AZ HB2461

Adds section 12-690 to Arizona Revised Statutes establishing that owners, lessors, operators, and persons renting/leasing motor vehicles have no duty of care to retrofit vehicles with component parts or optional equipment not required by federal motor vehicle safety standards (49 CFR Part 571) at the time of manufacture or first sale.

Makes evidence related to alleged obligations to retrofit or select specific component parts inadmissible in civil actions involving covered motor vehicles in accidents.

Creates exception: this protection does not apply if the vehicle owner, lessor, operator, or rental/lease person fails to comply with laws or regulations enacted after manufacture requiring mandatory recalls or retrofits.

Defines "covered motor vehicle" as a motor vehicle for which owner liability in accidents is governed by 49 United States Code section 30106.

Effective date: April 10, 2024.