The Triumph Dolomite Club - Discussion Forum

Quick question - I have a friend coming to stay with her two kids, aged 9 and 7, and we'd like to be able to go out in my car but are not sure of the law regarding seatbelts etc. The older child can get away without needing a booster seat now. My car doesn't have rear seat belts fitted.

I know there was an article about this in DM but I can't find it!!

Thanks
Mel

Basically children need to be restrained at it is up to the driver to ensure they are. Beyond a certain age (I forget) it is up to the passenger so they could theoretically travel unrestrained if they want to.

Those kids ain't going out in the Dolomite unless it's one at a time in the front.

My kids (aged 12 and 13), given the chance, jump straight in the back of my dolomite(no rear belts fitted).
Only for the trip home of about a mile and a half. Always thought it was just a case of same rules for adults. If no belts are fitted then obviously they don't have to wear any.
Do intend to fit some rear belts sometime, but can't always find them when I have the money!

Hi

On the DVLA website, it says:

If your vehicle has no seat belts
You can't carry any children under three years old in vehicles without seatbelts, like classic cars. If you're travelling with children over three years old, they must only sit in the back seats.

So you should be fine, this is the link for it:

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTr ... DG_4022064

It's quite near to the bottom of the page.

All the Best

Darren

Alternatively it isn't terribly difficult to fit rear seatbelts. On the RWD shell I believe all the mountings for 3 point statics are already there and belts are stocked in halfrauds for not a terrible price. I've fitted them in mine (I was an egg in a box once and I didn't enjoy it, even at low speed!) and once I'd got the bolts the right way round it was easy, you don't even have to break the parcel shelf vinyl as the plates will sit underneath. Food for thought perhaps.

Great, thanks all - I think the kids will enjoy rolling around in the back but perhaps we shouldn't go very far!

Mel

DazasDolly wrote:Hi

On the DVLA website, it says:

If your vehicle has no seat belts
You can't carry any children under three years old in vehicles without seatbelts, like classic cars. If you're travelling with children over three years old, they must only sit in the back seats.

So you should be fine, this is the link for it:

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTr ... DG_4022064

It's quite near to the bottom of the page.

All the Best


Darren

I CAN CONFIRM THE ABOVE I PHONED THE DVLA TO CHECK BEFORE I GOT MY TOLEDO. BUT THE DVLA DID SAY THAT A POLICE OFFICER MAY SAY THAT THE 1ST CHILD/YOUNGEST THAT NEEDS A CAR SEAT THEN THEY SHOULD BE IN THE FRONT PASS SEAT IN A BOOSTER SEAT. BUT DEPENDS ON THE OFFICER...... AT THE TIME!

Nice to hear your 1500 is still providing sterling service.
I enjoyed your article in Dolly Mixture.