1270.5—Certification requirements.
(a)
Until a State has been determined to be in compliance, or after a State has been determined to be in non-compliance, with the requirements of 23 U.S.C. 154, to avoid the transfer of funds in any fiscal year, beginning with FY 2001, the State shall certify to the Secretary of Transportation, on or before September 30 of the previous fiscal year, that it meets the requirements of 23 U.S.C. 154 and this part.
(b)
The certification shall be made by an appropriate State official, and it shall provide that the State has enacted and is enforcing an open container law that conforms to 23 U.S.C. 154 and § 1270.4 of this part.
(1)
If the State's open container law is currently in effect and is being enforced, the certification shall be worded as follows:
(Name of certifying official), (position title), of the (State or Commonwealth) of ________, do hereby certify that the (State or Commonwealth) of _________, has enacted and is enforcing an open container law that conforms to the requirements of 23 U.S.C. 154 and 23 CFR 1270.4, (citations to pertinent State statutes, regulations, case law or other binding legal requirements, including definitions, as needed).
(2)
If the State's open container law is not currently in effect, but will become effective and be enforced by October 1 of the following fiscal year, the certification shall be worded as follows:
(Name of certifying official), (position title), of the (State or Commonwealth) of _________, do hereby certify that the (State or Commonwealth) of ___________, has enacted an open container law that conforms to the requirements of 23 U.S.C. 154 and 23 CFR 1270.4, (citations to pertinent State statutes, regulations, case law or other binding legal requirements, including definitions, as needed), and will become effective and be enforced as of (effective date of the law).
(c)
An original and four copies of the certification shall be submitted to the appropriate NHTSA Regional Administrator. Each Regional Administrator will forward the certifications to the appropriate NHTSA and FHWA offices.
(d)
Once a State has been determined to be in compliance with the requirements of 23 U.S.C. 154, it is not required to submit additional certifications, except that the State shall promptly submit an amendment or supplement to its certification provided under paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section if the State's open container law changes or the State ceases to enforce such law.