(a) Review of State-submitted information. NHTSA will review available seat belt use rate information submitted by each State for calendar years 1996 and 1997 to determine whether—

(1) Measurements of seat belt use were based on direct observation;

(2) At least 70 percent of observation sites were surveyed during the calendar year for which the seat belt use rate is reported;

(3) All passenger motor vehicles were sampled; and

(4) All front seat outboard occupants in the sampled vehicles were counted.

(b) Determination of State seat belt use rate. Seat belt use rate information submitted by a State for calendar year 1996 or 1997 will be—

(1) Accepted as the State seat belt use rate if it satisfies paragraphs (a)(1), (a)(2), (a)(3), and (a)(4) of this section.

(2) Accepted after adjustment in accordance with the procedures of appendix A of this part, as the State seat belt use rate, if it satisfies paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this section, but fails to satisfy paragraph (a)(3) or (a)(4) of this section.

(3) Rejected, and the procedures of appendix B of this part shall apply, if it fails to satisfy paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this section.