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5-point harnesses and Motor Vehicle Code in CA

PostPosted: Thu May 12, 2005 8:33 am
by TheStig
Does anybody know of the use of a 3" 5-point restraint system is legal in California for road use? I have seen 2" 4-points that are legal per DOT and I have a set in my car, but I was wondering about a 5-point? It says nothing under the motor vehicle code (unless I'm looking at an older copy of it)

PostPosted: Fri May 13, 2005 6:37 pm
by Jackie C
Don't know if it's legal, but I've been pulled over in my "street legal" spec 944 with only the 3" 5 pt and a racing seat and the officer was pleased. Actually, let me go (even without headlights, wipers, front plate and a cat). It was a lucky day for me.

PostPosted: Fri May 13, 2005 8:41 pm
by kary
I agree with Jackie, while I have not been pulled over I have had many a look at the stop light from Police checking out the car. Clearly they can see the shoulder harnesses and do not bother me. I think it is much safer than 3 points particularly if you have a roll bar or cage as compared to a standard street car.

PostPosted: Sat May 14, 2005 6:43 am
by ttweed
Didn't this issue come up at the tech session we had with the CHP awhile back? As I remember it, the officer said that while most racing harness systems are not DOT legal, the police consider them safer than most stock car restraints and would not cite anyone for them (unless unusually aggravated with the "perp", I suppose.... :D )

TT

PostPosted: Mon May 16, 2005 8:22 am
by TheStig
Sorry TT I didn't get the chance to go to that tech session. After tech this weekend I'm well convinced that these harnesses won't do their job and I'm going to swap in some G-Force 5 point harnesses today. As soon as I get the chance to go on lunch I'll run on down to Dave Turner and buy some camlocks. I'll see if I can sell these old ones to a ricer :P