'B' Pillar exemptions

[rick]

Justin i hear there is talk of changes to the requirements for 'B' pillar exemptions ?

[Dan]

There are no changes proposed to the requirements for upper seatbelt anchorages.

However, you may be referring to a clarification that has recently been issued to certifiers that some pillar-less vehicles do not need to have an upper seatbelt anchorage declaration form.

The Vehicle Inspection Requirements Manual used by WoF inspectors has this note:
An MA or MC class vehicle first registered outside NZ before 1/11/1979 that does not have B-pillars, and does not have seatbelts or seatbelt anchorages fitted for the front outer seating positions, may be fitted with lap belts if the inspector has determined that it is not practicable to retrofit upper anchorages for static lap and diagonal seatbelts, and the lower anchorages have been certified to the LVV Code if retrofitted after 1/4/2002, or LVV code or ST120395 if retrofitted prior to 1/4/2002.

This information can be found in note 6 on table 7-5-4 here:
www.landtransport.govt.nz/certifiers/virm-in-service-wof-only/general-07-v3a4.pdf

Dan

[rick]

Cheers Dan , the clarification you referred to was it issued to all certifiers or only LVV certifiers ?

[Dan]

Hi Rick

The clarification was made to LVV certifiers at training sessions last month, based on the note in the NZTA Vehicle Inspection Requirements Manual (VIRM).

The note in the VIRM has been there for some time.

Dan