Legislation sponsored by Assembly Democrats Annette Quijano, Charles Mainor and Nancy Pinkin to keep counterfeit air bags out of cars and keep motorists safe is now law.
“Individual who tamper with air bags are increasing the potential for injury – or worse – in the event of an accident,” said Quijano (D-Union). “The roads are treacherous enough. Consumers should trust that the air bags in their vehicles will function properly if they are ever involved in a crash.”
The new law (A-3364) makes it a fourth degree crime for a person to manufacture, import, install, reinstall, sell or offer for sale any device that the person knows or reasonably should know is a counterfeit or nonfunctional air bag, or does not meet certain federal safety requirements.
“A properly working air bag can save a life. To think there are individuals who would willingly put others at risk for profit is sickening,” said Mainor (D-Hudson). “Making, selling or knowingly installing faulty air bags is reprehensible and dangerous. This law makes it a punishable crime.”
“Tinkering with equipment that is meant to protect drivers and passengers in the event of a crash puts motorists at grave risk,” said Pinkin (D-Middlesex). “This will help deter individuals who illegally profit from making, selling or installing nonfunctioning air bags and keep residents safe on the road.”
The law additionally makes it a fourth degree crime for a person to sell, install or reinstall in any motor vehicle a device that causes the motor vehicle’s diagnostic system to inaccurately indicate that the vehicle is equipped with a functional air bag when a counterfeit or nonfunctional air bag or no air bag has been installed.
The measure, which was signed into law on Monday, received unanimous approval from both houses of the legislature.