Interpretation ID: nht90-4.53

TYPE: Interpretation-NHTSA

DATE: November 6, 1990

FROM: J. P. Henries -- Captain, Safety Officer, Virginia State Police

TO: Paul Jackson Rice -- Chief Counsel

TITLE: None

ATTACHMT: Attached to letter dated 12-26-90 from P.J. Rice to J.P. Henries (A37; Std. 208)

TEXT:

Attached you will find a copy of your letter of September 10, 1990, to Mr. Rembert Ryals, Esq., concerning an interpretation of Standards No. 208 and 209.

At present the rules and regulations of Virginia's Official State Inspection Program require any 1963 and subsequent model vehicle designed and licensed primarily for passenger use, to be equipped with adult safety lap belts for at least two front seats or a combination of lap belts and shoulder straps or harnesses.

In your letter to Mr. Ryals, you describe certain vehicles which were permitted to be manufactured without lap belts if they meet certain criteria. This being the case, how can our safety inspectors readily identify a vehicle which is not required to be equipped with a lap belt?

Your assistance in this matter is appreciated.