This year I am moving to the Roadgoing Production class and was just looking through the safety requirements in the Blue Book. I planned to fit a full roll cage, race seat and full 4-point harness. However, the Blue Book states:

10.1.2 (b) Roadgoing Production must comply with Q 2.1.1

Q 2.1.1 Three point. One diagonal shoulder strap and one lap strap etc...

Does this mean I can't fit my 4-point full harness? If I do then it would appear that it doesn't "comply" with 2.1.1.

There is similar wording in the roll cages part which seems to suggest that if I fit a roll cage (which is recommended) then it must be "complying with Q1 or Q2" which are rear cages only. If I fit one to Q3 or Q4 then it won't be "complying" with Q1 or Q2, or is this one ok as Q3 and Q4 do include a rear cage and so will comply?

However, a 4-point harness doesn't include a diagonal belt, so not sure about this.

I always thought the wording was along the lines of "must comply with a minimum of Q1 or Q2 or a minimum of 3 point belts" and that you could fit more comprehensive items if you wished.

Steve,

The first thing I will state that as I have not seen the car, is that this reply is "without prejudice" and must also be linked to any class regulations as wellas the Blue Book.

For a Roadgoing Production class (you do not state which championship and I would also contact the eligibility scrutineer for that champinship) and to which the car will be taxed, insured and have an MOT and within the car all road going trim.

1. Full roll cage - for a road going car you do not need a roll cage and I see no problem with you having one and to higher specification to that recommended.

2. Race seat -see para Competitor safety 2.2.

3. Full 4-point harness - you do not state if the 4 point harness is mounted in 4 or 3 points. Also for a road going car does not the RTA state that you must be able to on a seat belt with one hand. I do not see a problem with a properly mounted four point harness. Are the inertia seat belts still retained in the car?

Finally I agree that the Blue Book could be better defined on what you have raised.

Remember the Blue Book regulations must be read in conjunction with any supplementary regulations fro the event and class at the event.

Tony,

Thanks. To answer your questions - I'm registered for both ASWMC and ACSMC championships (which have the same events).

The harness I plan to use is a 4-point full harness (Sabelt) with aircraft style quick-release buckle. I guess I should leave the inertia reel belts in to comply with all trim being present. However, the belt buckle on my car is attached to the seat and as I am replacing the seat with a Cobra racing seat then the inertia seat belt cannot be used as there is nothing to plug it into. Do you think this will cause problems with MOTs and/or scrutineers?

If the seat belt has to be able to be done up with one hand to comply with RTA, then how do rally cars get MOTs, as I've never seen a stage rally car with inertia reel seat belts fitted?

Cheers,

Steve.

Just had a search about MOT testing and found this:

Seat belts

Most vehicles after 1965 must have seat belts. Irrespective of that requirement, all seat belts fitted to any vehicle must be inspected for:

security of seat belt mountings and locking stalks
security and operation of the locking/release mechanism
condition of webbing
retraction of the belt (it is allowed to manually feed it in).

Notes: 1. For technical reasons the inertia locking mechanism is not checked. 2. On some vehicles the belt is attached to the seat, in which case the security of the seat to the vehicle would also constitute part of the seat belt check.

Nothing mentioned about one-handed operation.

Steve,

I do not think you will have a problem, but to be sure you will need to check with the championship eligibility scrutinteer for both the ACSMC and ASWMC to be sure.