Seatbelt Laws and Vans

[djrem]

I'm told that the law is

"If there is a seat with a belt it must be worn"

However, if you have a seat with no seat belt attached, are you still allowed to travel in teh vehicle?

So this hazards the question: "What is a seat?"

Can you put a two rows of benches in the back of a van and LEGALLY carry people sitting on them benches.


please refrain from opinion, i would like facts.


Situation.

We are driving up to Sheffield tomorrow, however the truck we were going in is in the Garage being reparied.

Substitue vehicle is a Defender truck with no rear seats, just benches:

[bez_123]

i think its illeagal to carry people in the back of vans. and everyone has to wear seats beats apart from taxi drivers!

[djrem]

Originally Posted by bez_123

i think its illeagal to carry people in the back of vans. and everyone has to wear seats beats apart from taxi drivers!

See I'm really reaching out to people who know the law.

The Army drive around with 10-20 people in the back of lorrys.
Is this an exceoption to the rule?
Im sure they dont have seat belts.

[Ben]

This is probably irrellevent but my dad collects classic cars, and they don't have seatbelts in the back seats, so i don't have to wear one when i go out in them with him. I've never thought about your situation but i imagine its quite similar tbh.

[hellonpluto]

Looks like your off to do a bank robbery with them benches?

[djrem]

I just dont want to be pulled over thinking we are covered to find out that if a car has for seats 2 people, it can only carry 2 people.

[Matty_Mills]

if the seats are factory fitted with no belt, a belt is not required.
this means that without the correct certification... no, you cant carry people on these home made brnches im afraid matey

[djrem]

sorted. its legal.

"In a vehicle without rear seat belts (for example a classic car), childer aged three and over can only travel in the back. Those under three can't be carried at all because they must always use a child restraint."

SOURCE: http://www.dft.gov.uk/think/focusare...&whoareyou_id=

[AMO247]

Originally Posted by bensambrook

This is probably irrellevent but my dad collects classic cars, and they don't have seatbelts in the back seats, so i don't have to wear one when i go out in them with him. I've never thought about your situation but i imagine its quite similar tbh.

Any car that was built before 1964 without seatbelts are exempt.
BUT
If seatbelts are fitted to a car even before 1964 ( factory fitted or home fitted) then its the law that you have to wear them.

But as for the van not sure.
Why dont you just phone the bizziys up and ask if you can talk to a traffic copper and then just ask them first hand.

[Ben]

Originally Posted by djrem

sorted. its legal.



SOURCE: http://www.dft.gov.uk/think/focusare...&whoareyou_id=

Was that partially due to me Only kiddin Glad you got it sorted buddy.

[AMO247]

Originally Posted by djrem

sorted. its legal.



SOURCE: http://www.dft.gov.uk/think/focusare...&whoareyou_id=

dont think this applies to you as they are not manufactured seats ? not 100%

[djrem]

Shit.

back to step 1.

Like if thats the seatbelt law then thats cool but what about:

On a V5 it says "Number of Seats" but are you still insured if you carry more people than that figure?

even if they are in the back.

[djrem]

Shit.

back to step 1.

Like if thats the seatbelt law then thats cool but what about:

On a V5 it says "Number of Seats" but are you still insured if you carry more people than that figure?

even if they are in the back.

[Matty_Mills]

"In a vehicle without rear seat belts (for example a classic car), childer aged three and over can only travel in the back. Those under three can't be carried at all because they must always use a child restraint."


your seats are home made tho matey.
According to our plant manager here, its illegal to carry passengers in a van that does not have factory fitted or properly tested seating.

[djrem]

thats what i thought.

right.

Enterprise Rent a Car it is.

[betty02]

Originally Posted by bez_123

i think its illeagal to carry people in the back of vans. and everyone has to wear seats beats apart from taxi drivers!

Taxi drivers do have to wear seat belts by law, i know dad used to be one, however when pulling into a there destination they can be removed prior to parking up, this is incse anyone does a runner, but there still technically not alloud to leave there cab as it may get stolen e.g 1 gang member runs you chase 2 more come and rob the taxi!

[Matty_Mills]

Originally Posted by betty02

Taxi drivers do have to wear seat belts by law, i know dad used to be one, however when pulling into a there destination they can be removed prior to parking up, this is incse anyone does a runner, but there still technically not alloud to leave there cab as it may get stolen e.g 1 gang member runs you chase 2 more come and rob the taxi!

taxi drivers are only required to do what is in their work statement provided by the local council.
in gloucester, a taxi driver does not have to wear a seatbelt whilst on a job, or within the city limits whilst not on a job but when using the taxi for private/lesiure purposes, a seatbet is required...
cousin and best mate drive them lol

[PosiBlue]

Originally Posted by djrem

Shit.

On a V5 it says "Number of Seats" but are you still insured if you carry more people than that figure?

even if they are in the back.

No you are not, the maximum number of people the vehicle is insured to carry goes off the number of seats the vehicle is insured for.