32:26-5. Vehicular equipment
(a) In the interest of vehicular and public safety, the commission may study the need for or desirability of the establishment of or changes in performance requirements or restrictions for any item of equipment. As a result of such study, the commission may publish a report relating to any item or items of equipment, and the issuance of such a report shall be a condition precedent to any proceedings or other action provided or authorized by this Article. No less than 60 days after the publication of a report containing the results of such study, the commission upon due notice shall hold a hearing or hearings at such place or places as it may determine.
(b) Following the hearing or hearings provided for in subdivision (a) of this Article, and with due regard for standards recommended by appropriate professional and technical associations and agencies, the commission may issue rules, regulations or codes embodying performance requirements or restrictions for any item or items of equipment covered in the report, which in the opinion of the commission will be fair and equitable and effectuate the purposes of this compact.
(c) Each party State obligates itself to give due consideration to any and all rules, regulations and codes issued by the commission and hereby declares its policy and intent to be the promotion of uniformity in the laws of the several party States relating to equipment.
(d) The commission shall send prompt notice of its action in issuing any rule, regulation or code pursuant to this Article to the appropriate motor vehicle agency of each party State and such notice shall contain the complete text of the rule, regulation or code.
(e) If the constitution of a party State requires, or if its statutes provide, the approval of the Legislature by appropriate resolution or act may be made a condition precedent to the taking effect in such party State of any rule, regulation or code. In such event, the commissioner of such party State shall submit any commission rule, regulation or code to the Legislature as promptly as may be in lieu of administrative acceptance or rejection thereof by the party State.
(f) Except as otherwise specifically provided in or pursuant to subdivisions (e) and (g) of this Article, the appropriate motor vehicle agency of a party State shall in accordance with its constitution or procedural laws adopt the rule, regulation or code within 6 months of the sending of the notice, and, upon such adoption, the rule, regulation or code shall have the force and effect of law therein.
(g) The appropriate motor vehicle agency of a party State may decline to adopt a rule, regulation or code issued by the commission pursuant to this Article if such agency specifically finds, after public hearing on due notice, that a variation from the commission's rule, regulation or code is necessary to the public safety, and incorporates in such finding the reasons upon which it is based. Any such finding shall be subject to review by such procedure for review of administrative determinations as may be applicable pursuant to the laws of the party State. Upon request, the commission shall be furnished with a copy of the transcript of any hearings held pursuant to this subdivision.
L.1964, c. 54, s. 1.