lakeesha Hennessy Williams answered
The truth is that the law is a little sketchy on this subject. As it stands, if there is a seat-belt installed, you must use it.
In the case of camper-vans, manufacturers are now required to fit all seats with seat-belts. This was not always the case however.
For all the camper-vans that were made before this law was passed, if you have seats that were designed without seatbelts, then you are unlikely to be prosecuted.
Seat-belts in camper-vans
In the case of passenger seats that don't have seat-belts fitted, a police officer normally wouldn't stop you unless it was evident that the person travelling in the seat was in peril.
If the lack of a seat-belt puts your passenger at risk, you could be charged under a separate offence of 'carrying passengers in manner that may cause danger or injury'.
What's the law about seat-belts in campers?
My recommendation would be to simply get the seat-belts installed. If you're worried about getting pulled over during a one-off trip, then I'd say just make sure the vehicle isn't overcrowded or anything like that. This will give a police officer less reason to be concerned about the safety of a passenger in the rear of a camper-van.
If you're planning to carry passengers regularly, I'd strongly recommend getting a seat-belt fitted.
It'll save you any wrangling with an overzealous law enforcement officer, and more importantly- it'll guarantee your passengers safety.
Finally, bear in mind that the laws of the road will differ from location to location, and are subject to legal review and change!
In the case of camper-vans, manufacturers are now required to fit all seats with seat-belts. This was not always the case however.
For all the camper-vans that were made before this law was passed, if you have seats that were designed without seatbelts, then you are unlikely to be prosecuted.
Seat-belts in camper-vans
In the case of passenger seats that don't have seat-belts fitted, a police officer normally wouldn't stop you unless it was evident that the person travelling in the seat was in peril.
If the lack of a seat-belt puts your passenger at risk, you could be charged under a separate offence of 'carrying passengers in manner that may cause danger or injury'.
What's the law about seat-belts in campers?
My recommendation would be to simply get the seat-belts installed. If you're worried about getting pulled over during a one-off trip, then I'd say just make sure the vehicle isn't overcrowded or anything like that. This will give a police officer less reason to be concerned about the safety of a passenger in the rear of a camper-van.
If you're planning to carry passengers regularly, I'd strongly recommend getting a seat-belt fitted.
It'll save you any wrangling with an overzealous law enforcement officer, and more importantly- it'll guarantee your passengers safety.
Finally, bear in mind that the laws of the road will differ from location to location, and are subject to legal review and change!
