---
kind: "section"
citation: "49 U.S.C. § 32501"
title: "49"
title_heading: "Transportation"
number: "32501"
heading: "Purpose"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/49/32501"
units:
  - "Subtitle VI — Motor Vehicle and Driver Programs"
  - "Part C — Information, Standards, and Requirements"
  - "Chapter 325 — Bumper Standards"
---

# §32501. Purpose


The purpose of this chapter is to reduce economic loss resulting from damage to [passenger motor vehicles](/usc/49/32101.md?p=10) involved in [motor vehicle accidents](/usc/49/32101.md?p=8) by providing for the maintenance and enforcement of [bumper standards](/usc/49/32101.md?p=1).


## Source credit

(Pub. L. 103–272, § 1(e), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 1042.)

## Notes

| Historical and Revision Notes |  |  |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Revised<br>Section | Source (U.S. Code) | Source (Statutes at Large) |
| 32501 | 15:1911. | Oct. 20, 1972, Pub. L. 92–513, § 101, 86 Stat. 948. |

The words “The Congress finds that it is necessary” are omitted as surplus. The word “maintenance” is substituted for “promulgation” for clarity.