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Fake Air Bags
Unlike non-OEM air bags mentioned in the
Stolen Air Bag article, fake air bags - or air bag covers - pose even greater risk, as
frequently they are a novelty cover filled with styrofoam. It is unclear
how many people have been victims of scams where air bags were replaced
with these "novelty" or "counterfeit" airbags with or without the owners
consent.
Related News Stories:
August 23, 2005
The state of Connecticut has attempted to stop an Alabama company from
selling fake airb bags. Hicks Air Bag
Covers markets its air bag covers nationwide as an inexpensive
alternative to installing replacement air bags.
The company involved in this issue was had problems in the past.
In 2003, Lawrence G. Hicks pled guilty in federal court to
selling counterfeit General Motors air bag covers to individuals, body
shops, and dealerships for use in repairing damaged
vehicles.
Hicks admitted selling more 4,600 of the counterfeits in 1999 and 2000.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that air
bags saved about 2,500 lives in 2003, the most recent year for which
figures are available.
Related Laws
PA 06-25—sHB 5182
General Law Committee
Judiciary Committee
AN ACT CONCERNING FAKE AIR BAGS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES
SUMMARY: This act prohibits selling or offering to sell any device
intended to replace a motor vehicle air bag if the seller knows or
reasonably should know that it does not meet federal safety standards. A
violator commits an unfair trade practice. Each sale or offer for sale
constitutes a separate violation. A violator is also guilty of a class A
misdemeanor (see Table on Penalties).
EFFECTIVE DATE: July 1, 2006
BACKGROUND
Federal Safety Standards
Federal regulations set performance standards to protect occupants in
motor vehicle crashes. Among the standards are requirements that certain
motor vehicles have air bags (49 CFR § 571. 208). Federal law also
prohibits a motor vehicle manufacturer, distributor, dealer, or repairer
from making inoperative any device required by a federal motor vehicle
safety standard (49 USC § 30122).
Substitute House Bill No. 5182
Public Act No. 06-25
AN ACT CONCERNING FAKE AIR BAGS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General
Assembly convened:
Section 1. (NEW) (Effective July 1, 2006) (a) No person shall sell or
offer for sale any device with the intent that such device replace an
air bag in any motor vehicle if such person knows or reasonably should
know that such device does not meet federal safety requirements as
provided in 49 CFR 571. 208.
(b) A violation of subsection (a) of this section shall be deemed an
unfair or deceptive trade practice under subsection (a) of section
42-110b of the general statutes. Each sale or offer for sale shall
constitute a separate and distinct violation.
(c) Any person who violates subsection (a) of this section shall be
guilty of a class A misdemeanor.
Approved May 8, 2006
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Tips and tricks
for Fake / Counterfeit Air Bags |
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When having a new air
bag installed, ask for the sales documentation that
proves it is not stolen, such as receipts or shipping
information.
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Genuine air bags will
usually match in color, and will not be painted.
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Aftermarket or
imitation replacement air bags are not the same standard
and quality as original equipment manufacturer parts.
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When replacing an air
bag, your shop should also strongly consider replacing
any piece involved in the accident. Not replacing
parts involved can impair the future function of your
air bags.
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Have your air bags
inspected after accidents.
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