§ 382-c. Occupant compartments. The commissioner may prescribe, by regulation, standards consistent with federal motor vehicle safety standards specifying requirements for instrument panels, seat backs, protrusions (including knobs, switches, levers, handles, bezels, and panel contours), sun visors, arm rests, steering control systems and other similar components of the interior of the occupant's compartment of motor vehicles to afford impact protection for occupants. The commissioner may limit the application of such regulations to specified classes of vehicles; provided, however, that such regulations shall not apply to any motor vehicle manufactured prior to June thirtieth, nineteen hundred sixty-seven. No motor vehicle shall be registered or driven on the public highways of the state unless it is constructed, equipped or maintained as required by the regulations promulgated pursuant to this section.