§33105 Cost Limitations

Summary

Makes sure safety rules do not cost car makers too much. A rule cannot force a motor vehicle maker to pay more than $15 for each vehicle to follow it. For makers of major replacement parts, the rule cannot force costs per part higher than a reasonable amount set by the Secretary of Transportation, and that amount must be less than $15. If a maker was marking engines or transmissions on October 25, 1984 in a way that largely met the rule, those marking costs are not counted toward the limits, and the maker cannot be forced to switch to a more expensive marking system than the one used on that date. Each year the $15 and the per-part limit are adjusted for inflation. The Secretary of Labor computes the percent change using the yearly average Consumer Price Index (all items — U.S. city average) compared to calendar year 1984, tells the Secretary of Transportation, and publishes it in the Federal Register; that percent changes the limits for model years starting that calendar year.