SEATBELT SAFETY

Regular columnist and our favourite podcaster Motorhome Matt Sims unpicks crucial topics for discerning motorhomers. This month...

- Matt Sims

Passenger seatbelts in motorhomes are a hot topic, often misunderstood. Common questions include “Can I carry passengers in the back of my ’van without seatbelts?” and “Can I install seatbelts in the rear?” The law on motorhome seatbelts varies, depending on when your vehicle was registered. Here are the facts:

Post-2006 motorhomes

Forward-facing seats must have seatbelts fitted if your motorhome was registered after 2006. Passengers using those seats are legally required to wear them while travelling. This rule was introduced to improve safety and reduce the risk of injuries in accidents.

Pre-2006 motorhomes

Older motorhomes may have designated travel seats without seatbelts. Although it is not illegal for passengers to travel in these seats, it is strongly advised against, for safety reasons. Manufacturers were not required to install seatbelts in these vehicles, meaning that travelling unrestrained carries significant risk.

Side-facing seats

The law does not require seatbelts on side-facing seats. However, using these seats while the vehicle is in motion is discouraged, owing to safety concerns due to the lack of protection. The gov.uk website says: “Although side facing seats, with or without seatbelts, are not illegal, we would not advise that they are used.”

Children and seatbelts

If seatbelts are present, all passengers, especially children, must use them. Children aged under 12 years or shorter than 135cm must make use of an appropriate child restraint where seatbelts are available. This rule aligns with general road safety laws and is crucial for child protection.