1168                               LAWS OF MARYLAND                        [CH. 755

410.

ARTICLE IV
Research and Testing
The Commission shall have power to:

(a)   Collect, correlate, analyze and evaluate information resulting
or derivable from research and testing activities in equipment and
related fields.

(b)  Recommend and encourage the undertaking of research and
testing in any aspect of equipment or related matters when, in its
judgment, appropriate or sufficient research or testing has not been
undertaken.

(c)   Contract for such equipment research and testing as one or
more governmental agencies may agree to have contracted for by
the Commission, provided that such governmental agency or agencies
shall make available the funds necessary for such research and
testing.

(d)  Recommend to the party states changes in law or policy with
emphasis on uniformity of laws and administrative rules, regulations
or codes which would promote effective governmental action or
coordination in the prevention of equipment-related highway acci-
dents or the mitigation of equipment-related highway safety
problems.

ARTICLE V

Vehicular Equipment

(a)  In the interest of vehicular and public safety, the Commission
may study the need for or desirability of the establishment of or
changes in performance requirements or restrictions for any item
of equipment. As a result of such study, the Commission may publish
a report relating to any item or items of equipment, and the issuance
of such a report shall be a condition precedent to any proceedings
or other action provided or authorized by this Article. No less than
sixty days after the publication of a report containing the results
of such study, the Commission upon due notice shall hold a hearing
or hearings at such place or places as it may determine.

(b)  Following the hearing or hearings provided for in subdivision
(a) of this Article, and with due regard for standards recommended
by appropriate professional and technical associations and agencies,
the Commission may issue rules, regulations or codes embodying
performance requirements or restrictions for any item or items
of equipment covered in the report, which in the opinion of the
Commission will be fair and equitable and effectuate the purposes
of this compact.

(c)  Each party state obligates itself to give due consideration to
any and all rules, regulations and codes issued by the Commission
and hereby declares its policy and intent to be the promotion of
uniformity in the laws of the several party states relating to
equipment.