Interpretation ID: aiam2984
International Salt Co.
Clarks Summit
PA 18411;
Dear Ms. Loureiro: This responds to your letter of January 29, 1979, asking whethe 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 Safet 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 offic 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, Frank Berndt, Acting Chief Counsel