Does a classic need seat belts

corelon

Just wondering if classic cars are required to have seat belts. Does anyone know. Thanks in advance. I obviously mean a car over 25 years!

Dades

I got stopped by a Garda in my car, as he thought I wasn't wearing a belt.

When I showed him I was wearing a "Ryanair" that just goes around your lap he said "on your way". So I doubt they are exempt - but you aren't required to have a three-point belt it seems.

That said I've plans to fit three-pointers anyway.

TheBigLebowski

As far as I know, if the car is old enough that it was designed without seatbelts, then you don't have to get them.

corelon

I thought it was something like that. Much appreciated

Blue850

I Nct'd my Fiat 850 in 2000 when it was 29 years old and I needed 3 point belts. lap belts would have done if it was pre 1970 and I think belts weren't needed if it was pre 65 . In my opinion if belts can be fitted then fit them, steering column through sternum or head through windscreen would be nasty:eek:

69 mustang

I had two separate belts nonretractable in my Mustang it was a pain in the arse so I fitted a set out of a mk4 Cortina.:)

corktina

i should say if it has never had belts it doesnt have to have them now.......BUT i would recommend eveyone to wear a belt at all times, so fit them anyway...(wife is an Emergency Medical Technician.(ambulance driver to you and me...wait I think she is called Paramedic now....not sure.......lots of gory stories...etc..)

corktina

69 mustang wrote:

I had two separate belts nonretractable in my Mustang it was a pain in the arse so I fitted a set out of a mk4 Cortina.:)

can i have the rest of the Mk4 please Muskiee.....

ds20prefecture

corelon wrote:

Just wondering if classic cars are required to have seat belts. Does anyone know. Thanks in advance. I obviously mean a car over 25 years!

I don't think they are required on a car that was originally sold in this country without them.

You should fit them, though. They're probably the only safety upgrade you'll be able to make to a classic, and it's cheap. Bear in mind that few cars sold before 1975 had padded dashes or collapsible steering columns. Lots didn't have crumple zones, and most don't have any side impact protection worth speaking of. If you have even a low speed head on without a belt, your period dash will be implanted in your face as you are impaled on the steering column. If you're lucky. More likely, you'll be thrown from the car through the windscreen to form a sort of mushy arrow into the nearest hard surface. The first thing to enter your head as this happens is likely your own spine.

Just my €0.02

dubtom

**** DS I'll be having nightmares after that one, and mine does have seatbelts.:eek:

gs39t

ds20prefecture wrote:

I don't think they are required on a car that was originally sold in this country without them.

You should fit them, though. They're probably the only safety upgrade you'll be able to make to a classic, and it's cheap. Bear in mind that few cars sold before 1975 had padded dashes or collapsible steering columns. Lots didn't have crumple zones, and most don't have any side impact protection worth speaking of. If you have even a low speed head on without a belt, your period dash will be implanted in your face as you are impaled on the steering column. If you're lucky. More likely, you'll be thrown from the car through the windscreen to form a sort of mushy arrow into the nearest hard surface. The first thing to enter your head as this happens is likely your own spine.

Just my €0.02

Or, if you have lowback bucket seats, a rear impact would result in your head being snapped off and landing the back seat, which wouldnt really be an issue as the gastank exploding on impact would likely kill you anyway

(eh, best not mention that to potential buyers )

corktina

well i did refrain from giving you the gory stories...but you dont need them now after that graphic account of what would happen in an accident....

i always wondered what would go through my mind if someone ploughed into my Cortina...now I know...





.the steering colomn!!!!!:D

69 mustang

corktina wrote:

can i have the rest of the Mk4 please Muskiee.....

Sorry don't have it got them in Manchester in a scrappers for £10:(

corktina

69 mustang wrote:

Sorry don't have it got them in Manchester in a scrappers for £10:(

just a thought.......:D

feckidyparp

Anything that was registered before the seatbelt regulation came into force, doesn't need a seatbelt. I just got off the phone to the Gardai motor department. Ph 6669800.

ds20prefecture

feckidyparp wrote:

Its illegal to drive a car in ireland without a seat belt on. thats the fact of the situation. wether or not your car was built with one is beside the point. Drive a car - wear a seatbelt. No seatbelt - no drive.

Bollox. So the 1908 Daimler or the 1912 Renault require seatbelts? What should you screw them into the wooden frame with? Tek Screws?

ds20prefecture

feckidyparp wrote:

Anything that was registered before the seatbelt regulation came into force, doesn't need a seatbelt. I just got off the phone to the Gardai motor department. Ph 6669800.

Well there you go!

feckidyparp

haha. i couldn't edit that fast enough apparently.:D

corktina

feckidyparp wrote:

haha. i couldn't edit that fast enough apparently.:D

nice try!!!! gave me a giggle there......:)