Md. Code Ann., Transp. § 22-419
Counterfeit or nonfunctional airbags
Effective Oct 1, 2016Added by Acts 2016, c. 456, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2016; Acts 2016, c. 457, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2016.State of Maryland
(a)
- (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)
(i) “Airbag” means a motor vehicle inflatable occupant-restraint system that:
- 1. Operates in the event of a crash; and
- 2. Is designed in accordance with federal motor vehicle safety standards for the specific make, model, and year of the motor vehicle in which it is or will be installed.
- (ii) “Airbag” includes the cover, sensors, controllers, inflators, wiring, cushion material, and any other component part of an airbag.
- (3) “Counterfeit airbag” means a replacement airbag displaying an unauthorized mark identical or substantially similar to the genuine mark of a motor vehicle manufacturer or a supplier of parts to the motor vehicle manufacturer.
(4) “Nonfunctional airbag” means:
(i) A replacement airbag that:
- 1. Has been previously deployed or damaged; or
- 2. Has an electrical fault that is detected by the vehicle diagnostic system after the installation procedure is completed; or
- (ii) An object, including a counterfeit airbag, intended to deceive a vehicle owner or operator into believing that the object is a functional airbag.
(b) A person may not knowingly:
- (1) Import, manufacture, distribute, sell, or offer for sale a counterfeit airbag or a nonfunctional airbag;
- (2) Install or reinstall a counterfeit airbag or a nonfunctional airbag in a motor vehicle;
- (3) Sell, offer for sale, install, or reinstall a device in a vehicle that causes the vehicle's diagnostic system to inaccurately indicate that the vehicle is equipped with a functional airbag when a counterfeit airbag, nonfunctional airbag, or no airbag is installed;
- (4) Represent to another person that a counterfeit airbag or a nonfunctional airbag that is or will be installed in a motor vehicle is a functional airbag; or
- (5) Assist in or cause a violation of this subsection.
- (c) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 5 years or a fine not exceeding $5,000 or both.
Added by Acts 2016, c. 456, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2016; Acts 2016, c. 457, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2016.