Wicked Weasel

well we never have a poll here so here is one.

how many guys use their Harnesses off the track. I realize that it is illegal in most states (if not all), but knowing that it gives you better protection are you willing to take the chance of getting a ticket?

63Corvette

Why would it be illegal? I have a rollbar to keep the car off my head, however, I usually use only the lap belt portion on the street.

USAsOnlyWay

JiminFL

I said never, but did once or twice when it was new. I've since been through a pretty serious wreck with factory belts including the shoulder belt mounted on the hardbar and came out with no neck or upper body injuries.

When my car stopped with the passenger door in the ditch and the driver's door facing pretty much skyward, it was VERY good to be able to duck my head into the passenger seat as I saw the base of the streetlight I had hit coming back down toward the car. I thought it was coming in the window (it didn't), and not being able to duck across the console and shield my face would've sucked.

Cisitalia

The majority of all race harnesses are not DOT approved by the FMVSS 209 (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 209). So yes you could get a ticket for not wearing the approved OE belts or equivalent belts/harnesses that are in accordance with FMVSS 209. There is only one harness that I am aware of that meets that standard and is legal to use on the street. That is the Schroth Rally X four point harnesses. Now in a Corvette application is only legal when using the Brey-Krause harness bar. Because it was designed, tested and certified to FMVSSs. In addition the Schroth Rally X harnesses are only legal per manufacturers installation requirements if the seats have harness pass thrus.

I am probably the only one who voted they use them full time. When I had my Z06 I installed sports seats (with pass thrus), B-K harness bar and the proper Schroth harnesses. I kept the Schroth and B-K paperwork stating DOT compliance in the car in case I was stopped and had to answer to the "man."

OBTW, you are illegal in two ways: not DOT approved harnesses and even if the lap belt was approved, you must have shoulder restraint as well. I would say most policeman don't care about using race harnesses. But they probably would with no shoulder restraint.

turtlevette

yep,

everytime i've ever been stopped the cop got out his reading glasses and inspected the tags on my seat belts.

Geez, i guess i should stay awake at night and worry about these things too.

Wicked Weasel

I really dont think anyone is worring about it (like the front license plate arguement). I just asked a general question if you do or don't use them off the track.

freefall

If you have race seats, the stock belts can actually be dangerous as they cause the lap belt to ride up and hit you too high. So, just wear both - they you'll be both safe and legal!

emf

Need 4th option:

HAVE to, because the car doesn't have OE belts

AU N EGL

Daum your cops SCCA tech inspectors???

Ag-z06

Always use them on the street, as they are better than nothing. With my Sparco EvoL and hardbar mounts, I can't get the stock belt retractor (by the floor) to fit so the stock belts on the driver's side are out.

COLORADO FRC

Only when I have someone riding with me for their first time, they usually ask why they don't have a harness

TrackDayLT4

Since the mid 80's I have been driving cars with roll bars and harnesses on the street. Over this time I have been stopped several times by friendly offficers, and I have never even had a comment. I wouldn't worry about it.

Cheers,

Lawrence

63Corvette

Um Cisitalia, you may not have noticed the model year of my Z06

"OBTW, you are illegal in two ways: not DOT approved harnesses and even if the lap belt was approved, you must have shoulder restraint as well. I would say most policeman don't care about using race harnesses. But they probably would with no shoulder restraint."

Cisitalia

I did not notice that. What a great car you have. I did not know owners drive those cars any more. You could get a way with any thing in that car. Do police stop you just to look at it?

So is that THE original Z06 model?

Brad

Lancer033

That's the best part

I didn't bother with the stock belt when I put my Evo in and as other's have said, the stock lat belt would sit to high off your body to be effective with a race seat, so I just didn't bother with it. The only problem is that it takes so much work to get in and out of. Not sure about the legal issue over here, but I've been through the gates on base plenty of times and SF has never said anything about it. You'd have to get a pretty **** cop on a bad to write you a ticket for a harness.

UstaB-GS549

I have to undo my harness to turn around see when backing up, so I would not use it on the street.

Lancer033

I just loosen the should straps

Mikelly

In Virginia it is illegal to use any type of restraint other than the factory seatbelt, so I don't even bother with it. When I had my 383 stroker equipped Datsun tagged and legal, I used the harness with it, only because I had no other belts, and with an antique tag there was no inspection and no issues...

Mike

kellsdad

I have a five point harness and racing seat in my Cobra replica. On the street I usually use the seat belts and shoulder harnesses. I laid the car out so I can reach everything I need while securely strapped in. ... The side pipes on this car are very loud, but the only reactions I've gotten from police were waves and curious stares.