Vintage Cars: seatbelts and the law, vehicle safety standards, motor vehicle safety

Question
Indiana law says if vehicle is equiped you must wear it-How do I find out if my 1961 econoline van was equiped from factory with front lap belts.

Answer
Simple:  vehicles sold in the U.S. were not required to be factory-equipped with lap belts until the 1965 model year, and shoulder belts were required starting April 1st, 1968; no 1961 Econoline ever came from the factory with seat belts.  If you need documented proof, go to the D.O.T. website and look up the FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards).