To authorize appropriations for the motor vehicle safety and information and cost savings programs of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for fiscal years 2005 through 2007, and for other purposes.

Bill: 108-hr-4167
Sponsor: Rep. Stearns, Cliff [R-FL-6]
Introduced: 2004-04-02 in the House
Policy area: Transportation and Public Works
Subjects: Administrative procedure
Alternative energy sources
Authorization
Automobile industry
Automobile insurance
Automobile parts
Automobile repair
Automobile theft
Business records
Civil actions and liability
Commerce
Consumer education
Crime and Law Enforcement
Damages
Data banks
Department of Transportation
Driver education
Economics and Public Finance
Education
Electric vehicles
Elementary and secondary education
Energy
Finance and Financial Sector
Fines (Penalties)
Government Operations and Politics
Government paperwork
Hydrogen
Information services
Insurance companies
International Affairs
International cooperation
Internet
Labeling
Law
Motor buses
Motor vehicle safety
Natural gas vehicles
Product safety
Risk
Safety appliances
School buses
Science, Technology, Communications
Seat belts
Standards
Technological innovations
Transportation research
Treaties

Summary:
action_date: 2004-04-02
text: 
Amends Federal transportation law to authorize appropriations for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
 
Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to participate and cooperate through various means in international activities to enhance motor vehicle and traffic safety.
 
Prohibits a person from affixing a certification label to a motor vehicle or motor vehicle equipment item unless the person has either performed tests or documented the basis for certifying compliance with applicable safety standards.
 
Applies certain defect and motor vehicle safety noncompliance notification requirements to original motor vehicle equipment.
 
Prohibits a dealer from selling a used motor vehicle for other than resale or leasing a used motor vehicle until the dealer informs the purchaser or lessee of any notification of a vehicle defect or noncompliance that has not been remedied and certain other requirements are met.
 
Requires a motor vehicle manufacturer to establish an Internet-accessible record system that used motor vehicle dealers and the public may access, without charge, to determine whether a manufacturer's vehicle has been subject to any notification of a defect or noncompliance that has not been remedied.
 
Requires a person who owns or leases a school bus or motor vehicle used to transport passengers for compensation, and who receives notice of a defect or noncompliance, from operating the vehicle until the defect or noncompliance is remedied.
 
Prohibits a Federal motor vehicle standard from requiring or allowing a manufacturer to comply with it by using a safety belt interlock designed to prevent starting or operating a motor vehicle if the occupant is not using a safety belt.
 
Authorizes the Secretary to expend a specified amount per year to conduct a safety research initiative for alternative fuel vehicles and research into vehicle-based driver assistance technologies.
 
Authorizes appropriations for the NHTSA to carry out certain motor vehicle information and cost savings requirements.
 
Increases civil penalties for persons who violate the prohibition against tampering with motor vehicle odometers.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2004-04-23
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection.
action_date: 2004-04-02
text: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
action_date: 2004-04-02
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2004-04-02
text: Introduced in House