§30147 Responsibility for Defects and Noncompliance

Summary

When enforcing sections 30117(b), 30118–30121, and 30166(f), the Secretary of Transportation will treat an imported vehicle that was made for import into the United States, has a valid 30146(a)(1) certification, and is found substantially similar to a U.S. model as having the same defect or noncompliance unless the original manufacturer or a registered importer under section 30141(c) proves otherwise. The Secretary must publish any such defect or noncompliance in the Federal Register. A registered importer is treated as the vehicle’s manufacturer for any car it imports or brings into compliance under section 30142. The Secretary must also require each registered importer (including successors) to show and keep proof, acceptable to the Secretary, that they have enough financial responsibility to meet obligations under sections 30117(b), 30118–30121, and 30166(f).