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… to Motorhome Essentials. All you need to know about motorhoming in the UK. News, reviews, gossip, advice - it’s all here!
… to Motorhome Essentials. All you need to know about motorhoming in the UK. News, reviews, gossip, advice - it’s all here!
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May 2nd, 2007 10:33
Dear Sir/Madam,
I want to find out if you can fit more seat belts to a motor home. We are looking at the welcome 28 but there is only 2 seat belts in the back and as we have three children it makes it rather difficult. Or what is the laws on it.
Thanking you
Eleanor O’ Boyle.
May 2nd, 2007 14:18
Hi, Eleanor
Thanks for commenting. As usual with motorhomes, the laws are confusing, and sometimes conflicting.
If seat belts are fitted they must be worn. You are not allowed to carry more passengers than there are seatbelts. For owners of older motorhomes, it will not become illegal to carry passengers in the rear, provided that no seatbelts are fitted to any seats behind the driver and front passenger seats.
After May 2009, it will be illegal to carry any person in the rear of the motorhome without belted seats. The legislation doesn’t differentiate between side-facing and front-facing seats.
Extra seat belts can be fitted, but they need to be installed by the manufacturer, as there are strict regulations regarding the mounting points.
I think you’re doing the right thing by asking the question now. Some motorhome salesmen might not be aware of the regulations.
Put simply, if you wish to take 3 children away with you, you will need at least 3 belted seats. I’ve seen some with lap belts installed, but I would never use one. Any chance of a child slipping free of a belt could result in very serious injury to that child from the very hard lumps of motorhome there are in the back. You always have to consider the worst case scenario - that of the motorhome rolling over during an accident, and everyone should be securely belted in.
Hope this helps!
Gerald