Interpretation ID: aiam0210
7859 Tegner Road
Hilmar
CA 95324;
Dear Mr. Barnes: Thank you for your recent letter concerning the number of safety belt in your 1969 Chevrolet nine-passenger station wagon.; The present Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208 requires tha 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 analyzed and the final rule is now being developed.; I am enclosing a copy of our present Standard No. 208 and a copy of th Notice of Proposed Rule Making for your reference.; Thank you for your interest in motor vehicle safety. Sincerely, Clue D. Ferguson, Director, Office of Vehicle Structures Motor Vehicle Programs;