Seat belt damaged or not working
How it can appear on an MOT certificate
- “Seat belt webbing damaged”
- “Seat belt does not retract correctly”
- “Seat belt buckle does not release or latch”
What it is
The MOT checks every seat belt for damage, that it locks and retracts, and that the buckle works.
Why it matters
A damaged or faulty seat belt may not protect the person wearing it in a crash.
What to check when viewing a car
Pull each belt fully out, check the webbing for fraying or cuts, let it retract, and test each buckle.
Has the car you're looking at had this before?
Free: every MOT, every defect explained in plain English, mileage, tax and ULEZ.
What the MOT categories mean
- Dangerous
- A direct and immediate risk to road safety, or a serious impact on the environment. The car fails and shouldn't be driven until it's repaired.
- Major
- It may affect the car's safety, put other road users at risk or harm the environment. The car fails and should be repaired straight away.
- Minor
- No significant effect on safety or the environment. The car passes, but it should be repaired as soon as possible.
- Advisory
- Something to keep an eye on that could need repairing in future. The car passes.
Related: seat belts, warning lights and other checks
- Airbag (SRS) warning light on
- Horn not working
- Oil leak
- Drive shaft CV boot split or damaged
- Fuel leak
- Battery insecure or leaking
Buying a used car?
General information about this type of MOT defect, not advice about a particular car. How serious it is depends on the car; have any car you're buying inspected by a qualified mechanic.