Safety belt damage and replacement

• Wear and tear
• Why a webbing clamp safety belt
• Webbing belt advantages
• Summary
• Q & As on webbing clamp requirement

Printable version: Safety belt leaflet (PDF 78K)

Your vehicle has failed its Warrant of Fitness or Certificate of Fitness inspection because one or both of the front safety belts are worn or damaged.

The law requires you to replace those unsafe belts with webbing clamp safety belts before a Warrant of Fitness or Certificate of Fitness can be issued.

Upgrading to a better safety belt could save your life.

Safety belt wear and tear

Common problems include:

• Fraying and cuts to the belt material (also called the 'webbing'). Even a small tear in the webbing can decrease its strength by up to 60%. In a crash the belt could snap.
• Fading of the belt. Prolonged exposure to sunlight reduces a belt's strength and as a result it could snap in a crash.
• Damaged buckles. In a crash a damaged buckle could release the belt.
• The belt won't retract. The 'retractor' makes your belt fit snugly. In a crash a damaged retractor may fail to stop you from being thrown forward into the steering wheel, dashboard or windscreen.

Whatever the problem, a damaged safety belt could cost you your life.

Any belt that has been in a serious crash should be replaced, as it may not work properly afterwards.

Why do I need a webbing clamp safety belt?

As you have to replace your worn or damaged front safety belts, webbing clamp safety belts are the safest option available for older vehicles. In a crash, webbing clamp safety belts hold you more firmly in place, reducing the risk of serious injury.

Are there any exceptions?

You do not have to replace your worn or damaged front safety belts with webbing clamp safety belts if:

• your vehicle needs modification to fit webbing clamp belts
• these belts are not readily available in your area
• the modern design features of your vehicle mean that webbing clamp safety belts would not give you extra protection in the event of a crash.

If, in any of the above cases, your safety belts are damaged or worn, they must still be replaced. The person who inspected your vehicle can advise you on how best to do this and can tell you where to get more information on any of the above.

What are the advantage of webbing clamp seatbelts?

Most vehicles are fitted with safety belts, known as retractor belts. These belts adjust automatically to fit your size and shape, so they're more likely to be worn correctly.

Older style retractor belts

Older style retractor belts lock in place if there is a crash. The locking mechanism, however, may let some of the belt slip. This can allow the wearer to be thrown further forward and increase the risk of a serious injury.

Webbing clamp belts

Webbing clamp belts lock in a crash by clamping on the belt material. This keeps you firmly in place, and there's less chance of you hitting the steering wheel, the dashboard or another passenger.

Summary

• You need to replace your worn front safety belts before a Warrant of Fitness or Certificate of Fitness can be issued.
• Webbing clamp safety belts are the safest option available for older vehicles.
• Webbing clamp belts will keep you more firmly in place in a crash.
• Webbing clamp belts can be obtained from major automotive part suppliers.

All modern cars must be fitted with safety belts in the front and back seats.

Safety belts must be worn in front and back seats if fitted.

Children under five must be properly restrained in an approved child restraint.

Last updated: 31 March 2003