Interpretation ID: nht70-1.28

DATE: 02/11/70

FROM: CLUE. D. FERGUSON -- OFFICE OF VEHICLE STRUCTURES, MOTOR VEH. PROGRAMS, NHTSA; SIGNATURE BY F.C. KOCH

TO: Mr. Eddie E. Barnes

TITLE: FMVSS INTERPRETATION

TEXT: Thank you for your recent letter concerning the number of safety belts in your 1969 Chevrolet nine-passenger station wagon.

The present Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208 requires that seat belt assemblies be installed in each forward-facing designated seating position in passenger cars. The standard does not apply to side-facing or rear-facing seats. The manufacturer is not required to install safety belts for such seats: however, in the interest of safety, most manufacturers usually install lap belts for the seating positions most commonly used.

A Notice of Proposed Rule Making was issued on September 15, 1969, which would extend the applicability of Standard No. 208 to apply also to side-facing and rear-facing seats. The comments of those who responded to the Notice have been analysed and the final rule is now being developed.

I am enclosing a copy of our present Standard No. 208 and a copy of the Notice of Proposed Rule Making for your reference.

Thank you for your interest in motor vehicle safety.