![]() |
Register or Log In To remove these advertisements. |
|
|
![]() |
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
![]() |
#26 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Parksville, B.C. Canada
Posts: 637
|
Re: WA State Seat Belt Law - Mystery
All politics and legal interpretations aside, your best bet is probably to install the three point belts and be done with it. That way the law can't hassle you and you will be better protected in the event of an accident. Just my .02
__________________
1969 G.M.C 3/4 Ton 920 (Canadian Version) 307 3 speed, currently apart 1998 Chevy 1/2 ton ex cab V-6 5 speed 1967 Chevy SWB - project truck; not started just yet |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#27 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Olympia, WA
Posts: 736
|
Re: WA State Seat Belt Law - Mystery
I starting to think the WSP is so use to looking for belts, when they don't see
a shoulder strap the driver must not be wearing their belt. Then they have to quote from a "gray" area of the book to justify the stop. Hell, what would happen if you took the truck in for a vehicle inspection? Would they notice it then? I'm willing to bet NO! As long as everything else is in working order....... right? The truck passes, you get valid safety report and you just flash your "badge" at the next traffic stop. Passenger cars / Pickup trucks...two different criteria for legal safety restraints. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#28 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Spokane WA
Posts: 198
|
Re: WA State Seat Belt Law - Mystery
Ordered some 3pt belts yesterday, but still looking for the correct answer to the scenario. Im waiting on a written response from WSP in ref to an inquiry Ive had with them. When I get a answer, I'll post it for you guys.
__________________
USCG "Support Search & Rescue, Get Lost" |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#29 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Olympia, WA
Posts: 736
|
Re: WA State Seat Belt Law - Mystery
I don't think you will find anything that says trucks are exempt. The requirements brought forward are: passenger car w/lap belt 1968= required
passenger car w/ shoulder harness 1968= required, then it talks about trucks pickup trucks w/lap belt (safety belt) 1972= required. They talk about the car seperately and clear about the different belts required. Trucks only the lap belt. Anything else just doesnt make sense to me. Good question for Jesse...On KING 5!!! But then again I don't feel illegal driving mine without them. Good luck and do keep us posted. I'll ask a friend of mine. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#30 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Spokane WA
Posts: 198
|
Re: WA State Seat Belt Law - Mystery
Well, I've got WSP backed into a corner right now. To the extent that they said they were going to remove some info off their public site. Im still working on this though. I'm going to wait on posting any the correspondence until all the bantering back and forth with the State agencies is done. I have a feeling that I'll have something in writing either tomorrow or early next week. I'll keep you posted.
__________________
USCG "Support Search & Rescue, Get Lost" |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#31 | ||
Tonawanda 454
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Liquid Sunshine State
Posts: 2,755
|
Re: WA State Seat Belt Law - Mystery
This is a case where Federal law is the one to follow, and may help to keep a print out of the exact law numbers for reference (WA law RCW 46.61.688).
Motor vehicles that meet the manual seat belt safety standards as set forth in (Federal) 49 C.F.R. Sec. 571.208 which is as follows: Quote:
Quote:
If your truck was manufactured in the 68-75 timeframe, and originally bought/sold outside of WA state, then it follows Federal law under RCW 46.61.688 (which references Federal law 49 C.F.R. Sec. 571.208). Obviously if it was manufactured 1/1/1968 or later specifically for sale in WA state (and a few others), the trucks will have factory 3 point shoulder harnesses. If it is a 1968 to 1975 model with lap belt only, it was manufactured for sale outside of WA and at some point imported after the fact. This is where Federal law takes effect (due to be interstate sales/transport of vehicles).
__________________
91 Chevy Suburban Tonawanda 454 R2500 - SOLD!!! ![]() 04 Dodge Durango 5.7L Hemi 2WD, 24K miles (as of July 2011) In the past 30 years about 90% of Fords are still on the road, the other 10% made it home. ------------------- |
||
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#32 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Spokane WA
Posts: 198
|
Re: WA State Seat Belt Law - Mystery
Hey Screwball, I believe your interpretation is dead on. You explained it very well. Ive been in contact with the WA Traffic Safety Commission and Im currently waiting on a written interpretation of the scenario from them.
__________________
USCG "Support Search & Rescue, Get Lost" |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#33 | |
just can't cover up my redneck
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Columbus OH
Posts: 11,414
|
Re: WA State Seat Belt Law - Mystery
Screwball is right, that is the point of this being a Federal safety standard. All the huffing and puffing by the state is worthless.
As stated earlier, "newer" laws do not required retro-fitting. They just assume that eventually most all of the older vehicles will be gone, making the majority of the ones on the road compliant. Remember the 3rd (high mount) brake light? You don't have to install one of those either, but you do have to maintain it if originally equipped. As I recall, there is some kind of law, reguarding seatbelts, making it illegal to "up-grade" them. The factory equipment (or legit replacement) is required. I seem to remember something about someone getting hassled about a 5-point racing harness on the street? Andy, was it you? I do remember the story about "pointing to your lap belt"......just don't ![]()
__________________
You can review the site's rules here. Quote:
Bad planning on your part does not necessarily constitute an instant emergency on my part.... The great thing about being a pessimist is that you are either pleasantly surprised or right. ![]() |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#34 |
its all about the +6 inches
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Hilliard Ohio
Posts: 2,693
|
Re: WA State Seat Belt Law - Mystery
I got hassled for a 3 point retractible seatbelt in my old '70 C/20 longhorn. Yearly inspection in texas. They nailed me for the seatbelts and non working parking brake. It was explained to me (and showed me federal guidlines) that you are not permitted to modify (add or remove was listed in the fed DOT guidline) seat belts. This included adding later style seatbelts not designed for the vehicle they were installed in, off road (4 point/5 point) seat belts or the removal of factory installed belts. If memory serves, the only exceptions was a belt specificly designed for said vehicle, or one installed by someone who was certified under something or another guidlines.
I had to go to the junk yard and lucked out with a set of blue (matching my truck) lap belts and fix the parking brake before I could get my yearly inspection sticker. Last edited by Longhorn Man; 06-28-2011 at 10:21 PM. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#35 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Marana, Arizona
Posts: 3,416
|
Re: WA State Seat Belt Law - Mystery
Not trying to be difficult, I'm very curious about all of this.
Where does it state that trucks are lumped with cars?
__________________
"I feel the need for speed!"... as soon as I am done with my nap. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Bookmarks |
|
|