Last Updated on You don’t have to be a driver to know that driving or riding in a car without seat belts is prohibited, but what about motorhomes?
If you’ve just become an RV owner or aim to become one, you might not be familiar with all the UK laws regarding driving a motorhome, including seat belts. This comprehensive guide covers the regulations, exemptions, and responsibilities associated with seat belt use in motorhomes.
What are the Motorhome Seat Belt Laws in the UK?
Seat belt requirements in motorhomes vary based on the vehicle’s manufacturing date. The UK legislation divides this into three periods — after 2006, after 1988, and before 1988. Here’s how the laws differ for each period:
- In motorhomes made after 2006, all designated travel seats must have seat belts, and passengers must wear them while in transit. The driver and front passenger seats require three-point belts, while other travel seats need at least two-point belts. Side-facing seats cannot be used as travel seats.
- For motorhomes built between 1 October 1988 and 2006, seat belts are mandatory for the driver and forward-facing passengers. These seats must have three-point belts, while other seats may have two- or three-point belts. All passengers must wear seat belts while the vehicle is moving.
- In motorhomes made before 1 October 1988, seat belts are required for the driver and front passenger. Rear-seat passengers are not legally required to wear seat belts, but law enforcement may penalize unsafe driving. Travelling without seat belts, especially at high speeds, increases safety risks.
While not illegal, using side-facing seats while moving is not recommended. Seat belts are not designed for these seats and may increase injury risk in frontal crashes. Though they may prevent ejection, they can put excessive force on the body in an accident.
Generally speaking, when carrying passengers, it is your obligation as a driver to ensure they wear seat belts in transit. According to the Road Traffic Act 1988, you will be guilty of an offence if you use a vehicle when the number of passengers carried or how you carry passengers involves the danger of injury to any person. Another crucial thing to remember is to notify the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency if you have made any changes to your motorhome, such as adding rear seats or changing front-facing seats.
Are There Any Seat Belt Wearing Exemptions?
Motorhome seat belt laws indicate that wearing seat belts is generally mandatory, but certain exemptions do apply. You do not have to use seat belts when reversing, or if all designated travelling seats are occupied, and you have to travel in non-designated seats without seat belts. Other exemptions include emergency vehicles used for medical, fire brigade or police purposes, drivers of licensed taxis while seeking hire or carrying passengers for hire, and individuals involved in processions organised by or on behalf of the Crown.
Additionally, individuals with a medical certificate stating that, on medical grounds, it is not advisable to wear a seat belt are exempt. It’s crucial to carry any relevant exemption certificates while travelling, as law enforcement may request proof of exemption during routine checks. Despite the above, for optimal safety, all passengers should wear seat belts whenever possible, regardless of exemptions.
What are the Child Seat Belt Regulations?
Ensuring child passenger safety requires following specific regulations. Children under 12 or shorter than 135 cm must use a child restraint with three-point seat belts. Since child seats cannot be fitted to side-facing seats, they must be placed on forward or rearward-facing seats.
In motorhomes without seat belts, children under three cannot be carried. Those over three may sit in the back, but travelling in vehicles without proper seat belts should be avoided. Proper installation of child restraints is crucial for maximum safety.
Child seats are grouped by weight and height.
- Group 0+ seats are rear-facing for children up to 13 kg,
- Group 1 seats accommodate 9–18 kg with a harness or safety shield.
- Group 2 and 3 seats, for children 15–36 kg, use a high-backed booster or cushion with a harness or shield.
According to motorhome seat belt laws, specific rules apply when installing child seats in motorhomes. They must not be placed on side-facing seats and should only be used with seat belts that include a diagonal strap. If installed in the front passenger seat, the airbag must be deactivated.
Some child seats need extra support, such as top straps, for secure installation. Always check with the supplier to ensure compatibility with your motorhome. Following these regulations keeps child passengers safe throughout the journey.
Final Word on the UK Motorhome Seat Belt Regulations
Sitting in the driver’s seat when travelling in a motorhome is a huge responsibility. However, besides driving safely, you should also keep your passengers safe in transit. For this reason, your motor vehicle must have seat belts, and you need to ensure that your passengers wear them.
Understanding and adhering to seat belt laws is vital for the safety of all motorhome occupants. Regulations vary depending on the vehicle’s manufacturing date, with stricter requirements for newer models. While certain exemptions exist, wearing seat belts remains the most effective measure to protect passengers during travel.
Motorhome owners and drivers should regularly inspect seat belts for wear and tear and ensure that all designated travel seats have appropriate restraints. Additionally, when travelling with children, it’s imperative to use suitable child restraints and avoid seating them in side-facing seats. By staying informed and compliant with motorhome seat belt laws and regulations, motorhome enthusiasts can enjoy their journeys across the UK with enhanced safety and peace of mind.
Keep this all in mind before starting your motorhome trip! If you are not sure if your campervan meets all the requirements regarding seat belts and required child restraints, check the official Legistalion.gov website. Your insurance company should also provide you with any additional information on how to have the seat belts fitted in all the seats in campervans.
FAQs
What are the driver’s responsibilities with motorhome seat belts?
Motorhome drivers ensure that all passengers wear seat belts while the vehicle is in motion. This includes verifying that child passengers use appropriate restraints suitable for their age and size. Before commencing any journey, drivers should conduct a safety check to confirm that all seat belts are functioning correctly and that passengers are securely fastened.
Additionally, drivers must ensure that the motorhome’s seat belts and seating arrangements comply with motorhome seat belt laws. These are based on the vehicle’s manufacturing date. Failure to ensure passenger compliance with seat belt laws can result in legal penalties for the driver.
What are any passengers’ responsibilities?
Passengers in a motorhome must wear seat belts whenever the vehicle is in transit, provided that seat belts are available. This includes using appropriate child restraints for younger passengers. Passengers should also refrain from occupying side-facing seats while the motorhome is in motion, as these seats are not recommended for travel due to safety concerns.
What are the UK laws on side-facing seats?
UK law does not require seat belts to be fitted on side-facing seats in motorhomes manufactured before 2007, but it is generally considered unsafe to travel in these seats while the vehicle is moving. For motorhomes manufactured after 2007, seat belts must be provided for all designated travel seats, and forward- and rear-facing seats are strongly recommended for passenger safety. While side-facing seats may still be present in some motorhomes, they should not be used for travel due to the increased risk of injury in a crash.
Do all passengers in a motorhome have to wear a seatbelt?
Passengers must wear seat belts if they are seated in a designated travel seat equipped with one while the motorhome is moving. However, if a motorhome was manufactured before 2007 and has seats without seat belts, passengers may legally sit there, though it is not recommended for safety reasons. To minimise risks, all passengers should use a proper, seat-belted travel seat whenever possible.
