49 U.S.C. § 30122 — Making safety devices and elements inoperative

(a) Definition
“Motor vehicle repair business” means a person that publicly offers to repair a motor vehicle or motor-vehicle equipment for payment. This section does not define “motor vehicle” or “motor vehicle equipment.”

(b) Prohibition
A manufacturer, distributor, dealer, rental company, or motor-vehicle repair business may not knowingly make inoperative any part of a device or design element installed on or in a motor vehicle or motor vehicle equipment in compliance with an applicable motor vehicle safety standard prescribed under this chapter. The exception applies when that business reasonably believes the vehicle or equipment will not be used while the device or element is inoperative, except for testing or a similar purpose during maintenance or repair.

(c) Regulations
The Secretary of Transportation may issue regulations to exempt a person if the Secretary decides the exemption is consistent with motor-vehicle safety and section 30101, and to define “make inoperative.”