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 requesting the Secretary to begin a proceeding—(1) to prescribe a motor vehicle safety standard under this chapter; or (2) to decide whether to issue an order under section 30118(b) of this title. (b) Statement of Facts.—A petition under this section must state facts that the person claims establish that a motor vehicle safety standard or order referred to in subsection (a) of this section 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 a petition under this section. (d) Actions of Secretary.—(1) In general.—The Secretary shall determine whether to approve or deny a petition under this section by not later than 120 days after the petition is filed. (2) Approval.—If a petition under this section is approved, the Secretary shall begin the proceeding promptly. (3) Denial.—If a petition under this section is denied, the Secretary shall publish the reasons for the denial in the Federal Register.