Driver Vehicle Standards Agency
In this section
- 7.1.1. Seat belt security
- 7.1.2. Seat belt fitment and condition
- 7.1.3. Seat belt load limiters
- 7.1.4. Seat belt pre-tensioners
- 7.1.5. Airbags
- 7.1.6. Supplementary restraint system (SRS)
7.1.1. Seat belt security
You must inspect anchorage points for:
- all seat belts fitted
- child seats and restraints that are securely attached to the vehicle using Isofix, carabiners, ratchet straps, nuts and bolts etc
- disabled persons belts or wheelchairs
A seat belt anchorage prescribed area includes the seat mounting points where a seat belt is attached to a seat frame.
For assessing corrosion and using the corrosion assessment tool, see Appendix A.
You do not need to inspect:
- a belt fitted with no corresponding seat
- a buckle or stalk with no corresponding belt
| Defect | Category |
|---|---|
| (a) The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any seat belt anchorage (a prescribed area): (i) is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired (ii) anchorage likely to become detached in the event of a collision | Major Dangerous |
| (b) Seat belt anchorage loose | Major |
7.1.2. Seat belt fitment and condition
You must check any visible parts of all seat belts fitted. This includes:
- seat belts fitted to child seats and restraints
- any disabled persons belts or wheelchairs straps
You do not need to inspect:
- a belt fitted with no corresponding seat
- a buckle or stalk with no corresponding belt
You should lift folded seats to inspect seat belts. However, you do not have to do this if youd need tools to do it. If you cannot lift seats because there are heavy or fragile items on the seat, you can refuse to test the vehicle. For details, see item 4d in the Introduction.
You do not need to inspect buckles or stalks with no corresponding belt.
Where a child seat is fitted that prevents access to the seat belt buckle, you must check as much of the seat belt as possible and issue an advisory that the buckle could not be checked.
To check the belt buckle:
Fasten the belt locking mechanism.
Try to pull the locked sections apart.
Press the release mechanism while pulling on the belt.
Make sure the mechanism releases when required.
For retracting seat belts, check that excess webbing is wound into the retracting unit with the mechanism fastened and the seat unoccupied. Check this with the seat base set in its rearmost position.
Some types of retracting belt might need manual help before they retract. If a temporary device is fitted to prevent retraction, you can remove it.
A seat belt installation check might be required on vehicles fitted with more than 8 passenger seats first used before 1 October 2001. If youre not sure, see Section 10 of this inspection manual.
Child seat(s) retained by seat belt(s) must not be removed. A visual examination is required of only those parts of the seat belt(s) which are readily accessible.
Fitment
Seat belts are not needed for:
- seats that are only used when the vehicle is stationary, such as a sofa in the living area of a motor caravan
- side facing seats
- occasional seats that fold down when not in use
For further information see the tables in Appendix C to determine which seats need a seat belt.
| Defect | Category |
|---|---|
| (a) A statutory seat belt missing | Major |
| (b) A seat belt: (i) or flexible stalk damaged (ii) webbing or flexible stalk significantly stretched or weakened | Major Dangerous |
| (c) Seat belt not functioning as intended or of an incorrect type | Major |
| (d) Seat belt buckle missing, damaged or not functioning as intended | Major |
| (e) Seat belt retractor not functioning as intended | Major |
7.1.3. Seat belt load limiters
You must check all seat belt load limiters fitted as original equipment other than on Class 3 vehicles.
Load limiters are designed to minimise seat belt inflicted injury in violent collisions. The simplest type of load limiter is a fold sewn into the belt webbing, which pulls apart when a high amount of force is applied to the belt.
Mechanical load limiters commonly use a torsion bar in the retractor mechanism. These cannot usually be easily inspected.
| Defect | Category |
|---|---|
| (a) A seat belt load limiter fitted as original equipment obviously missing or a folded webbing type load limiter deployed | Major |
7.1.4. Seat belt pre-tensioners
You must check all seat belt pre-tensioners fitted as original equipment other than on Class 3 vehicles.
Seat belt pre-tensioners activate in certain violent collisions to tighten the seat belt just before the full force of impact. Once activated, a warning device might display.
| Defect | Category |
|---|---|
| (a) A seat belt pre-tensioner fitted as original equipment obviously missing or deployed | Major |
7.1.5. Airbags
This inspection is for all airbags fitted as original equipment other than on Class 3 vehicles.
A passenger airbag that is switched off is not a defect.
| Defect | Category |
|---|---|
| (a) An airbag fitted as original equipment obviously missing | Major |
| (b) Not in use | |
| (c) An airbag obviously inoperative | Major |
7.1.6. Supplementary restraint system (SRS)
The SRS MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp) should only be failed if it is indicating a system malfunction. A lamp illuminated to indicate the passenger airbag is disabled is not to be regarded as a defect.
Warning messages on dashboard displays are not a defect in their own right, but may assist the tester in determining that the warning lamp is illuminated because a malfunction exists.
| Defect | Category |
|---|---|
| (a) An SRS malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) indicates a system malfunction | Major |