When did Ford start putting seat belts in cars?
Ford began placing seat belts on select models in the mid-1950s, mostly as optional lap belts. Over the following decade, belt usage grew across more Ford cars, and by the late 1960s front-seat belts were standard or widely available in new Ford models as federal safety standards took shape.
Historical timeline
Key moments when Ford introduced belts and when they became common across the lineup.
- Circa 1955–1956: Optional lap belts appear on a limited line of Ford models as part of early safety experiments.
- Early 1960s: Ford expands availability of seat belts to additional models, with lap belts more commonly offered in the front seats.
- Mid to late 1960s: Front-seat lap belts become increasingly common across Ford's lineup as consumer safety awareness grows.
- 1968 model year (and beyond): Federal safety standards begin to require occupant protection; Ford ships cars with seat belts on the front seats in most new models, with belts now widely installed.
In practice, manufacturers had to respond to federal rules that began shaping auto safety in the late 1960s, and Ford's belt adoption reflects the industry's gradual shift from optional safety features to standard equipment.
Three-point belts and ongoing evolution
Beyond lap belts, the adoption of three-point shoulder belts progressed over time.
Ford introduced three-point belts on a growing share of its models in the late 1960s and 1970s, with broader implementation through the 1970s and 1980s as standard equipment, safety reminders, and other features improved overall occupant protection.
Summary
Ford's journey with seat belts began in the mid-1950s with optional lap belts and accelerated through the 1960s, culminating in widespread front-seat belts driven by federal safety standards. The transition from optional to standard across models reflected broader cultural and regulatory changes in automotive safety, a path that continued to evolve with the introduction of three-point belts and related safety technologies in subsequent decades.
Do cars built before 1978 have seat belts?
According to California law, cars manufactured before 1965 are exempt from the requirement to have seat belts. However, for vehicles produced after 1965, seat belt usage is mandatory for all passengers, regardless of the vehicle's age or model year.
Did cars have seat belts in the 1960s in America?
Until the mid-1960s seat belts were not standard equipment in American cars. Owners could purchase aftermarket safety belts like this one and have them installed. Continued education and growing acceptance for car occupants' safety have led most states to adopt seat belt laws.
What year did Ford start using seat belts?
Ford made safety a central feature of its 1956 models with the "Lifeguard" campaign. Seat belts were a $9 option, and breakaway rear-view mirrors, reinforced door locks, padded dashboards, and steering wheels with recessed hubs were also available.
When did they start putting seatbelts in the backseat of cars?
Seat belt laws in the United States have evolved over time, with the first federal law requiring seat belts in cars passing in 1968, and the first state law requiring seat belts for drivers passing in 1984: 1968: The federal Motor Safety Standard law required manufacturers to install seat belts in all vehicles except ...
