§ 382-c. Occupant compartments. The commissioner may prescribe, by
regulation, standards consistent with federal motor vehicle safety
standards specifying requirements for instrument panels, seat backs,
protrusions (including knobs, switches, levers, handles, bezels, and
panel contours), sun visors, arm rests, steering control systems and
other similar components of the interior of the occupant's compartment
of motor vehicles to afford impact protection for occupants. The
commissioner may limit the application of such regulations to specified
classes of vehicles; provided, however, that such regulations shall not
apply to any motor vehicle manufactured prior to June thirtieth,
nineteen hundred sixty-seven. No motor vehicle shall be registered or
driven on the public highways of the state unless it is constructed,
equipped or maintained as required by the regulations promulgated
pursuant to this section.