to which the standard under part 581 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, is applicable.'. CHILD BOOSTER SEATS SEC. 307. (a) In accordance with applicable provisions of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 (15 U.S.C. 1381 et seq.), the Secretary shall conduct a rulemaking to amend Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213, published as section 571.213 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, to increase the safety of child booster seats used in passenger automobiles. The rulemaking shall be initiated not later than thirty days after the date of enactment of this Act and completed not later than twelve months after such date of enactment. (b) As used in this section, the term `child booster seat' has the meaning given the term `booster seat' in section 571.213 of title 49, of Code of Federal Regulations, as in effect on the date of the enactment of this Act. AIRBAG REQUIREMENT FOR FEDERAL PASSENGER VEHICLES SEC. 308. The Secretary, in cooperation with the Administrator of General Services and the heads of other appropriate Federal agencies, shall establish a program requiring that all passenger automobiles acquired after September 30, 1990, for use by the Federal Government be equipped, to the maximum extent practicable, with driver-side airbags and that all passenger automobiles acquired after September 30, 1993, for use by the Federal Government be equipped, to the maximum extent practicable, with airbags for both the driver and front seat outboard passenger seating positions. STATE MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY INSPECTION PROGRAMS SEC. 309. Part A of title III of the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act (15 U.S.C. 1961 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following new section: `STATE MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY INSPECTION PROGRAMS `SEC. 304. (a) The Secretary shall, within thirty days after the date of the enactment of this section, enter into appropriate arrangements with the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a study of the effectiveness of State motor vehicle safety inspection programs in-- `(1) reducing motor vehicle accidents that result in injuries and deaths; and `(2) limiting the number of defective or unsafe motor vehicles on the highways. `(b)(1) The study shall include an evaluation of the implementation, inspection criteria, personnel, budgeting, and enforcement of all types of State motor vehicle inspection programs or periodic motor vehicle inspection programs, including inspections of motor vehicle brakes, glass, steering, suspension, and tires. `(2) If warranted by the study, the National Academy of Sciences shall develop and submit to the Congress recommendations for an effective and efficient State motor vehicle safety inspection program. `(c) The study shall also consider the feasibility of use by States of private organizations to conduct motor vehicle safety inspection programs of combining safety and emission inspection programs. `(d) Appropriate public and private agencies and organizations, including the Secretary, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, affected industries and consumer organizations, State and local officials, and the motor vehicle insurance industry should be consulted in conducting the study required under this section. `(e) The study required by subsection (a) shall be completed and transmitted to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives within nineteen months after the date of enactment of this section.'. RECALL OF CERTAIN MOTOR VEHICLES SEC. 310. (a) Section 153 of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 (15 U.S.C. 1413) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsections: `(d) If the Secretary determines that a notification sent by a manufacturer pursuant to subsection (c) of this section has not resulted in an adequate number of vehicles or items of equipment being returned for remedy, the Secretary may direct the manufacturer to send a second notification in such manner as the Secretary may by regulation prescribe. `(e)(1) Any lessor who receives a notification required by section 151 or 152 pertaining to any leased motor vehicle shall send a copy of such notice to the lessee in such manner as the Secretary may by regulation prescribe. `(2) For purposes of this subsection, the term `leased motor vehicle' means any motor vehicle which is leased to a person for a term of at least four months by a lessor who has leased five or more vehicles in the twelve months preceding the date of the notification.'. (b) Section 154 of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 (15 U.S.C. 1414) is amended by adding at the end the following: `(d) If notification is required under section 151 or by an order under section 152(b) and has been furnished by the manufacturer to a dealer of motor vehicles with respect to any new motor vehicle or new item of replacement equipment in the dealer's possession at the time of notification which fails to comply with an applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standard or contains a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety, such dealer may sell or lease such motor vehicle or item of replacement equipment only if-- `(1) the defect or failure to comply with has been remedied in accordance with this section before delivery under such sale or lease; or `(2) in the case of notification required by an order under section 152(b), enforcement of the order has been restrained in an action to which section 155(a) applies or such order has been set aside in such an action. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to prohibit any dealer from offering for sale or lease such vehicle or item of equipment.'. STUDY OF DARKENED WINDOWS SEC. 311. The Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shall conduct a study of the use of darkened windshields and window glass in passenger automobiles. In particular, the study shall consider the effects of such use on the safe operation of passenger automobiles, as well as on the hazards from such use to the safety of law enforcement personnel. In conducting such study, the Administrator shall consult with appropriate industry representatives, officials of law enforcement departments and agencies, and consumer representatives. The Administrator shall submit the results of such study to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives not later than six months after the date of enactment of this Act. PETITIONS REGARDING CORPORATE AVERAGE FUEL ECONOMY STANDARDS SEC. 312. Section 502(d)(1) of the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act (15 U.S.C. 2002(d)(1)) is amended by striking `1980. Such application' and inserting in lieu thereof the following: `1980, or for any model year after model year 1991. Any application seeking such modification'. JUDICIAL REVIEW OF ACTIONS ON CERTAIN PETITIONS SEC. 313. Section 124(d) of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 (15 U.S.C. 1410a(d)) is amended by adding at the end the following: `The denial of such petition is final agency action subject to judicial review as provided in section 706 of title 5, United States Code.'. BUMPER STANDARD SEC. 314. (a) Not later than one year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall amend the bumper standard published as part 581 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, to ensure that such standard is identical to the bumper standard under such part 581 which was in effect on January 1, 1982. The amended standard shall apply to all passenger automobiles manufactured after September 1, 1990. (b) Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit the Secretary from requiring under such part 581 that passenger automobile bumpers be capable of resisting impact speeds higher than those specified in the bumper standard in effect under such part 581 on January 1, 1982. GRANT PROGRAM CONCERNING USE OF SEATBELTS AND CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEMS SEC. 315. (a) Chapter 4 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section: `Sec. 411. Seatbelt and child restraint programs `(a) Subject to the provisions of this section, the Secretary shall make grants to those States which adopt and implement seatbelt and child restraint programs which include measures described in this section to foster the increased use of seatbelts and the correct use of child restraint systems. Such grants may only be used by recipient States to implement and enforce such measures. `(b) No grant may be made to a State under this section in any fiscal year unless such State enters into such agreements with the Secretary as the Secretary may require to ensure that such State will maintain its aggregate expenditures from all other sources for seatbelt and child restraint programs at or above the average level of such expenditures in its two fiscal years preceding the date of enactment of this section. `(c) No State may receive grants under this section in more than three fiscal years. The Federal share payable for any grant under this section shall not exceed-- `(1) in the first fiscal year a State receives a grant under this section, 75 percent of the cost of implementing and enforcing in such fiscal year the seatbelt and child restraint program adopted by the State pursuant to subsection (a) of this section; `(2) in the second fiscal year the State receives a grant under this section, 50 percent of the cost of implementing and enforcing in such fiscal year such program; and `(3) in the third fiscal year the State receives a grant under this section, 25 percent of the cost of implementing and enforcing in such fiscal year such program. `(d) Subject to subsection (c), the amount of a grant made under this section for any fiscal year to any State which is eligible for such a grant under subsection (e) of this section shall equal 20 percent of the amount apportioned to such State for fiscal year 1990 under section 402. `(e) A State is eligible for a grant under this section if such State-- `(1) has in force and effect a law requiring all front seat occupants of a passenger automobile to use seatbelts; `(2) has achieved-- `(A) in the year immediately preceding a first-year grant, the lesser of either (i) 70 percent seatbelt use by all front seat occupants of passenger automobiles in the State or (ii) a rate of seatbelt use by all such occupants that is 20 percentage points higher than the rate achieved in 1989; `(B) in the year immediately preceding a second-year grant, the lesser of either (i) 80 percent seatbelt use by all such occupants or (ii) the rate of seatbelt use by all such occupants that is 35 percentage points higher than the rate achieved in 1989; and `(C) in the year immediately preceding a third-year grant, the lesser of either (i) 90 percent seatbelt use by all such occupants or (ii) the rate of seatbelt use by all such occupants that is 45 percentage points higher than the rate achieved in 1989; and `(3) has in force and effect an effective program, as determined by the Secretary, for encouraging the correct use of child restraint systems. `(f) As used in this section, the term `child restraint system' has the meaning given such term in section 571.213 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, as in effect on the date of enactment of this section. `(g) There are authorized to be appropriated, from any funds in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, to carry out this section, $10,000,000 for the fiscal year 1990, and $20,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1991 and 1992.'. (b) The analysis of chapter 4 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end thereof the following: `411. Seatbelt and child restraint programs.'. METHODS OF REDUCING HEAD INJURIES SEC. 316. The Secretary shall initiate (not later than sixty days after the date of enactment of this Act) and complete (not later than two years after such date of enactment) a rulemaking to revise the appropriate Federal motor vehicle safety standards, in accordance with the applicable provisions of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 (15 U.S.C. 1381 et seq.), including the provisions of section 103(a) of such Act (15 U.S.C. 1392(a)) requiring that Federal motor vehicle safety standards be practicable, meet the need for motor vehicle safety, and be stated in objective terms. Such rulemaking shall consider methods of reducing head injuries in passenger automobiles and multipurpose passenger vehicles from contact with vehicle interior components, including those in the head impact area as defined in section 571.3(b) of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, as in effect on the date of enactment of this Act. PEDESTRIAN SAFETY SEC. 317. The Secretary shall initiate (not later than six months after the date of enactment of this Act) and complete (not later than two years after such date of enactment) a rulemaking to consider the establishment of a standard to minimize pedestrian death and injury, including injury to the head, thorax, and legs, attributable to vehicle components. Any such standard shall be established in accordance with the applicable provisions of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 (15 U.S.C. 1381 et seq.), including the provisions of section 103(a) of such Act (15 U.S.C. 1392(a)) requiring that Federal motor vehicle safety standards be practicable, meet the need for motor vehicle safety, and be stated in objective terms. S 673 RS----2 S 673 RS----3 S 673 RS----4 S 673 RS----5 S 673 RS----6 The analysis of chapter 4 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end thereof the following: `411. Seatbelt and child restraint programs.'. METHODS OF REDUCING HEAD INJURIES SEC. 316. The Secretary shall initiate (not later than sixty days afte
Introduced in Senate
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce.
Subcommittee on Consumer. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 101-34.
Committee on Commerce. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
Committee on Commerce. Reported to Senate by Senator Hollings with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 101-49.
Committee on Commerce. Reported to Senate by Senator Hollings with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 101-49.
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 121.
Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent.
The committee substitute as amended agreed to by Voice Vote.
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Voice Vote.
Passed Senate with an amendment by Voice Vote.
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Received in the House.
Held at the desk.
Referred jointly to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Referred jointly to the House Committee on Public Works + Transportation.
Executive Comment Requested from DOT and OMB.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Surface Transportation.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Transportation and Hazardous Materials.