Seat belts get checked for condition, operation and security. The tester will pull each belt sharply to test the locking mechanism, run the webbing through their hands looking for fraying and cuts, and check that the anchorage points are solid and not corroded.
Seat belts get checked for condition, operation and security. The tester will pull each belt sharply to test the locking mechanism, run the webbing through their hands looking for fraying and cuts, and check that the anchorage points are solid and not corroded.
There's very little grey area here. A belt that doesn't lock, doesn't retract or has damaged webbing has failed, because it won't do its job in a crash.
This section also covers the airbag warning light, which became a testable item and now catches out a lot of older cars.
Seat belt webbing damaged or the retractor does not lock
Either the webbing itself is damaged — fraying, cuts, chemical damage — or the inertia reel isn't locking or retracting as it should. Both mean the belt won't restrain properly in an impact.
Full explanation of Seat belt webbing damaged or the retractor does not lock
Airbag warning lamp indicates a fault
The SRS warning light stayed on with the engine running, meaning the airbag system has logged a fault and may not deploy correctly. It's a testable item on cars fitted with airbags.
Full explanation of Airbag warning lamp indicates a fault
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