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[Debs.]

I`ve acquired a `95 L.R Discovery 3 door which is without an MOT; intending to spend a week or two going through the vehicle 'snagging' for likely defects before booking an MOT.

An obvious fault if the centre lap-strap seatbelt socket plastic-casing, which has been crushed by the folding seat at some point; leaving the latch mechanism exposed.
Easiest and cheapest solution (as money is an issue for me) would be to simply remove both elements of the centre lap-belt: the adjustable-strap side and the socket side.
All other seatbelts are fine, so here`s the Q: is a centre rear lap belt a mandatory requirement?......or is it optional, but if one is fitted, it must be in good order/secure/operational. :-/

[Jimbob]

the manual may give some pointers..

http://www.motuk.co.uk/manual/mc_introduction.htm

[Entwood]

Another link that might help ..

http://www.motuk.com/mot_manual/5-1.asp#14

As I read it ..

Section B.1 says "Condition of all seat belts fitted"

Section A.1 leads to the bumpf at the bottom.. "do you need a seat belt fitted?"

right down the bottom ..

"Seat Belts (Additional information: Forward facing rear seats)
Vehicles first used after 31 March 1987.  Forward facing rear seats must have at least the type and number of seat belts shown below." folowed by diagrams of seats.
and

"OPTIONS
A.  if one outboard seat has a 3-point inertia reel type belt, then at least one other seat in the rear must have an acceptable belt.

or

B. if any seat has a 3-point static belt, then at least one other seat in the rear must have either a child restraint or disabled person's belt.

or

C. if the vehicle does not comply with A or B above, then each seat in the rear must have an acceptable belt."

My thoughts are ... if you remove all the bits of the seatbelt set up .. AND remove the centre seat/seat back so it is obvious no-one can sit there, make it into a table or something ... then you may well be OK under option C ??

Just a thought .. no legal knowledge at all ..

[2woody]

whatever happens, it rather depends on how well the tester knows the regs tho.

[2woody]

actually, you're committing an offence under the Road Traffic Act if you DO NOT take out the seat.

[Sixstring]

Debs..........

The Law says "any fitted seat MUST have a seatbelt in an acceptable condition, and must be functional in all respects."

It also says " A passenger carrying seat MUST have a fully functional seatbelt of either lap or 3 point fixing type"

therefore, removing it means the seat has to go too, but ANY lap belt from a scrapper is acceptable...............

[Teebee]

I had a similar issue with my estate, previous owner obviously had problems with it and removed it completely. When I took it for the MOT there was no questions asked and they passed it (rightly or wrongly).

In my case I actually wanted the belt so bought a 3 point belt for £18 but for you this lapbelt should be OK and it saves a pound 

[Debs.]

Thanks for the replies, everyone!

Having taken on-board the clear construction/use stipulation for a fully working seat-belt for every useable seat: I`ll just have to look on eBay for a lap-belt socket for the Disco.

Thanks again!

[lee4206]

Debs if the mechanism still works the plastic covering being missing or damaged is not a fail and as long as one outboard seat has a 3point belt then only one other seat needs a belt.   The other option is to remove the rear seat as if the seat is not fitted the the belts are not tested at all(obviously this would be a stop gap to get it though quickly).

Lee
(mot tester)

[Debs.]

Debs if the mechanism still works the plastic covering being missing or damaged is not a fail and as long as one outboard seat has a 3point belt then only one other seat needs a belt.   The other option is to remove the rear seat as if the seat is not fitted the the belts are not tested at all(obviously this would be a stop gap to get it though quickly).

Lee
(mot tester)

  Yes, that`s it Lee, the plastic cover is missing completely but just on the centre lap-belt`s catch: which still works perfectly (although it looks awful).....the nearside-rear and offside-rear 3 point inertia reel belts catch units are perfect, so it appears it might be ok to try for the test with the lap belt as is!.....Thank you.