Pub. L. 89-563, tit. I, sec. 112

Sec. 112. (a) The Secretary is authorized to conduct such inspection and investigation as may be necessary to enforce Federal vehicle safety standards established under this title. He shall furnish the Attorney General and, when appropriate, the Secretary of the Treasury any information obtained indicating noncompliance with such standards, for appropriate action. (b) For purposes of enforcement of this title, officers or employees duly designated by the Secretary, upon presenting appropriate credentials and a written notice to the owner, operator, or agent in charge, are authorized (1) to enter, at reasonable times, any factory, warehouse, or establishment in which motor vehicles or items of motor vehicle equipment are manufactured, or held for introduction into interstate commerce or are held for sale after such introduction; and (2) to inspect, at reasonable times and within reasonable limits and in a reasonable manner, such factory, warehouse, or establishment. Each such inspection shall be commenced and completed with reasonable promptness. (c) Every manufacturer of motor vehicles and motor vehicle equipment shall establish and maintain such records, make such reports, and provide such information as the Secretary may reasonably require to enable him to determine whether such manufacturer has acted or is acting in compliance with this title and motor vehicle safety standards prescribed pursuant to this title and shall, upon request of an officer or employee duly designated by the Secretary, permit such officer or employee to inspect appropriate books, papers, records, and documents relevant to determining whether such manufacturer has acted or is acting in compliance with this title and motor vehicle safety standards prescribed pursuant to this title. (d) Every manufacturer of motor vehicles and motor vehicle equipment shall provide to the Secretary such performance data and other technical data related to performance and safety as may be required to carry out the purposes of this Act. The Secretary is authorized to require the manufacturer to give such notification of such performance and technical data at the time of original purchase to the first person who purchases a motor vehicle or item of equipment for purposes other than resale, as he determines necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act. (e) All information reported to or otherwise obtained by the Secretary or his representative pursuant to subsection (b) or (c) which information contains or relates to a trade secret or other matter referred to in section 1905 of title 18 of the United States Code, shall be considered confidential for the purpose of that section, except that such information may lie disclosed to other officers or employees concerned with carrying cut this title or when relevant in any proceeding under this title. Nothing in this section shall authorize the withholding of information by the Secretary or any officer or employee under his control, from the duly authorized committees of the Congress.