Seatbelt exemption, how old does a vehicle have to be?

[fha772]

Hi all,

As the title says, I was wondering if anyone knows at what age a vehicle has to have seatbelts fitted?

The reason I ask is, the Reliant Ant, doesn't seem to have ever had any fitted, I can't find any signs of seatbelt mounts at all. It was first registered on 02/03/73. So, is this old enough, not to have to have them fitted?

Cheers Frank.

[Relentless Rob]

I think the law was introduced in 1967.

Out of my old cars my 59 100E, 61 Herald, 62 Herald, 65 Vitesse, 66 105E, 66 Morris Minor and 67 Midget didn't have them fitted. My 68 MG B, 69 Mini, 71 B GT, 73 Mini, 74 B GT and 76 B GT had them fitted.

[owelly]

Behind the cab, there should be a frame made from chunky channel just below shoulder height and the upper seat belt mounts attach, through the fibreglass cab, to this frame. The buckley bits attach down near the gear-stick recess and I can't remember where the other bit goes!

[fha772]

Cheers Owelly, I'll have a look when I'm up there on Thursday.

[XKRacer]

To answer your question
Compulsory fitting
Front 1967
Rear 1991

They actually started making you wear them in 1983 with the driver

[Renrut]

I think the law was introduced in 1967.

Out of my old cars my 59 100E, 61 Herald, 62 Herald, 65 Vitesse, 66 105E, 66 Morris Minor and 67 Midget didn't have them fitted. My 68 MG B, 69 Mini, 71 B GT, 73 Mini, 74 B GT and 76 B GT had them fitted.

I didn't know you had a midget! Photos!

[owelly]

FFS Will, don't encourage him....

[fha772]

Thanks Owelly, I've now found the mounting points.
The bolts that hold the cab to that goal posty looking frame are actually eye bolts, which I hadn't noticed, and there's a couple of holes near the gear stick for the other end.
It looks to me like it used to have those old style 2 point diagonal seat belts, that don't have a lap strap, as I can't find another mounting for the 3rd point of a 3 point belt.

Cheers Frank

[mjslonergan]

Does it mount to the seat as a third point?

[fha772]

No, the seats are just 2 cushions screwed to the cab.

[Relentless Rob]

I have a set of Cinquecento Sporting red belts if you want them for your Ant Frank. I can bring them to the Pod on the 29th if you like.

[Relentless Rob]

If you prefer I have a set of black ones from the back of the red Panda instead.