Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act Amendments

(Measure passed House, amended, roll call #15 (369-18))

Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act Amendments - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish a special motor vehicle diagnostic inspection demonstration project to assist in the research, rapid development, and evaluation of advanced inspection, analysis, and diagnostic equipment suitable for use by any State in any high volume inspection facility designed to assess the safety, noise, emissions, and fuel efficiency of motor vehicles.

Authorizes appropirations for the purposes of provisions of the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act for fiscal years 1976 and 1977.

Stipulates that for purposes of such Act the term "dealer" shall mean any person who has sold five or more motor vehicles in the past 12 months to purchasers who in good faith purchase such vehicles for purposes other than resale.

Provides for such purposes the term 'distributor' shall mean any person who has sold five or more vehicles in the past 12 months for resale.

Prohibits any person from causing to be disconnected, reset, or altered, the odometer of any motor vehicle with intent to change the number of indicated miles.

States that no person shall with intent to defraud operate a motor vehicle on any street or highway knowing that the odometer of such vehicle is disconnected or nonfunctional.

Prohibits the removal or alteration of specified notices relating to odometer changes which are affixed to motor vehicles under the provisions of such Act.

Stipulates that any person who commits violations of specified provisions of such Act shall be subject to a civil penalty not to exceed $1,000 for each such violation. States that a violation any such provision shall constitute a separate violation with respect to each motor vehicle or device involved, except that the maximum civil penalty shall not exceed $100,000 for any related series of violations.

Provides for criminal penalties of up to $50,000 for violations of such Act by any person who knowingly and willfully commits such violations.

Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to conduct inspections or investigations necessary for enforcement.

States that information obtained indicating noncompliance with such Act, or any rules, regulations, or orders, may be referred to the Attorney General for investigative consideration.

Provides for administrative warrants under such Act to facilitate inspections pertaining thereto.

Authorizes to be appropriated to carry out this Act $450,000 for fiscal year 1976; $100,000 for the period beginning June 30, 1976, and ending September 30, 1976; and $650,000 for fiscal year 1977.