[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 49, Volume 5]
[Revised as of October 1, 2004]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 49CFR554.10]

[Page 148]
 
                        TITLE 49--TRANSPORTATION
 
                   CHAPTER V--NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC
                    SAFETY ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT
                            OF TRANSPORTATION
 
PART 554_STANDARDS ENFORCEMENT AND DEFECTS INVESTIGATION--Table of 
Contents
 
Sec. 554.10  Initial determinations and public meetings.

    (a) An initial decision of failure to comply with safety standards 
or of a safety-related defect is made by the Administrator or his 
delegate based on the completed investigative file compiled by the 
appropriate office.
    (b) The decision is communicated to the manufacturer in a letter 
which makes available all information on which the decision is based. 
The letter advises the manufacturer of his right to present information, 
views, and arguments to establish that there is no defect or failure to 
comply or that the alleged defect does not affect motor vehicle safety. 
The letter also specifies the time and place of a public meeting for the 
presentation of arguments or sets a date by which written comments must 
be submitted. Submission of all information, whether at a public meeting 
or in written form, is normally scheduled about 30 days after the 
initial decision. The deadline for submission of information can be 
extended for good cause shown.
    (c) Public notice of an initial decision is made in a Federal 
Register notice that--
    (1) Identifies the motor vehicle or item of equipment and its 
manufacturer;
    (2) Summarizes the information on which the decision is based.
    (3) Gives the location of all information available for public 
examination; and
    (4) States the time and place of a public meeting or the deadline 
for written submission in which the manufacturer and interested persons 
may present information, views, and arguments respecting the decision.
    (d) A transcript of the public meeting is kept and exhibits may be 
offered. There is no cross-examination of witnesses.

[45 FR 10797, Feb. 19, 1980, as amended at 60 FR 17267, Apr. 5, 1995]