Safety Agency Considering Bringing Back Ignition Interlocks

NHTSA is examining the use of seat belt-based ignition interlocks in future vehicles. Federal regulators are examining the use of seat belt-based ignition interlocks in light vehicles.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently denied a 2012 petition from BMW to use interlocks to skip certain crash tests. However, it did announce it would begin researching interlocks again. The research would conclude in 2015 with no impact on new vehicles until 2017 or 2018.

The U.S. government required interlocks on nearly all 1974-model cars before public backlash prompted Congress to eliminate the unpopular regulation. Ignition interlocks are in use today in some states. However, they are generally tied to the use of a breathalyzer. The car cannot be shifted into drive unless someone blows into the machine and the reading indicates the driver is sober. Last year, Congress gave NHTSA permission to write regulations allowing automakers to voluntarily install seat belt interlocks to meet compliance measures. NHTSA emphasized any automaker could add interlocks, but they would still have to comply with the unbelted test.

David Strickland, NHTSA Administrator, is also pushing for an undefeatable seat belt interlock. Many drivers of the 1974 cars beat the interlocks by locking the belts behind them and sitting on them. New rules might allow automakers to use interlocks rather than be forced to meet crash requirements for occupants not wearing seat belts. NHTSA believes that could allow automakers "the design freedom to create innovative lightweight vehicle concepts."

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