Interpretation ID: aiam0277
Jeep Corporation
940 North Cove Boulevard
P.O. Box 903
Toledo
OH 43601;
Dear Mr. Mallett: On June 16, 1971, you and Mr. William Fleming of American Motors me with representatives of NHTSA and pointed out that the March 4, 1971, revisions of Standard No. 210 (36 F.R. 4291) had created a situation where seat belt anchorages for side-facing seats of multipurpose passenger vehicles would have to meet strength requirements only for the six-month period from July 1, 1971, to January 1, 1972. This occurred because the March 4 notice, which basically extended the existing standard for passenger cars to other types of vehicles as of July 1, 1972, did not have the exemption for side-facing seat belt anchorages that is contained in the revised standard that goes into effect on January 1, 1972.; The failure to exempt side-facing seats from the anchorage tes requirements for the six-month period ending January 1, 1972, was inadvertent. A *Federal Register* notice will be issued shortly amending Standard No. 210 to correct this discrepancy. I am sending you this letter, which will be placed in the public files, in advance of the notice as an extraordinary procedure in light of the time period involved, to confirm that your vehicles need not meet the strength requirements for seat belt anchorages for side-facing seats apparently contained in Standard No. 210.; Sincerely, Robert L. Carter, Acting Associate Administrator, Moto Vehicle Programs;