Were seat belts optional on the 1967 Chevy Chevelle SS?

[07_ShelbyGT500]

I bought a 67 Chevelle SS 396 a few weeks ago. Now I want to register in NY, but the inspection requirements for NY State include a requirement for seatbelts in each seating position (Model years 1967 and 1968 - two front seat belts are required (driver position included), and one seat belt is required for each seating position elsewhere in the vehicle. )
My car has no seat belts. Were seat belts an option in 1967, or did someone remove them when the car was restored a few years ago and just not put them back?
Thanks.

[McLaren]

Dual front rear seat belts became standard equipment on the Chevelle starting with the 1966 model year, however, they could be deleted for a credit if a person ordered it that way.

[Big C]

You were screwed of course. But if you do put new ones in, do not get the lap seat belts, but the crossover type. Like the newer ones on todays cars. That way if you have an accident at least your head will not meet the steering wheel.

[tommy44432]

Look under the car at the floor pan (or if you can raise the carpet). If there are unexplained holes in the floor pan in approximately the same location that seat belts may have been bolted down then there's your answer. GM left no open holes in the floor pans but they did bolt through the pan to anchor the belts so holes equals seat belts. I want to say that belts were required in 1967 but I'm not 100% sure. I have a 1967 Chevy ll Nova that does have belts....through bolted just like I said.

[Kwijibo]

just tie a rope around your waist and pray. Its all the same.

[dodge man]

nope,they were standard equipment ,i still got mine that i bought in 1970 its big block car,and belts was standard in it.although mine haven't been used much they are there,good luck.