Rhode Island § 31-53-3 - The 2010 Automobile Airbag Fraud Prevention Act

§ 31-53-3. Definitions.

As used in this chapter, the following words and phrases shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

(1) “Airbag” means a motor vehicle inflatable occupant restraint system device that is part of a supplemental restraint system.

(2) “Counterfeit supplemental restraint system component” means a replacement supplemental restraint system component, including, but not limited to, an airbag that displays a mark identical or substantially similar to the genuine mark of a motor vehicle manufacturer or a supplier of parts to the manufacturer of a motor vehicle without authorization from that manufacturer or supplier, respectively.

(3) “Light manipulating system” means anything that would mask or cause the inaccurate indication of the airbag system status, condition, or operability.

(4) “Nonfunctional airbag” means a replacement airbag that meets any of the following criteria:

(i) The airbag was previously deployed or damaged;

(ii) The airbag has an electric fault that is detected by the vehicle’s airbag diagnostic systems when the installation procedure is completed and the vehicle is returned to the customer who requested the work to be performed or when ownership is intended to be transferred;

(iii) The airbag includes a part or object, including, but not limited to, a supplemental restraint system component installed in a motor vehicle to mislead the owner or operator of the motor vehicle into believing that a functional airbag has been installed; or

(iv) The airbag is subject to the prohibitions of 49 U.S.C. § 30120(j).

(5) “Person” means any natural person, corporation, partnership, unincorporated association, or other entity.

(6) “Salvaged airbag” means an original equipment manufacturer (“OEM”) non-deployed airbag that has been removed from a motor vehicle for use in another vehicle.

(7) “Supplemental restraint system,” commonly referred to as an “SRS,” means a passive inflatable motor vehicle occupant crash protection system designed for use in conjunction with active restraint systems, as defined in 49 C.F.R. § 571.208. A supplemental restraint system includes one or more airbags and all components required to ensure that an airbag works as designed by the vehicle manufacturer, including both of the following:

(i) The airbag operates as designed in the event of a crash; and

(ii) The airbag is designed in accordance with federal motor vehicle safety standards for the specific make, model, and year of the vehicle in which it is or will be installed.