Interpretation ID: nht79-3.37

DATE: 03/27/79

FROM: AUTHOR UNAVAILABLE; F. Berndt; NHTSA

TO: International Salt Co.

TITLE: FMVSS INTERPRETATION

TEXT: This responds to your letter of January 29, 1979, asking whether folding front seats on a two-door, 1978 Chevrolet Malibu are required to have locking devices.

The answer to your question is yes. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 207, Seating Systems, (49 CFR 571.207) specifies in paragraph S4.3 that "a hinged or folding occupant seat or occupant seat back shall be equipped with a self-locking device for restraining the hinged or folding seat or seat back and a control for releasing that restraining device."

You stated in a telephone conversation with Hugh Oates of my office that your 1978 Malibu does not have such a restraining device, either manual or inertia-activated. Our Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance has found, however, that the front seating system of the 1978 Chevrolet Malibu two door sedan does in fact have a seat back locking device that is actuated by an inertia system. This system has been certified by General Motors Corporation as meeting the performance requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 207. A description of this system is found on page four of section one in the owner's manual. If the inertia restraint system in your vehicle does not perform as described, you should contact your Chevrolet dealer.

Sincerely,

ATTACH.

January 29, 1979

Office of Chief Counsel -- NHTSA

Dear Sir:

Please advise me whether or not the folding front seats on a two door 1978 Chevrolet Malibu are required to have a locking device.

Sincerely,

Barbara A. Loureiro -- INTERNATIONAL SALT COMPANY