Motor Vehicle and Schoolbus Safety Amendments of 1974

(LATEST SUMMARY)

Motor Vehicle and Schoolbus Safety Amendments - =Title I: Motor Vehicle Safety= - Authorizes to be appropriated, to carry out the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966, $55,000,000 and $60,000,000 for fiscal years 1975 and 1976, respectively.

Requires a manufacturer of motor vehicles or tires to notify the Secretary of Transportation and owners, purchasers and dealers of any defect or failure to comply with any Federal motor vehicle safety standard. Prescribes procedures for notification by the Secretary to manufacturers if such defect or failure to comply is determined through testing and research carried out pursuant to this Act. Sets forth the form, time, and contents of such required notices.

Directs manufacturers to remedy the defect or failure to comply without charge through either repair, replacement or refund procedures.

Provides for the enforcement of notification and remedy orders, setting forth the procedures for civil actions under this Act.

Provides an exemption from giving notice and remedying where the defect or failure to comply is inconsequential.

Prescribes the information, disclosure, and recordkeeping duties of manufacturers of motor vehicles and tires regarding any defects or failures to comply.

Defines the terms used in this Act. Makes technical and conforming amendments to specified acts.

Authorizes the Secretary to conduct inspections and investigations necessary for enforcement or which relate to the facts of any motor vehicle accident related to this Act. Enumerates the administrative powers of the Secretary in carrying out such inspections and investigations.

States that whenever a manufacturer opposes an action of the Secretary on the ground of increased cost the manufacturer shall submit such cost information as necessary to properly evaluate the manufacturer's statement.

Permits any interested person to file a petition with regard to agency responsibility.

Directs the Secretary to promulgate a fuel system integrity standard, within 90 days after the effective date of this Act, to protect occupants of vehicles from fuel-fed fires.

Provides that such fuel standard shall be effective on or after September 1, 1977.

Prohibits the sale of regrooved tires in interstate commerce except upon approval of the Secretary based on his finding that such tires are designed and constructed in a manner consistent with the purposes of this Act.

Prohibits mandatory Federal motor vehicle standards requiring a safety belt interlock system, any warning device other than a warning light to indicate that safety belts are not fastened, or any occupant restraint system other than integrated lap and shoulder belts for front outboard occupants and lap belts for other occupants.

=Title II: Schoolbus Safety= - Directs the Secretary to publish proposed Federal motor vehicle safety standards for schoolbuses and schoolbus equipment, setting forth minimum standards for specified aspects of performance, including: (1) emergency exists; (2) interior protection for occupants; (3) floor strength; (4) seating systems; (5) crash worthiness of body and frame (including protection against rollover hazards); (6) vehicle operating systems; (7) windows and windshields; and (8) fuel systems.

=Title III: Motor Vehcile Demonstration Projects= - Directs the Secretary to establish a special motor vehicle diagnostic inspection demonstration project to assist in the development of inspection and diagnostic equipment for standardized, high-volume inspection facilities.