(a) The term “air-conditioning equipment” as used or referred to in this section shall mean mechanical vapor compression refrigeration equipment which is used to cool the driver’s or passenger compartment of any motor vehicle.

(b) Air-conditioning equipment shall be manufactured, installed and maintained with due regard for the safety of the occupants of the vehicle and the public, and shall not contain any refrigerant which is toxic to persons or which is flammable.

(c) The secretary of transportation may adopt and enforce safety requirements, rules or regulations and specifications consistent with the requirements of this section applicable to such equipment, which shall correlate with and, so far as possible, conform to the current recommended practice or standard applicable to such equipment approved by the society of automotive engineers.

(d) No person shall have for sale, offer for sale, sell or equip any motor vehicle with any such equipment unless it complies with the requirements of this section.

(e) No person shall operate on any highway any motor vehicle equipped with any air-conditioning equipment unless said equipment complies with the requirements of this section.