LUVTruck.com

I got pulled over yesterday and was given a $90 ticket for not wearing seatbelts. I was wearing my lap belt, which was all that is required to my knowledge as I thought that my luv (72) didn't come with shoulder straps. Am I mistaken?
The conversation with the cop was recorded and in light of that he decided NOT TO TALK WITH ME, so I have to go to court to explain that someone in the vehicles past attempted to install shoulder straps but failed miserably as they are hanging uselessly to my left and have a funny knob on the end that in no way connects to the lap belt (which has never been removed, I checked.) When the cop did speak all he said was that shoulder straps were installed so I have to wear them, he also said that from '72 on, all vehicles were federally mandated to have shoulder straps??? what the heck is that?

So, two questions:
1. Would you consider shoulder straps from a two part system attached to the wall of my vehicle to be "installed"? Even though the job was never finished?
2. Did the '72 luv come with shoulder straps? I have a '75 as well and it doesn't have shoulder straps so I assumed the '72 didn't either.

Also, any tips for court against a rude cop?

In the 74 that I used to have it had the 2-piece shoulder harness where the shoulder strap was seperate from the lap belt but connected at the buckle.Don't know about the 72.
Here in Washington state if you have the 2-piece setup you are required to use the shoulder strap also.

As for court,I would claim ignorance and hope for a fine reduction.

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"You can't please everyone,so you've got to please yourself"

My '72 has shoulder belts--I'm sure they are the stock ones. They bolt to the wall above your shoulder and connect to the buckle on the lap belt. I can take some pics later tonight if you want.

I don't deal with cops. Long story but that's what works best for me. I completely keep my mouth shut and deal with an issue in court if I need to. Like Ripper86 said, maybe you can get a fine reduction.

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In life there is the "Way things should be" and then "There's the way they are".

2005 Silverado 3/4T Crew Cab
1981 Luv 2WD
1979 Luv 4x4 Currently going through Open Heart and Cosmetic surgery
1995 Roughneck JetBoat
1981 Luv parts trk

Shoulder belts came in 74 models, lap belt only in 72. Going from memory here as I had both vehicles at one time.

In Calif if they are there no mater what year they MUST be used, if they are there and not working the vehicle must not be driven or a fine awaits. If I added belts to a 38 chevy I MUST wear them. In my past dealings with the court (on the other side then where you are) I find that you should throw yourself to the mercy of the court, try telling him that you were up grading and had not finished due to parts availability for these trucks. Dont be short with the Judge, they have heard it all before.

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Certified pilots, looking down on people since 1903.

my 76 has aftermarket lap belts only
i think the stock belts had to be removed because of the convertible cconversion

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the thing is that I know the lap belts are stock, but there is no way that they were part of a two part system. (the bolts for the lap belts are completely rusted, there is no way they've been changed.)

Looking at my parts manual all 72's did come with a 3 point harnes Part # 94022984.

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Certified pilots, looking down on people since 1903.

DOT code states all 73 and up have to have the 3 point seat belt. Another thing is if the vehicle came with 3 point they have to be there.

That's strange... how does my '75 not have them then? There aren't any holes where shoulder straps would have gone and the lap belts don't have any place for the clip to attach...

Well, basically my argument on my court date will be:

1. Too my knowledge my vehicle did not come with shoulder straps
2. If it did come with shoulder straps, someone attempted to upgrade but never finished, leaving shoulder straps of a different material hanging from the wall.
3. Too my knowledge, the lap belts are the stock lap belts and in no way can connect to the shoulder straps that are in the truck.
4. Because of the above I thought I was in full compliance with the law by wearing my lap belt.
5. I repeatedly showed the officer that the shoulder straps and lap belts were incompatible but for some reason he only responded with telling me that shoulder straps were installed so I must wear them.
6. I understand the reason he pulled me over, although I never thought of it, I can definitely see why seeing the shoulder straps hanging would cause him to think I wasn't wearing my seat belt.
7. So, since my I am being cited for not wearing my shoulder straps properly, and it is indeed impossible for me to wear said shoulder straps due to the assumed failure of installation by a previous owner, I feel that I should not be fined.

If that's not enough for them, including pictures, I will also tell them that I just bought the truck as proven by the fact that I don't have registration, only a copy of my application for registration.

Hopefully that will workout for you. When is your court date? Good luck and keep us posted.

_________________
In life there is the "Way things should be" and then "There's the way they are".

2005 Silverado 3/4T Crew Cab
1981 Luv 2WD
1979 Luv 4x4 Currently going through Open Heart and Cosmetic surgery
1995 Roughneck JetBoat
1981 Luv parts trk

The ticket says first of next month but I'm not sure what happens on that date. Nobody on the court phones seems to know anything about anything.

well, court date came and went. judge only took $15 off and wouldn't let me finish explaining. I even brought in the passenger setup... pisses me of. I was treated the same as the retard that was doing 60 in a school zone.

That sucks but typical. Total lack of common sense seem to be the norm anymore.

_________________
In life there is the "Way things should be" and then "There's the way they are".

2005 Silverado 3/4T Crew Cab
1981 Luv 2WD
1979 Luv 4x4 Currently going through Open Heart and Cosmetic surgery
1995 Roughneck JetBoat
1981 Luv parts trk

I see it all to often...

Common sense and logic have nothing to do with the courts as they are interested in one thing "REVENUE"

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1978 pro street step/side 455Buick, 4sp,4.11s, 31/18.5s