Is that illegal?

[Slammed70]

I got pulled over for not wearing a seatbelt today....and a fix it ticket.

Other then the CD player, speakers, auto-column, and my nifty floormats the interior of my truck is completely stock. And there is NO trace of seatbelts being in this truck.

I tried to explain to him that its to old and I wont do it because Im in the process of restoring it back to stock(haha).

But this asshole still gave me a ticket and I have 30 days before it gets inspected.

Anyone know if a 70 truck was for sure a seat belt equipped truck? Or if theres a way to fight it so I dont have to put a seat belt in my truck?

Thanks,
Mitch

[1BadSS]

Originally Posted by Slammed70

I got pulled over for not wearing a seatbelt today....and a fix it ticket.

Other then the CD player, speakers, auto-column, and my nifty floormats the interior of my truck is completely stock. And there is NO trace of seatbelts being in this truck.

I tried to explain to him that its to old and I wont do it because Im in the process of restoring it back to stock(haha).

But this asshole still gave me a ticket and I have 30 days before it gets inspected.

Anyone know if a 70 truck was for sure a seat belt equipped truck? Or if theres a way to fight it so I dont have to put a seat belt in my truck?

Thanks,
Mitch

My 69 has lap belts if that helps at all.

[texascowboy593]

My 67 GMC and 71 both came with lap belts as well...

[Litemup]

I'm sure your truck had seatbelts at some point, I'd buy some and put em in.

Seatbelts were mandatory after 1968

[sleepyboy]

Seatbelts were mandatory after 1968[/QUOTE]

My 69 Step didn't have them; just nice little plastic plugs were they were optioned..But, when I bought the truck; that was the first thing I installed.

[Longhorn Man]

Seatbelts were mandatory after 1968

My 69 Step didn't have them; just nice little plastic plugs were they were optioned..But, when I bought the truck; that was the first thing I installed.

Do you mean seat belts... or shoulder harnesses?

[Brad]

It was right around 67 that seatbelts became federally madated so yes, he gave you a legitamate ticket. You don't have any ground to stand on. What's puzzling me is how did he know you weren't wearing your seatbelt???

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by Brad

..... What's puzzling me is how did he know you weren't wearing your seatbelt???

Exactly?

[Ron 586]

My 72 C/10 only has lap belts. There is a dimple where the shoulder belt mounted on the high end trucks but mine never had them. I have been pulled over and checked and even went through a DUI check point one night when coming home from work at 2:30 AM. It was bad enough when they asked kind of smart assed how much I had to drink. When I answered nothing he shined a 4 cell mag light in my eyes and told me my eyes were bloodshot and he knew I had been drinking. I am 6'1'' and 280 lbs driving a 1972 C/10 with manual steering and it has the large steering wheel which don't leave a lot of moving around room so I had released my seat belt to get my licenses out of my back pocket to have it ready. He started in about my truck not having proper shoulder belts and then set in to tell me that I had not been wearing my seat belt. I had 2 state troupers and 3 county law men and things were beginning to heat up by this time because the one cop called me a liar and I had had enough. They told me to shut off the engine and get out of the truck and I was not looking forward to getting my head beat on with a stick and that was where this was heading. While I was getting out of the truck a set of headlights pulled up and it was another county cop. He was a Sargent and a friend of mine for about 15 years. He got there just in time to see 3 of his men grab me and push me up against the bed of my truck. He yelled for them to stop what they were doing and asked them what the hell was going on. The one that was giving me a hard time told his version of it and then sarge called me by name and asked me to tell my side. When I got my side told he set in to tell them who, what, and when. He finished up with if Ron tells you that a rooster dips snuff just look under his wing for the box. He told me I could go and I made sure to buckle my lap belt before starting the engine or shutting the door. It took me awhile to get over that night and to this day I have no use for those three cops. I have been checked since with no problems once I show them that it never had shoulder belts but I wait for them to walk up to the truck before I unbuckle.

[LUV2XCLR8]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

Exactly?

X2

[ETsC10]

Good point, Longhorn, on the harness installation. Not only is the installation of a five-point crucial but the adjustment, when wearing it, is also. The harnesses are meant to be worn d@mn tight and the only thing that makes them not so uncomfortable is the adrenalin of a racing situation. If you aren’t cinched in tight, they may not save your bacon in a major collision any better than an upgraded lap belt/shoulder harness set-up.

[Americanrider]

According to the letter of the law your screwed.... Just about everyone is unless you drive a 67.

http://www.kslegislature.org/legsrv-statutes

Here are the Kansas Stautes:

8-1749
Chapter 8.--AUTOMOBILES AND OTHER VEHICLES
Article 17.--UNIFORM ACT REGULATING TRAFFIC; EQUIPMENT OF VEHICLES

8-1749. Safety belts and shoulder harnesses. (a) Every passenger car manufactured or assembled after January 1, 1965, shall be equipped with at least two (2) lap-type safety belt assemblies for use in the front seating positions.

(b) Every passenger car manufactured or assembled after January 1, 1968, shall be equipped with a lap-type safety belt assembly for each permanent passenger seating position. This requirement shall not apply to police vehicles.

(c) Every passenger car manufactured or assembled after January 1, 1968, shall be equipped with at least two (2) shoulder harness-type safety belt assemblies for use in the front seating positions.

(d) The secretary of transportation shall except specified types of motor vehicles or seating positions within any motor vehicle from the requirements imposed by subsections (a) to (c) when compliance would be impractical.

(e) No person shall distribute, have for sale, offer for sale or sell any safety belt or shoulder harness for use in motor vehicles unless it meets current minimum standards and specifications approved by the secretary of transportation.

History: L. 1974, ch. 33, § 8-1749; L. 1975, ch. 427, § 44; Aug. 15.
********************************************
8-2502
Chapter 8.--AUTOMOBILES AND OTHER VEHICLES
Article 25.--SEAT BELTS

8-2502. Same; "passenger car" defined. As used in this act, "passenger car" means a motor vehicle, manufactured or assembled after January 1, 1968, or a motor vehicle manufactured or assembled prior to 1968 which was manufactured or assembled with safety belts, with motive power designed for carrying 10 passengers or fewer, including vans, but does not include a motorcycle, a trailer or a vehicle constructed either on a truck chassis registered for a gross weight of more than 12,000 pounds or a farm truck registered for a gross weight of more than 16,000 pounds or a vehicle constructed with special features for occasional off-road operation.
*******************************************
8-2503
Chapter 8.--AUTOMOBILES AND OTHER VEHICLES
Article 25.--SEAT BELTS

8-2503. Same; wearing of seat belt by certain persons required; exceptions; educational program; evaluation of effectiveness of act; act enforced only when driver stopped for violation of another law. (a) Except as provided in K.S.A. 8-1344 and 8-1345, and amendments thereto, and in subsection (b), each front seat occupant of a passenger car manufactured with safety belts in compliance with federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 208 shall have a safety belt properly fastened about such person's body at all times when the vehicle is in motion.

(b) This section does not apply to:

(1) An occupant of a passenger car who possesses a written statement from a licensed physician that such person is unable for medical reasons to wear a safety belt system;

(2) carriers of United States mail while actually engaged in delivery and collection of mail along their specified routes;

(3) newspaper delivery persons while actually engaged in delivery of newspapers along their specified routes; or

(4) an occupant of a passenger car required to be protected by a safety restraining system under the child passenger safety act.

(c) The secretary of transportation shall initiate an educational program designed to encourage compliance with the safety belt usage provisions of this act.

(d) The secretary shall evaluate the effectiveness of this act and shall include a report of its findings in the annual evaluation report on its highway safety plan that it submits under 23 U.S.C. 402.

(e) Law enforcement officers shall not stop drivers for violations of this act in the absence of another violation of law. A citation for violation of this act shall not be issued without citing the violation that initially caused the officer to effect the enforcement stop.

History: L. 1986, ch. 35, § 3; L. 1989, ch. 40, § 4; July 1.

[71Dragtruck]

Originally Posted by ETsC10

Good point, Longhorn, on the harness installation. Not only is the installation of a five-point crucial but the adjustment, when wearing it, is also. The harnesses are meant to be worn d@mn tight and the only thing that makes them not so uncomfortable is the adrenalin of a racing situation. If you aren’t cinched in tight, they may not save your bacon in a major collision any better than an upgraded lap belt/shoulder harness set-up.

I say if your just putting in a set of 5-points cause they look cool DON'T bother, Like you said they have to be tight, are restictive and if not installed proper can crush your spine in a accident. Mine are in for racing purposes, and my stock lap belts are long gone, and not going back in for the 1 time a month it's street driven. Technically if I just wear the lap part I am just as safe if not safer due to quality then my factory lap belts, but still breaking the law. Like stated several times on here already, you are better to just nod your head and agree with what he says and then vent later to your buddies, or on here.

[1969K10]

Aside from the fact that I HATE seatbelt laws, I enjoy my lap belts. I have been pulled over 2X's and slipped my lap belt on before he got up to the door. You can see the look of disappointment slide over their face when they look in and see that you have the lap belt on, and that there aren't shoulder straps in my truck!!!
I didn't read all the posts, but my understanding is that for cars it's 1964 and newer, and for trucks it was 1968 or newer...

[masterbeavis]

Some states don't require a reason to give you a seatbelt ticket, or to pull you over because they cant see you wearing your seatbelt. Used to be in Cali, you had to be pulled over and ticketed for something else for the policeman to give you a ticket for seatbelts. (or at least pull you over for something other than not wearing your seatbelt. They changed the law a while back, now they can pull you over and give you a seatbelt ticket just for that reason.

[edit] I bet if you pulled out your seat/lift carpet you would see the holes in the floor where the seatbelt bolts go, unless somebody cut em out.

[Americanrider]

Knowlegde is Power

Google up the traffic laws in your state. It should be written on the ticket which law your in violation of. Here is our law for Washington State:

RCW 46.37.510
Seat belts and shoulder harnesses.

(1) No person may sell any automobile manufactured or assembled after January 1, 1964, nor may any owner cause such vehicle to be registered thereafter under the provisions of chapter 46.12 RCW unless such motor car or automobile is equipped with automobile seat belts installed for use on the front seats thereof which are of a type and installed in a manner conforming to rules adopted by the state patrol. Where registration is for transfer from an out-of-state license, the applicant shall be informed of this section by the issuing agent and has thirty days to comply. The state patrol shall adopt and enforce standards as to what constitutes adequate and safe seat belts and for the fastening and installation of them. Such standards shall not be below those specified as minimum requirements by the Society of Automotive Engineers on June 13, 1963.

(2) Every passenger car manufactured or assembled after January 1, 1965, shall be equipped with at least two lap-type safety belt assemblies for use in the front seating positions.

(3) Every passenger car manufactured or assembled after January 1, 1968, shall be equipped with a lap-type safety belt assembly for each permanent passenger seating position. This requirement shall not apply to police vehicles.

(4) Every passenger car manufactured or assembled after January 1, 1968, shall be equipped with at least two shoulder harness-type safety belt assemblies for use in the front seating positions.

(5) The state patrol shall excuse specified types of motor vehicles or seating positions within any motor vehicle from the requirements imposed by subsections (1), (2), and (3) of this section when compliance would be impractical.

(6) No person may distribute, have for sale, offer for sale, or sell any safety belt or shoulder harness for use in motor vehicles unless it meets current minimum standards and specifications conforming to rules adopted by the state patrol or the United States department of transportation.

[corn]

Pretty sure 1964 & later vehicles had belts. I was told if your vehicle never had them you dont have to wear them. Not sure about all states...

[Longhorn Man]

no state can require you to install belts that were never there, but yes, all 67 - 72 trucks had them.
That washington law needs reworded, a light truck is considered a passenger vehicle, and it states that all 68 and newer is required shoulder harnesses... which is bogus anyways, most of us have had a 68 something or another (mine was a cougar) that never had shoulder harnesses.

Now... if a femail cop ever pulls up beside you, and looks to you and pulls on her seatbelt while mouthing the word S E A T B E L T... what ever you do... do not... I REPEAT... DO NOT point to your lap and continue driving.

[Sweet72]

Originally Posted by Longhorn Man

Now... if a femail cop ever pulls up beside you, and looks to you and pulls on her seatbelt while mouthing the word S E A T B E L T... what ever you do... do not... I REPEAT... DO NOT point to your lap and continue driving.

Too funny Andy!

[Ron 586]

Originally Posted by Longhorn Man

no state can require you to install belts that were never there, but yes, all 67 - 72 trucks had them.
That washington law needs reworded, a light truck is considered a passenger vehicle, and it states that all 68 and newer is required shoulder harnesses... which is bogus anyways, most of us have had a 68 something or another (mine was a cougar) that never had shoulder harnesses.

Now... if a femail cop ever pulls up beside you, and looks to you and pulls on her seatbelt while mouthing the word S E A T B E L T... what ever you do... do not... I REPEAT... DO NOT point to your lap and continue driving.

If it ticks off a female cop what do you think would happen if you did it to a male cop. Shot maybe?

[71Dragtruck]

Originally Posted by Longhorn Man

Now... if a femail cop ever pulls up beside you, and looks to you and pulls on her seatbelt while mouthing the word S E A T B E L T... what ever you do... do not... I REPEAT... DO NOT point to your lap and continue driving.

Can't see the senerio going any better with a "male" cop.

[71Dragtruck]

Looks like I need to type faster.

Can't wait to get pulled over some day with my 5-point race belts, by a cop that knows that they aren't DOT approved only SFI, and NHRA spec mounted, and have him tell me that my factory lap belt is safer and I need them. Here's your ticket have a nice day.

[Slammed70]

Originally Posted by 71Dragtruck

Can't wait to get pulled over some day with my 5-point race belts, by a cop that knows that they aren't DOT approved only SFI, and NHRA spec mounted, and have him tell me that my factory lap belt is safer and I need them. Here's your ticket have a nice day.

I had that happen a few years ago....I had a 10pt cage and a 5pt in my old S-10. I originally got pulled over because the cage "obstructs my view" then he went on about how the factory restraint system had been modified and he should impound my truck. I tried to tell him my truck was safer then any vehicle on the road, and I also wanted to know how he found my cage to be "obstructive"

I got 3 tickets that day....126 in a 55, and then two more of them handy fix-it tickets these Kansas cops love to give out.

I was able to fight off the two fix-its by telling them my truck was inspected, insured, and tagged in that condition.

Ive noticed its the younger generation cops that always pull me over for stupid miniscule **** like that. Where as the older cops would just tell me "Your still a young man, with the potential for a bright future....so slow your ass down and stop driving so fast"

[PanelDeland]

LM I knew I had read that story on here somewhere.I just couldn't remember who posted it.

[Shane]

Originally Posted by Slammed70

I tried to explain to him that its to old and I wont do it because Im in the process of restoring it back to stock

Thanks,
Mitch

That statement probably had more to do with you getting the ticket than the truck not actually having them. Cops are funny like that and usually don't take NO for an answer very well.