The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is proposing to change the definition of “designated seating position” and establish a new procedure for determining the number of designated seating positions on bench and split bench seats.

The proposed rule would establish a definition of “designated seating position” that is more reflective of the occupancy rates experienced in the real world. The rule, applicable to all vehicles regardless of weight, would require each location capable of passenger occupancy to be equipped with a restraint system.

The rule proposes to eliminate the existing exclusion for auxiliary seats. It also would revise test procedures for seat belt anchorage requirements so that they are suitable for side-facing, temporary or folding jump seats.

NHTSA issued the proposal in June 2005 and set an Aug. 22 deadline for receiving public comments.

In mid-August FMCA, among other groups, asked for a 60-day extension to investigate how the new rule would affect FMCA members who purchase and use a motorhome manufactured within the scope of the rule.

Max Durbin, chairman of FMCA’s Government and Legislative Affairs Committee, expressed concern that the proposed rule does not consider the unique features and recreational purpose of motorhomes.

For travel, motorhomes have designated seating positions that are seat belt equipped. Motorhomes also have ample seating positions intended for use while stationary, such as sofas and dinettes.

Providing seat belts for every possible location that meets the new requirements would be impractical, Durbin said.

Status:
Christopher Calamita, an attorney with NHTSA, said the agency received a high number of public comments and continues to assess them. No timeline has been set for finalizing the rule, he added, and NHTSA has not determined when the rule would take effect.

For more information, visit www.nhtsa.gov. The docket number for the Designated Seating Positions and Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages proposal is NHTSA 2005-21600.