Interpretation ID: nht74-5.35

DATE: 04/16/74

FROM: AUTHOR UNAVAILABLE; Richard B. Dyson; NHTSA

TO: ITT Semiconductors

COPYEE: R. HITCHCOCK; MR. HERLIHY

TITLE: FMVSS INTERPRETATION

TEXT: This is in response to your March 25, 1974, question whether the belt warning system in 1974 or any future model year passenger car is required to activate if a passenger sits on a pre-buckeled belt in a passenger car whose engine is operating and the driver subsequently places the transmission gear selector in a forward position.

In 1974 and 1975 passenger car models, the (nonsequential) warning system would be required to activate in this situation only if the passenger weighed at least 47.3 pounds and the belt was not extended at least four inches from its stowed position, in a warning system based on belt extension.

It has been proposed that this requirement be extended one year through the 1976 models and that a new sequential belt warning system may be used at the front seating positions after September 1, 1976.

The requirements for the new proposed system are set out in the document you reference, Docket No. 74-14; Notice 1, a copy of which is enclosed. It would require that the seat belt be operated after the passenger has been seated.