Interpretation ID: aiam1906
M.D.
Associate Director
Division of Local Health Services
Room 360
Massachusetts Department of Public Health
600 Washington Street
Boston
MA 02111;
Dear Dr. Sachs: In response to your request of April 4, 1975, I am enclosing a copy o Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208, several *Federal Register* notices which have modified the basic standard, and the Motor Vehicle and Schoolbus Safety Amendments of 1974. Also enclosed is a circular explaining how all the safety standards and regulations of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) may be obtained.; Until October 29, 1974, section S4.1.2 of the standard required a ignition interlock on 1974- and 1975-model passenger cars. As noted in the enclosed amendment (Docket 74-39, Notice 1), recent legislation mandated the deletion of this requirement, which was accomplished by NHTSA on October 29, 1974.; Manufacturers may now meet Standard No. 208 by providing (1) lap an shoulder belts at front outboard positions and lap belts at other positions, and (2) a continuous or flashing reminder light that operates only during the 4- to 8-second period after the ignition is operated and a continuous or intermittent audible warning signal which operates only during the 4- to 8-second period after the ignition is operated if the driver's lap belt is not in use. They may also provide certain types of 'passive restraint' devices in place of the seat belt assemblies.; Although the seat-belt interlock system is not prohibited, it is n longer a means of complying with the standard.; Yours truly, Richard B. Dyson, Assistant Chief Counsel