"[t]he meaning of federal regulations is a question of law, to be resolved by the court"
How later courts described this case
- "[t]he meaning of federal regulations is a question of law, to be resolved by the court"
Written by the judges who cited it.
The opinion
JUSTICE WOLFSON, dissenting:
I do not see the conflict. The majority accurately observes that the truck involved in this case did not have to conform to FMVSS 206, since its folding doors are not designed or intended to prevent its occupants from being ejected. I think that is a federal walkoff that leaves the field to state common law actions such as this one.
I do not read the federal regulations as saying “do not enter.” Instead, I read them as a declination of regulation, not a preemption that would bar common law claims. Geier v. American Honda Motor Co., 529 U.S. 861 , 146 L. Ed. 2d 914 , 120 S. Ct. 1913 (2000).
I respectfully dissent.