United States Code Title 49 — Transportation

§ 32511. Relationship to other motor vehicle standards

§ 32511.

Relationship to other motor vehicle standards

(a)

Preemption.—

Except as provided in this section, a State or a political subdivision of a State may prescribe or enforce a bumper standard for a passenger motor vehicle or passenger motor vehicle equipment only if the standard is identical to a standard prescribed under section 32502 of this title.

(b)

Enforcement.—

This chapter and chapter 301 of this title do not affect the authority of a State to enforce a bumper standard about an aspect of performance of a passenger motor vehicle or passenger motor vehicle equipment not covered by a standard prescribed under section 32502 of this title if the State bumper standard—

(1)

does not conflict with a standard prescribed under chapter 301 of this title; and

(2)

was in effect or prescribed by the State on October 20, 1972.

(c)

Additional and Higher Standards of Performance.—

The United States Government, a State, or a political subdivision of a State may prescribe a bumper standard for a passenger motor vehicle or passenger motor vehicle equipment obtained for its own use that imposes additional or higher standards of performance than a standard prescribed under section 32502 of this title.