Motorhomes are generally a safe way to travel, but owners must ensure they know the laws around seatbelts in these leisure vehicles.
Due to motorhome layouts differing greatly from cars and other vehicles, seatbelt laws are also not the same and many motorists aren’t aware of the rules and regulations.
To keep yourself and all passengers safe, as well as avoiding fines or legal troubles, it’s important to familiarise yourself with these laws before getting on the road.
Steve Noga, caravan and motor home expert at Auto Finance said: “Just like any other vehicle, motorhomes have seatbelt laws that must be followed in the same way as cars and any other motor vehicle.
“Seatbelts are used primarily for the safety of passengers in a vehicle should there be an accident or collision. Modern seatbelts are designed to reduce the risk of injury in accidents and fatalities in more serious crashes.”
With this in mind, he has shared essential advice every motorhome owner should be aware of when it comes to seatbelts in their vehicle.
Check when your motorhome was made
Motorhomes built after 2006 are subject to the standard seatbelt laws in place across the UK, with all drivers and passengers restrained when the vehicle is moving.
Specified passenger seats and the driver’s seat must have three-point seatbelts, but any other travel seats can have two-point belts.
If your motorhome was made after October 1st, 1988, Mr Noga advises that the seatbelt rules only apply to forward-facing passengers.
Again, these belts must have three points, but the rest of the restraints in the vehicle can be two-point belts.
Check if you’re eligible to travel in the back of a motorhome
Mr Noga said: “While vehicles that were built before 1965 are not required by law to have seatbelts, however, if seatbelts are fitted in the vehicle you are expected to wear them.
“Whilst it isn’t required to wear a seatbelt in these older motorhomes, we’d always recommend wearing one to ensure the safety of everyone on board your vehicle.
“Any vehicles built after 1988 cannot legally have passengers in the back or other designated passenger seats without a seatbelt when in motion.”
Consider your seat position
Side-facing seats are usually only found in older models of motorhome and not recommended for use when the vehicle is moving.
They can be useful for accommodating visitors when you’re pitched up or at mealtimes, but aren’t the safest way to travel.
Ensure there is a three-point belt for children
Under the same rule as cars and other vehicles, all children under the age of 12 or a height of 4 ft 4 in must use a child booster seat and a three-point seatbelt.
Regardless of the laws on forward, side or backwards seats, wherever a child sits, it must be fitted with a three-point seatbelt.
Always secure pets
All pets must be suitably restrained using a seat belt harness, pet carrier or dog cage that is secure when a motorhome is in transit.
This is to prevent distractions caused by pets wandering around and ensure the safety of all passengers, including those of a four-legged variety.
Check for medical exemptions
Mr Noga did point out that in some circumstances, wearing a seatbelt may not be possible or can case you more harm if you have a specific disability.
In this situation your doctor will issue you a medical exemption certificate, which must be with you at all times to prove to legal parties like the police that you are legally permitted to be without a seatbelt.
Photo credit: Unsplash/Alexandria Gilliott
