Interpretation ID: nht93-4.19

DATE: June 3, 1993

FROM: Kenneth G. Koop -- Risk Control Representative, Intergovernmental Risk Management Agency

TO: John Wolmack (Womack) -- Acting Chief Counsel, National Highway Traffic Commission

TITLE: Passenger Seat and Airbag Removal

ATTACHMT: Attached to letter dated 8/26/93 from John Womack (signature by Kenneth N. Weinstein to Kenneth G. Koop (A41; Std. 207; Std. 208; VSA 108 (a)(2)(A))

TEXT:

The Intergovernmental Risk Management Agency is a municipal risk pool serving 60 municipalities in Northeastern Illinois.

Several of our member Police Chiefs have inquired as to whether there is a variance procedure that would permit their departments to legally remove the passenger seat and passenger airbag from their police vehicles, and place permanently mounted policing equipment in the seat's place.

It is our position that since the passenger seat will be removed, therefore allowing no passenger in that area, the removal of the passenger side airbag should be permitted.

We would greatly appreciate specific direction regarding these proposed modifications.