Seatbelt law due for a review
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Asa result of a number of recent vehicle accidents it is likely that there will be a urther review of the law relating to the wearing of seatbelts in motor vehicles. The law is complicated as the requirements vary according to a vehicle's specification. The general rule is: "where there is a legal requirement to fit a seat belt there is a corresponding obligation to wear it ". And recent developments in legislation require that a seatbelt that has been voluntarily fitted in a vehicle must be used.
A vehicle not exceeding 3,500kg, first used on or after 1 January 1965 must be fitted with a seat belt for both the driver and the front passenger. The seat belt itself is subject to the regulatory process and this is dependent upon the age of the vehicle. A car first used on or after 1 April 1981 must have a three-point belt fitted to the driver's and front passenger's seat. Goods vehicles exceeding 3,500kg GVW first used on or after 1 October 1988 are only required to have anchorage points fitted to the driver's and forward facing front seat. IThere is currently no requirement for vehicles first used before 1 October 1988 which have been constructed or adapted to carry more than 12 passengers to be equipped with anchorage points. Neither are they required to have a three-point belt for the driver's seat and front passenger seat. Vehicles used after this date and whose GVW does not exceed 3,500kg must be so equipped.