Racing harnesses for road?

[Buffalo]

Sort of following on from my current thread on GG looking for advice on type of harnesses to use in my road going car, wondered if anyone on this forum can tell me of any specfic laws regarding the use of harnesses on the Queen's Highway.

Some are labelled as "road legal" others aren't. I can't seem to tell the difference.

Can any legals/BiB help out here..? Is it to do with the buckle? Surely iof good enough for the track, they must be good enough for the road?

Thanks...

[deltaf]

Think its all down to type approval or some such nonsense. As you say, if its good nuff for a race vehicle, keeping a person secure at higher speeds than normally encountered on a road, then it should be more than adequate for the road....

[safespeed]

A six point race harness is designed to be used with a roll cage. Without a roll cage, a six point harness will hold you still while the roof crushes your head.

Not recommended.

[streaky]

Checking information about the MOT suggests that:

The relevant wording in the RTA is (at least similar to):

"(iii) a seat belt which satisfies the requirements of a standard corresponding to the British Standard referred to in sub-paragraph (i); or
(iv) a seat belt designed for use by an adult which is a harness belt comprising a lap belt and shoulder straps and which satisfies the requirements of a standard corresponding to any of the British Standards referred to in sub-paragraph (ii)."

The acceptability of a "standard" is given as:

"For the purposes of this regulation a reference to a standard corresponding to a specified British Standard is a reference to—
(a) a standard or code of practice of a national standards body or equivalent body of any EEA State;
(b) any international standard recognised for use as a standard by any EEA State; or
(c) a technical specification recognised for use as a standard by a public authority of any EEA State,
where the standard, code of practice, international standard or technical specification provides in relation to seat belts, a level of safety equivalent to that provided by the British Standard and contains a requirement as respects the marking of seat belts equivalent to that provided by the British Standard."

I submit (butIANAL) that a seat belt meeting the approval of the FIA (or RAC MSD) should be acceptable.

You might wish to note that (AFAIK) the MOT test does not require the markings on the belt to be checked - so belts are not checked for compliance with any standard.

The MOT test's definition of a "seat belt" appears to be:

"A '3 point belt' means a seat belt which:
1) restrains the upper and lower parts of the torso;
2) includes a lap belt;
3) is anchored at not less than three points; and
4) is designed for use by an adult."

So I submit (but IANAL) that a racing harness (type) belt would comply.

Streaky

[Buffalo]

Thanks - open to interpretation again then

Still thanks for that, i would be getting a three or 4 point system, just simply to replace the inertia reels. I don't want to go silly!

[deltaf]

In agreement with Paul regarding the roll cage, thats why ones fitted to the golf.

[cptsideways]

Having seen two cars roll sans cage in front of me, you don't want harnesses, I can assure you.

Unless you have a cage that is, in which case you do want some.

I think the inertia reel types might do the job though

[cptsideways]

4 point quick releases will pass an MOT, I asked our MOT man last week if my Rally car ones are OK, they are.

[Buffalo]

Thanks

It is actually my intention to get a rollcage but i have other more important (non car )things to spend money on at the moment.

I still think that as if i am going to have an accident under normal (?) situations, I am more likely to have a 'normal' shunt than an 'inverse' so reckon harnesses are to be more safe than my current inertia set up, which as i have explained on GG make me feel a bit nervous at the way they ride up my neck etc...

But i take on board what you say...

[bongomania]

I think there is an issue about being able to do up the belts with one hand (so Soccor Mum can keep putting her makeup on I think)

But most MOT people are sensible enough to accept a harness exceeds the requirements for restraint.

I feel a damn sight more secure wearing mine. Bit difficult turning and checking for cars at merging roads though....

[busa_rush]

It would be well worth your time having a chat with one of the belt manufacturers or a kit car manufacturer before fitting it. If it's not positioned correctly it can actually contribute to internal injuries and the top straps will snap your collar bones too if the mounting points are too low. Well worth avoiding that kind of pain !

[Shaun_E]

My Luke 4 point harnesses pass the MOT no problem (fitted to Caterham with FIA approved rolbar).

[slinksport]

It's good to hear that folk are passing MOT's with harnesses in..

I'd been thinking about what to do with my car when MOT time comes around as having an OMP subframe removes the ability to have a seatbelt on the drivers side..

Cheers guys,

W

[Nacnud]

4-point Willans harness bolted to a properly installed beefy rollover bar has never raised any real issues, just plenty of ill informed comments.

However - the sanity of the passenger for allowing themselves to be strapped in to something that is clearly a very scary car is usually questioned.

Hmmm, Maybe it's my sanity they are questioning

[echo]

IIRC it's down to the release buckle amongst other things.

Black ones with a large red release button are legal. Rotary releases are not.

Go to the manufacturers site & they should state if they are road legal.

[Liszt]

If you have a look at the kit car forum there is a sticky topic which points to the relevant sva requirements. There is quite a section on seat belt anchorings and if you can comply with this you should be ok.

[slinksport]

OMP 3 point competition jobbies with Klunk-Klick style catch..

Mounted using existing seat belt mounting points for front two and rear is an inch square steel bar mounted between rear seat mounting points.. so I reckon it should be tough enough..

Thanks for pointing me to the sva stuff, that should help..

W

[regmolehusband]

I put a Caterham 7 through an SVA test some time ago and believe the principle requirement is that it must be possible to UNDO the belt with one hand.

[Buffalo]

Ahh, SVA stuff would be a good read. Thanks for the heads up.

[bluesandtwos]

My Caterham passed MOT with 6 point Luke (FIA Approved) harnesses. What sort of car are you fitting too?