Interpretation ID: nht67-1.27

DATE: 06/13/67

FROM: AUTHOR UNAVAILABLE; George C. Nield; NHTSA

TO: Texas Department of Public Safety

TITLE: FMVSS INTERPRETATION

TEXT: Mr. Arnold Wise has asked that I answer your letter of April 14, 1967, concerning a clarification of several requirements of Motor Vehicle Safety Standards 207, 208, and 209.

I am enclosing copies of the Federal Register of August 31, 1966, and February 3, 1967, which provide all of the information which you require. You will note that Standard No. 207 is concerned with the anchorage of the seats - not seat belts. Standard No. 208 requires seat belts in all passenger cars manufactured after January 1, 1968. In a regular size, four door, sedan-type vehicle with regular undivided seats, six lap belts would be required and, in addition, upper torso restraints would be required in the front outboard seats if the windshield header is in the head impact area.

The installation of seat belts in other than passenger cars is not required by the initial standards. However, any seat belts that are manufactured after March 1, 1967, must conform to the requirements of Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 209.

Your interest in the traffic safety program of this Bureau is appreciated.