Fitting Rear Facing seatbelts

[richw33]

I am new to this forum, so hello!

Anyway...my mum owns a bongo and she is lending it to me so I can take it to Euro 2016. She bought a converted Bongo, with the rear seats currently facing backwards...making it almost impossible to put them back so the seatbelts can be used again, since there is a kitchen at the back.

I am leaving for France on the 19th June, and planning to take my girlfriend and her daughter...the only problem is that the front of the bongo only seats 2, including the driver.

What are my options in order to get this legal in both the UK and France. Are there anchor points already existing so that I can add a rear facing seat belt? Does it have to be a 3 point belt, or will I get away with a lap-belt? Do I need to run the seatbelts through an MOT, or is it enough just to have the belt there and working?

Any information would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks,

[Bob]

Welcome to the Forum.

I'm pretty sure you're legal as there's no requirement for belts on a rear facing seat.

I would imagine the middle lap belt could easily be fitted if its been removed but three point belts would be a lot more difficult.

[Bongolia]

Bob is right.Not sure what the position in Europe is though.
You could give your local DVSA office a ring they may be able to help. You can get that number from any MOT station. It will be displayed in their MOT notice board or maybe the AA/RAC.

[Bongolia]

Contacted our area office but no help.
Got this from Caravan and Camping Club though.

In theory the Geneva convention should cover you for using abroad a vehicle that is legal in the UK

• Any vehicles manufactured since 2007 must be fitted with belts on all seats, whether forward- or rear-facing

• All the belted seats must be used before anyone travels in the unbelted ones

• All children under 12 or under 135cm (which are also the criteria for booster seats) must have a seat belt
Hope that helps

[gnome2]

..so does that mean that if I reverse my seats so they face to the rear, and install a rear kitchen, I can travel here (UK) with adults sitting on the seat without seatbelts?

[rita]

Welcome to the Forum.

I'm pretty sure you're legal as there's no requirement for belts on a rear facing seat.

I would imagine the middle lap belt could easily be fitted if its been removed but three point belts would be a lot more difficult.

Well that's that argument sorted, well done Bob, saves a lot of peeps a lot of hassle.

[Bongolia]

Gnome2
Yes, providing all belted seat are occupied.

[Bongolia]

Gnome2
That excludes the driver and their seat of course!

[gnome2]

[quote][/quote]bree...I always wear a belt..and sometimes braces..