Seatbelt law

[TechnoTurkey]

My SWB Pajero has only two seatbelts on the bench seat in the back.  The question is what would be the legal situation were I to put someone in the middle in the back with no belt available?

There is space but no belt.

Thoughts?

Cheers

[Skibum346]

IIRC the law states something along the lines of "...seatbelts must be worn where fittted"   (I'm sure LSP or some other of the blue fraternity will be along to confirm shortly.)

So there would be no legal issue.

Morally... whether someone should be put at risk of exiting through the windscreen... that's another question.

[TechnoTurkey]

I am concerned about the moral bit as well, but just need to know what all the options are.

Bought the Paj to tug a caravan about 40 miles to the V fest in August, however there are 5 of us going....

[Lord Shagg-Pyle]

From what I'm aware of, it should have a lap belt fitted in the middle What year of manufacture is it? Is it a 'grey import' vehicle?
Saying that, I've never been a big fan of lap belts. They tend to have a 'cheese wire' effect in a prang.

[Llanigraham]

How many people is it registered to carry?

My old Freelander had no rear central belt fitted and was only registered to carry 4 people. The current one is allowed 5.

[TechnoTurkey]

It's a jap import, will see what UK spec SWB Shoguns look like in the back.

No V5 as yet so can't say what it is registered as.

[morson4x4]

agreed with the windscreen moral but like they said if it states 5 then 5 is legaly aload, however it is uggested that the smallest member is supposed to sit in the middle but they also to light and will fly through the screen personnely i would avoid 5 unless you get a belt fitted, they cheap enough to get fitting i would find a local garage to do as they have to meet safety standards hope this helps

[discowoman]

MK1 Pajero's are only 4 seaters - whereas the later MK2 are 5 seaters.. exactly the same seat setup - just with a middle lap belt...MAY be worth a trip to the scrappy  :-$
problems arise when insuring it.. if its legally a 4 seater - then im afraid tough!! 1 of your mates is walking!

[TechnoTurkey]

Mine is a Mk2, but the poverty spec one with a bench seat in the rear.  Will have a close look at a Mk2 with five belts and see what the difference is.  Obviously don't want to do anything unsafe or illegal.

[Nick4X4]

Mine is a Mk2, but the poverty spec one with a bench seat in the rear.  Will have a close look at a Mk2 with five belts and see what the difference is.  Obviously don't want to do anything unsafe or illegal.

I have a mk2 swb at my workshop and that is only a 4 seater ;)

[Range Rover Blues]

I'm not 100%v on this but I thik that if seatbelts are fitted in the rear (and the were a legal requirement form 1985/6) then the lack of one in the middle means you can't carry a passenger there.

[wvanman]

Im inclined to agree with R R Blues here      ive spoken to my mate who a MOT Assistant   and he responsible for the smaller checks (i.e. seatbelts etc)   on a test and if it has 4 bealts its 4 People !!              if you google seatbelt laws in the uk      yuo will find an array of them           hope this helps    Mark

[CaptainColourful]

I am concerned about the moral bit as well, but just need to know what all the options are.

Bought the Paj to tug a caravan about 40 miles to the V fest in August, however there are 5 of us going....

I reckon you need to do one of two things...
1.  Fit a middle belt ...
2. Forget the Paj and take the Rangie instead ( I presume you still have it )

[TechnoTurkey]

The Rangie is currently in about 100 bits and being distributed to various people through the club and eBay, RIP  :'(

The Paj was purchased as a temporary replacement, mainly for camping and festivals etc.  I'll stick to just four people inside it as it is the easiest and safest way I think.  Number 5 can walk or drive himself!

Thanks for everyones feedback on this one....