Question: Seatbelt Requirements

[thixon]

A friend asked an interesting question today that I couldn't answer. We were riding in my TR6, and he noticed that I only had lap belts. He asked what year seat belts were required to be in cars, specifically imported cars. Even more specifically, when did the switch to shoulder harnesses happen from lap belts. I seem to recall 1969 as a cutoff, but I could'nt remember for sure. 1975 comes to mind for some reason as well, but I don't know why. Surely someone here knows.

[JackIIA]

No idea on the 3 point system. But looks like seatbelts became required in 1968. Directive being issued with "FMVSS 209" on March 1, 1967. I didn't read the fine print, but I'd think it would apply to the next year (1968 models).