Drove a truck yesterday - R reg, merc rigid - didnt have seatbelts fitted. Having had a quick google, i understand that it is vehicles used before 2001 that have to have them fitted (which was my vague understanding).
I just cracked on with the job, but, could/should i have refused to take the vehicle out?? I assume had i been stopped by VOSA there would not have been a problem.
Just curious, doubt i would have refused to take it, but the next bloke might
We have a V plate ERF with no seatbelts. It was sold as new with none fitted, so i cant see how any laws can be broken.
If no seatbelts have ever been installed and any that were have not been removed then no problem - LEGAL
If, on a personal safety issue, you were not happy then you can refuse to drive it BUT don’t expect to get paid for refusing to do so !!
Another problem it could create is that your seen with no seatbelt on and get stopped, which could lead anywhere once your in the clutches of vosa or the police…Who although they are just doing their job are best to be avoided.
Unless of course the men from the ministry realise that your vehicle is to old to require belts and ignore you and let you go on your merry way. 
I think I would rather wear a seatbelt and avoid any unpleasantness 
uckna:
i understand that it is vehicles used before 2001 that have to have them fitted (which was my vague understanding).
It’s AFTER October 2001 not before 
Driving through Nottingham City Centre last week in a Xreg Daf 7.5 tonner, see some police doing checks at side of road, some cars been pulled in.
Police Officer walks into the road “raises hand STOP” - tries passenger door and I lean over and unlock it,
"Reason your not wearing your seatbelt Sir? "
“None fitted mate” 
Officer looks at the passenger seat and see’s there is none, “erm your doing deliverys are you??”
“Yep” says me ( strange question 
)
“On your way then Driver”
oatcake1967:
Another problem it could create is that your seen with no seatbelt on and get stopped, which could lead anywhere once your in the clutches of vosa or the police…Unless of course the men from the ministry realise that your vehicle is to old to require belts and ignore you and let you go on your merry way.
Seatbelts not normally a problem, many HGV drivers don’t bother wearing them anyway! More chance of being “noticed” while on a mobile phone.
The men from the ministry DO realise which need seatbelts and which not and have been known to advise other enforcement people when they did it wrong…
I hired a 7.5 tonner about 9 years ago and was shocked to find no seat belts fitted. It made the drive from Oxford to Blackburn a bit more anxious