49 U.S.C. § 30162 — Petitions by interested persons for standards and enforcement

(a) Filing. Any interested person may file a petition with the Secretary of Transportation asking the Secretary to start a proceeding either (1) to set a motor vehicle safety standard under this chapter, or (2) to decide whether to issue a recall order under section 30118(b). (b) Statement of facts. The petition must state facts the person believes show that the standard or order described in subsection (a) is necessary, and briefly describe the order the Secretary should issue. (c) Proceedings. The Secretary may hold a public hearing, or conduct an investigation or proceeding, to decide whether to grant the petition. (d) Actions of Secretary. (1) In general: The Secretary must decide whether to approve or deny the petition within 120 days after it is filed. (2) Approval: If the petition is approved, the Secretary must begin the proceeding promptly. (3) Denial: If the petition is denied, the Secretary must publish the reasons for the denial in the Federal Register.