M.O.T Regulations question for someone who knows!
M.O.T Regulations question for someone who knows!
First things first - I've had experience with MOT Testers who themselves blatantly don't understand the regulations!
So - here is a question regarding Seatbelt requirements for an MOT.
Can the rear seat belt reels and fixing points be removed from a vehicle with first use date after 1st April 1987 IF the rear seats are removed in their entirety?
Now, to my mind, the answer is Yes. As the first section of 5.1 in the Testers Manual states that "If a belt is fitted, but there is no corresponding seat it is NOT considered to be a seat belt, for the purpose of this inspection". This means that they cannot fail a vehicle with an otherwise faulty seatbelt if the corresponding seat doesn't exist; so, to my mind, the existence of the belt or not is an irrelevance if there is no corresponding seat. (If you follow me!)
Reason I'm asking is that I have a run-around that I've taken the back seats out of (and rear belts at the moment), in order to put in a flat MDF floor to make loading and unloading easier. However, it was mentioned to me that someone had experienced difficulties when they MOT'd a car that they had done similar with. I gave my opinion that I think the Tester was wrong and the lack of belts is irrelevant when faced with a lack of corresponding seats, and this was before checking up in the manual. But it got me thinking that I should perhaps check my understanding of the regulations.
So, any knowledgeable people about there like to put my mind at rest please?
So - here is a question regarding Seatbelt requirements for an MOT.
Can the rear seat belt reels and fixing points be removed from a vehicle with first use date after 1st April 1987 IF the rear seats are removed in their entirety?
Now, to my mind, the answer is Yes. As the first section of 5.1 in the Testers Manual states that "If a belt is fitted, but there is no corresponding seat it is NOT considered to be a seat belt, for the purpose of this inspection". This means that they cannot fail a vehicle with an otherwise faulty seatbelt if the corresponding seat doesn't exist; so, to my mind, the existence of the belt or not is an irrelevance if there is no corresponding seat. (If you follow me!)
Reason I'm asking is that I have a run-around that I've taken the back seats out of (and rear belts at the moment), in order to put in a flat MDF floor to make loading and unloading easier. However, it was mentioned to me that someone had experienced difficulties when they MOT'd a car that they had done similar with. I gave my opinion that I think the Tester was wrong and the lack of belts is irrelevant when faced with a lack of corresponding seats, and this was before checking up in the manual. But it got me thinking that I should perhaps check my understanding of the regulations.
So, any knowledgeable people about there like to put my mind at rest please?
Scooby Newbie
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 29
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From: Mansfield Nottinghamshire
cheers steve
Last edited by Arch; Aug 22, 2007 at 11:43 PM.
MOT UK car and vehicle MOT information equipment car servicing parts and spares - seat belts
This is the section that applies. Note that it states "Check that each seat that requires a seat belt is fitted with one of the appropriate type". Again, that says to me that if there is no seat, then there is no requirement to check if there is a seat belt.
Actually, thinking about it now you mention the RA. I'm pretty sure RCM haven't got the gobstopper registered as a van.
This is the section that applies. Note that it states "Check that each seat that requires a seat belt is fitted with one of the appropriate type". Again, that says to me that if there is no seat, then there is no requirement to check if there is a seat belt.
Actually, thinking about it now you mention the RA. I'm pretty sure RCM haven't got the gobstopper registered as a van.
Last edited by Prasius; Aug 22, 2007 at 11:36 PM.
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