Interpretation ID: nht74-5.39

DATE: 02/01/74

FROM: AUTHOR UNAVAILABLE; Lawrence R. Schneider; NHTSA

TO: Mrs. L. M. Thompson

TITLE: FMVSS INTERPRETATION

TEXT: I would like to thank you for your interest in the safety benefits of the interlock system and for forwarding the Seattle newspaper advertisement which offers a method to bypass the seat belt interlock.

The interlock standard only requires that new vehicles be equipped with required safety equipment. Therefore a purchaser may have the system modified to accommodate circumstances, such as physical incapacity, which makes use of the belts unwise or inconvenient.

The advertisement of a system to circumvent the standard, however, is a different matter, and whether it is legally permitted is a conclusion which the courts will have to determine. This agency is reviewing the legal remedies available which might permit removal of such a product from the market. Having promulgated the interlock option as part of the occupant crash protection standard, whose validity was sustained in court, we are committed to taking all possible actions to insure its effectiveness.

January 8, 1974

Dept. of Transportations U.S. Government Washington, D.C.

Gentlemen:

I noticed this ad in a newspaper and(Illegible Word) if such an operation is legal.

If my memory is accurate I believe the car manufacturer were ordered by the Federal Govt. to install interlock(Illegible Word). If this is true, then wouldn't it be an illegal act for anyone to tamper or modify it?

Is there anything you can do to prevent this?

Sincerely,

Mrs. L. M. Thompson 9624 - 4th St N.E. Everett,(Illegible Word) 98205

TO ALL 1974 AUTO OWNERS or PROSPECTIVE OWNERS

Are you aggravated by this safety belt ignition interlock system that forces you to perform a certain sequence before the car will start?

You, the owner of a 1974 auto may modify the interlock system so that you can be sure, in an emergency, or any other time, that your car will start even if some part of the interlock system malfunctions. This modification also allows you to buckle your seat belt, or not, as it pleases you.

There is a simple way that any one can easily make the modification to his own 74 auto and bypass the interlock.

This information is available (with complete simple instructions) in a report that may be purchased for the low sum of $ 4.00 with satisfaction guaranteed. Enclose cash, check or m.o. and specity make, model, and engine.

ORDER YOUR REPORT CASCADE HOUSE Box 2170-A Renton, Washington 98055

Seattle Post(Illegible Word)

12-30-73