Vehicle - Display/Sale With Automatic Seat Belts Enabled
89Nissan08Classification: BF89-027 Section: Body/Frame
Reference:
TECHNICAL BULLETIN TS89-134
Models: 1989 Sentra Cpe, 240SX, Maxima; and all 1990 models
Date: September 1, 1989
DISPLAY AND SALE OF VEHICLES EQUIPPED
WITH AUTOMATIC SEAT BELTS
APPLIED MODELS: 1989 Sentra Coupe, 240SX, Maxima, and all 1990 models
SERVICE INFORMATION:
Recent surveys conducted by both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found that many new car dealerships are displaying vehicles in the showroom with the automatic safety belts disconnected and are allowing the belts to remain disconnected for extended periods of time. Out of 276 vehicles recently inspected, only 12 had both belts connected as required.
NHTSA considers it to be a violation of Section 108(a) of the Vehicle Safety Act for a dealer to sell or offer for sale a car with an automatic safety belt disconnected. Vehicles on showroom floors or demonstrator vehicles are considered to be "offered for sale" and must comply with the law. Violators of this section of the Vehicle Safety Act are subject to a penalty of up to $1,000 per vehicle. Also, under law, automatic seat belts must be connected in each new car delivered to a purchaser. Therefore, it is imperative that the dealer ensure that the belts are connected as part of the PDI.
The requirement to receive automatic seat belts attached applies to both the motorized and non-motorized types. Motorized belts are the type used in the Maxima, while the non-motorized type is used in the new 1990 300ZX. (All 1990 model passenger cars must be equipped with passive restraints, either automatic belts or air bags.)
Some local ordinances may require that the battery be disconnected on all vehicles which are displayed in an enclosed showroom, and some dealerships may choose to disconnect the battery for safety reasons even if not required by local law to do so. In these instances, the motorized shoulder belts should be in the forward position at the time the battery is disconnected. This is most easily accomplished by opening both front doors prior to disconnecting the battery. The shoulder belts can then be left attached, as required, while the vehicle is on display.