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The Testers Manual

5.1 Seat Belts

Information	Method of Inspection	Reason for rejection
This inspection applies to all seat belts fitted including child seats/restraints etc. However the reasons for rejection should only be applied to those permanently attached to the vehicle ie secured by nuts, bolts etc. 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. IMPORTANT Vehicles fitted with more than 8 passenger seats used before 1 October 2001 may be subject to a seat belt installation check. This can only be carried out by class V authorised test stations. It is essential therefore that you correctly identify vehicles that require a seat belt installation check. A vehicle will require a seat belt installation check if ALL the following applies . It has more than 8 passenger seats fitted (see note below) . It has more than the legally required number of seat belts fitted (see page 8 for guidance) . There is no proof that all the seat belt installations have been fully type approved (see page 9) . There is no proof that a seat belt installation check has been previously carried out (this will be by a previous VT20 being produced at time of test showing that the vehicle has had an installation check) Extra seat belts have been fitted since a previous installation check MOT. Compare the number of seat belts now fitted with the number shown on the last MOT certificate.	A. Statutory fitment 1. Check that each seat that requires a seat belt is fitted with one of the appropriate type (see pages 3-9)	1. A seat belt missing or of the wrong type.
Note: If it is obvious that the vehicle is capable of carrying more than 8 seated passengers (for example, by having wheelchair tracking/clamps fitted) the presenter of the vehicle should be asked how many passengers the vehicle carries in normal use to establish the seating capacity.
Condition of all seat belts fitted
	B. Condition of all seat belts fitted 1. Pull each seat belt webbing against its anchorage to see that it is properly secured to the vehicle structure. Note: For seats with integral seat belts, it might not be possible to examine the fixing of the seat belt to the seat.	1. a. a seat belt not securely fixed to the seat or to the structure of the vehicle. For example, a fixing bolt not secure b. for seats with seat belts attached to them; any insecure attachment of the seat to the vehicle structure c. for seats with seat belts attached to them; a cracked or damaged seat frame
	2. Examine the condition of all seat belt webbing for cuts or obvious signs of deterioration. Pay particular attention to webbing around anchorages, buckles and loops.	2. a. a cut which causes the fibres to separate b. fluffing or fraying sufficient to obstruct correct operation of the belt or which has clearly weakened the webbing c. stitching badly frayed, not secure, incomplete or repaired
	3. Examine the condition of the attachment fittings and adjusting fitting on each belt.	3. An attachment fitting or adjustment fitting of a seat belt fractured or badly deteriorated. Note: damage or deterioration of the plastic covering of a component is not a reason for rejection unless it affects the operation of the belt.
Seat belt pre-tensioners
Some seat belts are fitted with pre-tensioners. Once activated, a 'flag' or similar shows on the seat belt stalk. In itself a seat belt that has had the pre-tensioner activated is NOT a reason for rejection. The vehicle presenter should be advised.	4. Examine flexible buckle stalks for a. signs of corrosion or weakness. Pull the sheaths aside, if this can be done without damage b. 'waggle' flexible buckle stalks and listen for a clicking noise indicating broken strands of cable	4. a. corrosion or deterioration of a flexible stalk likely to lead to failure under load b. broken strands of a flexible stalk cable
	5. Fasten each belt locking mechanism and try to pull the locked sections apart. On retracting seat belts, check that with the mechanism fastened and the seat unoccupied, excess webbing is wound into the retracting unit. Note: Some types of retracting belt might need manual help before they retract. Operate the release mechanism while pulling on the belt to check that the mechanism releases when required.	5. a. the locking mechanism of a seat belt does not secure or release the belt as intended b. a retracting mechanism does not retract the webbing sufficiently to remove all the slack from the belt with the locking mechanism fastened and the seat unoccupied Note 1: In doubtful cases, this should be checked with the seat base set in its rearmost position. Note 2: The vehicle presenter should be advised of and given the opportunity to remove any temporarily fitted device likely to cause failure under this reason for rejection before notification of refusal is issued.
	6. As far as is practicable without dismantling, check the condition of the vehicle structure around the seat belt anchorage points (ie within the 'prescribed area' see Appendix C). The floor-mounted anchorage points might need to be inspected from underneath the vehicle.	6. Deliberate modification which significantly reduces the original strength, excessive corrosion, severe distortion, a fracture or an inadequate repair of a load bearing member or its supporting structure or supporting paneling within 30cm of a seat belt anchorage. Note: With a seat belt attached to a seat frame this reason for rejection will apply to ALL seat mounting points.
Seat belt requirements for vehicles with up to 8 Passenger seats first used before 1 April 1987
1. 3-wheeled vehicles
	Driver's and specified front passengers seat (see note 1)	Centre front seat		Forward facing rear seats
with an unladen weight over 410kg first used on or after 1 January 1965, or with an unladen weight over 255kg if first used on or after 1 September 1970 Except Vehicles less than 410kg unladen equipped with a driving seat of a type requiring the driver to sit astride it, and constructed or assembled by a person not ordinarily engaged in the trade or business of manufacturing vehicles of this type.	A. vehicles first used before 1 April 1981: A belt which restrains the upper part of the body (but need not include a lap belt) for each seat B. Vehicles first used after 31 March 1981: A 3 point (lap/diagonal) belt for each of these seats (see note 2)	No requirement		No requirement
2. Passenger and dual purpose vehicles with no more than 8 passenger seats
with 4 or more wheels first used on or after 1 January 1965	As above	No requirement		No requirement
3. Minibuses (9-12 passenger seats inclusive), motor caravans and ambulances first used on or after 1 January 1965 not exceeding 2540kgs unladen
	As above	No requirement		No requirement
4. Goods Vehicles & living Vans
. first used on or after 1 April 1967 . with an unladen weight not exceeding 1525kg or . first used on or after 1 April 1980 . with a design gross weight not exceeding 3500kg# # except those first used before 1 April 1982 or manufactured before 1 October 1981, if they are of a model of vehicle which was manufactured before 1 October 1979 with an unladen weight exceeding 1525kg.	As above	No requirement		No requirement
Notes
Note 1: The 'specified front passenger seat' requiring a seat belt is the seat which is Foremost in the vehicle, and Furthest from the driver's seat unless there is a fixed partition separating the passenger seat from a space in front of it which is alongside the driver's seat, eg certain types of taxis, buses etc.	Note 2: '3 point belt' means a seat belt which i. restrains the upper and lower parts of the torso ii. includes a lap belt iii' is anchored at not less than three points, and iv. is designed for use by an adult.	Note 3: An adult harness belt comprising a lap belt and shoulder straps bearing a British standard marking is an acceptable alternative to any of the seat belt types listed.		Note 4: for passenger carrying vehicles and motor caravans converted from a goods vehicle see note 6 on page 7. The definition of a motor caravan and a living van can be found in section A of the 6th edition MOT Testing Guide.
Seat belt requirements for vehicles with up to 8 passenger seats first used after 31 March 1987
Vehicle description	Driver's and specified front passengers seat (see note 1)	Centre front seat		Forward facing rear seats
1. Passenger vehicles and dual purpose vehicles with no more than 8 passenger seats,	3 point belts for each seat (see note 3 page 3)	3 point belt, lap belt or disabled person's belt		A. Vehicles with not more than 2 rear seats; Either i. A 3 point inertia reel belt for at least one seat; or ii. a 3 point belt, lap belt, disabled person's belt , or B. Vehicles with more than 2 rear seats; Either i. A 3 point inertia reel belt on an outboard seat and a 3 point static or inertia reel belt, lap belt, disabled person's belt or child restraint for at least one other seat; or ii. A static 3 point belt for one seat and a disabled person's belt or child restraint for at least one other seat; or iii. A 3 point belt, lap belt, disabled person's belt or child restraint for each seat see additional information on page 6

Motor Caravans and ambulances with up to eight passenger seats	3 point belts for each seat (see note 3 page3)	3 point belt, lap belt or disabled person's belt		No requirement

Goods Vehicles & Living vans (with a design gross weight not exceeding 3500kg)	3 point belts for each seat (see note 3 page3)	3 point belt, lap belt or disabled person's belt		No requirement see notes 4 & 5
Seat belt requirements for vehicles with 9-12 passenger seats
Vehicle Description	Driver's and specified front passengers seat (see note 1)	Centre front seat	Forward Facing rear Seats	Rearward Facing rear Seats
Mini buses, (9-12 passenger seats inclusive) motor caravans and ambulances used between 1 January 1965 to 30 September 1988 not exceeding 2540kgs unladen	A. vehicles first used before 1 April 1981: A belt which restrains the upper part of the body (but need not include a lap belt) for each seat B. Vehicles first used after 31 March 1981: A 3 point (lap/diagonal) belt for each of these seats	No requirement	No requirement	No requirement
Minibuses, motor caravans and ambulances (9-12 seats) used between 1 October 1988 and 30 September 2001 with a Design Gross Weight not exceeding 3500kg	3 point belts for each seat	3 point belt, lap belt or disabled person's belt	No requirement	No requirement
Minibuses, motor caravans and ambulances (9-12 seats) used between 1 October 1988 and 30 September 2001 with a Design Gross Weight exceeding 3500kg	No requirement	No requirement	No requirement	No requirement
Minibuses, motor caravans and ambulances (9-12 seats) first used on or after 1 October 2001 with a Design Gross Weight not exceeding 3500kg	3 point inertia reel seat belt	3 point inertia reel seat belt, disabled person's belt or child restraint	3 point inertia reel seat belt, disabled person's belt or child restraint	3 point inertia reel seat belt, retractable lap belt, disabled person's belt or child restraint
Minibuses, motor caravans and ambulances (9-12 seats) first used on or after 1 October 2001 with a Design Gross Weight exceeding 3500kg	3 point inertia reel seat belt	3 point inertia reel seat belt, disabled person's belt or child restraint	3 point inertia reel seat belt, disabled person's belt or child restraint. Retractable lap belts are acceptable on non-exposed seats with an energy absorbing seat or surface present in front	3 point inertia reel seat belt, retractable lap belt, disabled person's belt or child restraint
Seat Belts requirements for vehicles with up to 8 passenger seats (Additional information)
Vehicles first used after 31 March 1987. Forward facing rear seats must have at least the type and number of seat belts shown below.
One or two rear seats
OR
Three rear seats or any of below



More than three rear seats
		OPTIONS A. if one outboard seat has a 3-point inertia reel type belt, then at least one other seat in the rear must have an acceptable belt. or B. if any seat has a 3-point static belt, then at least one other seat in the rear must have either a child restraint or disabled person's belt. or C. if the vehicle does not comply with A or B above, then each seat in the rear must have an acceptable belt.
Acceptable Belts are
Lap belt, Disabled person's belts, child restraint, 3-point belt (static or inertia reel.)
Notes
Note 1: outboard seats are seats closest to the vehicle sides. Note 2: Rear facing or side facing seats are not required to be fitted with seat belts.	Note 3: Occasional seats that fold when not in use, fitted in the rear of extended limousines are not required to be fitted with seatbelts	Note 4: Seat belts fitted to the rear of the driver's compartment in a goods vehicle do not require to be fitted with seat belts (unless the seat is the specified passenger seat, see Note 1, page 3 Note 5: A goods vehicle (eg. a car derived van) which has been converted to a passenger vehicle specification (ie. fitted with rear seats and side windows etc) is required to comply with the passenger vehicle requirements.
Legal Minimum Seat Belt Requirements for vehicles fitted with 9-12 Passenger Seats
		1. Vehicles first used between 1 January 1965 and 30 September 1988 not exceeding 2540kg unladen weight must have seat belts fitted to the driver's seat (a) and the specified front passenger seat (b) (two seat belts in total) 2. Vehicles first used between used between 1 October 1988 and 30 September 2001 must have seat belts fitted to the drivers seat (a), the specified front passenger seat (b), and if fitted the centre front seat (c) (three belts in total) 3.Vehicles first used on or after 1 October 2001 not exceeding 3500kg design gross weight must have inertia reel 3-point belts in all forward facing seats inertia reel 3-point belts or retractable lap belts in all rearward facing seats. (Alternatively, disabled persons seat belts or child restaints may be fitted) 4.Vehicles first used on or after 1 October 2001 exceeding 3500kg design gross weight must have inertia reel 3-point belts or retractable lap belts in all forward and rearward facing seats. Lap Belts may only be fitted in forward facing non-exposed seats where an appropriate energy absorbing seat or surface is present in front (Alternatively, disabled persons seat belts or child restaints may be fitted)
Notes
The "specified front passenger seat" requiring a seat belt is the seat which is . Foremost in the vehicle, and . Furthest from the driver's seat. unless there is a fixed partition separating the passenger seat from a space in front of it which is alongside the driver's seat eg. certain types of taxis, buses etc. In the diagram, the dotted lines illustrate where a specified front passenger seat could be located.
Vehicles Exempt from Seat Belt Installation Checks
Ford Transits with type approved seat belt installations can be identified as follows: 12 and 15 seat (including the driver) Transits manufactured after 1 October 1991 where the fourth character of the VIN Number is "E" 17 seat (including the driver) Transits where there is a six figure code EJACL or EJJCL marked in the top right hand of the manufacturers plate (in the type code box). In the code the fourth digit marked * can be any character

LDV 200 series models with type approved seat belt installations can be identified as follows: Chassis number from 933478 onwards and the seventh character of the VIN number is "S" .

LDV 400 series models with type approved seat belt installations can be identified as follows: Chassis number from 933478 onwards and the seventh character of the VIN number is "S"or"V".

LDV Pilot and Convoy models with type approved seat belt installations can be identified as follows: Chassis number from 000001 onwards and the seventh character of the VIN number is "S or X".

Land Rover Defender 110 Station Wagon with type approved seat belt installations can be identified as follows: manufactured 1990- from chassis number 455758 manufactured 1991 onwards- all chassis numbers. Information on other makes will be circulated when it becomes available.
Important note:
To be exempt from the check, vehicles must have been fitted with the seat belt installation by the vehicle manufacturer when new. If you are aware that a vehicle with a chassis number shown above has had any seats/seat belts fitted by any other installer, eg. where it has been adapted to carry wheelchairs and has removable seats on tracking, it will not be exempt and will require an installation check.
Issue Date 10th January 2005

The Testers Manual

5.1 Seat Belts

Information

Method of Inspection

Reason for rejection

IMPORTANT

Vehicles fitted with more than 8 passenger seats used before 1 October 2001 may be subject to a seat belt installation check. This can only be carried out by class V authorised test stations. It is essential therefore that you correctly identify vehicles that require a seat belt installation check.

A vehicle will require a seat belt installation check if ALL the following applies

. It has more than 8 passenger seats fitted (see note below)

. It has more than the legally required number of seat belts fitted (see page 8 for guidance)

. There is no proof that all the seat belt installations have been fully type approved (see page 9)

. There is no proof that a seat belt installation check has been previously carried out (this will be by a previous VT20 being produced at time of test showing that the vehicle has had an installation check)

Extra seat belts have been fitted since a previous installation check MOT.

Compare the number of seat belts now fitted with the number shown on the last MOT certificate.

A. Statutory fitment

1. Check that each seat that requires a seat belt is fitted with one of the appropriate type (see pages 3-9)

1. A seat belt missing or of the wrong type.

Note: If it is obvious that the vehicle is capable of carrying more than 8 seated passengers (for example, by having wheelchair tracking/clamps fitted) the presenter of the vehicle should be asked how many passengers the vehicle carries in normal use to establish the seating capacity.

Condition of all seat belts fitted

B. Condition of all seat belts fitted

1. Pull each seat belt webbing against its anchorage to see that it is properly secured to the vehicle structure. Note: For seats with integral seat belts, it might not be possible to examine the fixing of the seat belt to the seat.

1.

a. a seat belt not securely fixed to the seat or to the structure of the vehicle. For example, a fixing bolt not secure

b. for seats with seat belts attached to them; any insecure attachment of the seat to the vehicle structure

c. for seats with seat belts attached to them; a cracked or damaged seat frame

2. Examine the condition of all seat belt webbing for cuts or obvious signs of deterioration. Pay particular attention to webbing around anchorages, buckles and loops.

2.

a. a cut which causes the fibres to separate

b. fluffing or fraying sufficient to obstruct correct operation of the belt or which has clearly weakened the webbing

c. stitching badly frayed, not secure, incomplete or repaired

3. Examine the condition of the attachment fittings and adjusting fitting on each belt.

3. An attachment fitting or adjustment fitting of a seat belt fractured or badly deteriorated. Note: damage or deterioration of the plastic covering of a component is not a reason for rejection unless it affects the operation of the belt.

Seat belt pre-tensioners

Some seat belts are fitted with pre-tensioners.

Once activated, a 'flag' or similar shows on the seat belt stalk.

In itself a seat belt that has had the pre-tensioner activated is NOT a reason for rejection.

The vehicle presenter should be advised.

4. Examine flexible buckle stalks for

a. signs of corrosion or weakness. Pull the sheaths aside, if this can be done without damage

b. 'waggle' flexible buckle stalks and listen for a clicking noise indicating broken strands of cable

4.

a. corrosion or deterioration of a flexible stalk likely to lead to failure under load

b. broken strands of a flexible stalk cable

Operate the release mechanism while pulling on the belt to check that the mechanism releases when required.

5.

a. the locking mechanism of a seat belt does not secure or release the belt as intended

b. a retracting mechanism does not retract the webbing sufficiently to remove all the slack from the belt with the locking mechanism fastened and the seat unoccupied

Note 1: In doubtful cases, this should be checked with the seat base set in its rearmost position.

Note 2: The vehicle presenter should be advised of and given the opportunity to remove any temporarily fitted device likely to cause failure under this reason for rejection before notification of refusal is issued.

6. As far as is practicable without dismantling, check the condition of the vehicle structure around the seat belt anchorage points (ie within the 'prescribed area' see Appendix C). The floor-mounted anchorage points might need to be inspected from underneath the vehicle.

6. Deliberate modification which significantly reduces the original strength, excessive corrosion, severe distortion, a fracture or an inadequate repair of a load bearing member or its supporting structure or supporting paneling within 30cm of a seat belt anchorage.

Note: With a seat belt attached to a seat frame this reason for rejection will apply to ALL seat mounting points.

Seat belt requirements for vehicles with up to 8 Passenger seats first used before 1 April 1987

1. 3-wheeled vehicles

Driver's and specified front passengers seat (see note 1)

Centre front seat

Forward facing rear seats

with an unladen weight over 410kg first used on or after 1 January 1965, or

with an unladen weight over 255kg if first used on or after 1 September 1970

Except Vehicles

less than 410kg unladen equipped with a driving seat of a type requiring the driver to sit astride it, and

constructed or assembled by a person not ordinarily engaged in the trade or business of manufacturing vehicles of this type.

A. vehicles first used before 1 April 1981: A belt which restrains the upper part of the body (but need not include a lap belt) for each seat

B. Vehicles first used after 31 March 1981: A 3 point (lap/diagonal) belt for each of these seats (see note 2)

No requirement

No requirement

2. Passenger and dual purpose vehicles with no more than 8 passenger seats

with 4 or more wheels first used on or after 1 January 1965

As above

No requirement

No requirement

3. Minibuses (9-12 passenger seats inclusive), motor caravans and ambulances first used on or after 1 January 1965 not exceeding 2540kgs unladen

As above

No requirement

No requirement

4. Goods Vehicles & living Vans

. first used on or after 1 April 1967 . with an unladen weight not exceeding 1525kg

or

. first used on or after 1 April 1980 . with a design gross weight not exceeding 3500kg#

# except those first used before 1 April 1982 or manufactured before 1 October 1981, if they are of a model of vehicle which was manufactured before 1 October 1979 with an unladen weight exceeding 1525kg.

1. Pull each seat belt webbing against its anchorage to see that it is properly secured to the vehicle structure.
Note: For seats with integral seat belts, it might not be possible to examine the fixing of the seat belt to the seat.

3. An attachment fitting or adjustment fitting of a seat belt fractured or badly deteriorated.

Note: damage or deterioration of the plastic covering of a component is not a reason for rejection unless it affects the operation of the belt.

. first used on or after 1 April 1967
. with an unladen weight not exceeding 1525kg

. first used on or after 1 April 1980
. with a design gross weight not exceeding 3500kg#

Note 1:
The 'specified front passenger seat' requiring a seat belt is the seat which is

Note 2:
'3 point belt' means a seat belt which

Note 3:
An adult harness belt comprising a lap belt and shoulder straps bearing a British standard marking is an acceptable alternative to any of the seat belt types listed.

Note 4:
for passenger carrying vehicles and motor caravans converted from a goods vehicle see note 6 on page 7.