

Seatbelt ignition interlocks haven't been used since the 70s




BMW M4 Coupe Concept



Source: Detroit News

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Unbuckled start
By othercents on 8/30/2013 9:40:55 AM , Rating: 3
I typically start my vehicle without the seatbelt buckled. Many times it it is because I'm just trying to warm up the car while packing the groceries into the back, or I'm still strapping in a child while trying to get the AC rolling. There are times that I will move the car out of the garage and turn it back off, so the third option is optimal, but I'm certain that the second option wouldn't be an issue.

Obviously I'm a seatbelt user, but I'm certain that people who don't use seatbelts will be outraged that the Government is taking away their choice. I like the benefits of a lighter vehicle due to the seatbelt interlock which in turn should reduce cost of owning a vehicle (which they add back on by requiring a backup camera).


RE: Unbuckled start
By DanNeely on 8/30/2013 10:03:16 AM , Rating: 2
With remote starters common, I assume that although they're calling it an ignition lock it would function as a gearshift lock and hold you in park until you buckle.

RE: Unbuckled start
By Samus on 8/30/2013 12:20:35 PM , Rating: 3

Ignition lockout=stupid
Gear lockout=plausible

RE: Unbuckled start
By jeepga on 8/30/2013 10:06:15 AM , Rating: 2
When I read the headline my immediate thought was "not more nanny legislation". But, I was pleased to find out that it was about a private company asking to not have to do government testing if they implemented the technology.

I'm all for private companies making that choice. You can then choose to purchase or not purchase their cars. Either way the company shouldn't have to do safety tests to cater to people breaking the law (even though it shouldn't be a law).

RE: Unbuckled start
By lagomorpha on 8/30/13, Rating: -1
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FWIW, I wear seatbelt 100% of the time.

RE: Unbuckled start
By FaaR on 8/30/2013 3:26:53 PM , Rating: 1

And how pleased will you be if BMW and/or other manufacturers gets their way, and someone crashes their car with an unbelted passenger where the switch in the seat failed to detect the passenger, and said passenger is killed in the crash due to lack of impact protection and the family then goes on to sue the car maker...?

RE: Unbuckled start
By danjw1 on 8/30/13, Rating: 0
RE: Unbuckled start
By othercents on 8/30/2013 10:49:27 AM , Rating: 2
The seat belt law in Colorado states that you can't be pulled over for not wearing the seat belt. You can only be ticketed for a seat belt violation if you were pulled over for a different violation first and was found to also not be wearing a seat belt. In most states that is the working rule even though the law says that they can pull you over just for a seatbelt violation.

RE: Unbuckled start
By othercents on 8/30/2013 11:12:00 AM , Rating: 2
I know in California, that can get you a ticket. I think most states that require seat belts to be used, require that your seat belt in on before your keys go into the ignition.

Actually your wrong about the California law. It specifically states:

(d) (1) A person shall not operate a motor vehicle on a highway unless that person and all passengers 16 years of age or over are properly restrained by a safety belt.

(e) A person 16 years of age or over shall not be a passenger in a motor vehicle on a highway unless that person is properly restrained by a safety belt.

So that only applies to driving on the Highway.

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By Jeffk464 on 8/30/2013 12:41:26 PM , Rating: 2
I have changed a ton of side air bags in Nissans because of faulty codes. This costs Nissan a bunch of money, but guess what happens when these faulty codes lock out your ignition.


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