32-15-32. Door levers, handles, and devices of egress--Hood latches.

Door levers, handles, and other suitable devices, installed on motor vehicles by the original vehicle manufacturer as original equipment, and actuated from the inside of the vehicle as a means of egress, shall be maintained and kept in an operable condition. Both the primary and secondary latches, installed on motor vehicles by the original vehicle manufacturer as original equipment, which are used to secure the vehicle front opening compartment hood in a closed position shall be maintained and kept in an operable condition.

A motor vehicle that has been modified so that previously available means of egress from seating accommodations are no longer available shall be equipped with another means of egress from such seating accommodations using a mechanically actuated door latch which firmly and automatically secures the door when pushed closed and which allows the door providing this new means of egress to be opened from the inside by the actuation of a convenient lever, handle, or other suitable device.

Source: SL 1978, ch 228, § 5; SL 1981, ch 13, § 7; SL 1994, ch 258.