Appendix A
Guidelines for Retrofitting Safer Seats/Seat Belts on Pre-1/8/2004 Public
Light Bus
1. Purpose:
These guidelines list major steps to be observed by PLB owners for retrofitting safer
passenger seats with integral retractable seat belts for Public Light Bus registered before
1/8/2004. The Design specifications and Installation method are certified by an
International testing agent and approved by Transport Department.
2. Vehicle Models Approved:
At present, there are three models of pre-1/8/2004 PLB having been assessed and
approved for safer seat retrofitting, viz.
Models:
(1) Toyota Coaster BB42R-ZCMSS
(2) Toyota Coaster BB43R-ZCMSW
(3) Toyota Coaster BZB40R-ZCMSC (for post 4/2002 PLB
vehicles which GVW is 4300kg.)
3. Seat Model Approved:
As at today’s date, the high back seat with integral retractable seat belt manufactured by
Vogelsitze Model:
Top 2020 is the seat approved for retrofitting, the details of the seat
can be located at Appendix C (for reference only: actual supply may differ in details of
options). Should other seat models meeting our standards are found in the future, they
will be announced to the public.
4. Approved Design and Installation Details:
The Approved Design, Reinforcement Parts and Installation Details are shown in
Appendix 1, Appendix 2 and Appendix 3 for models BB42R-ZCMSS, BB43R-ZCMSW
and BZB40R-ZCMSC respectively. The installation methods and parts used should be
strictly adhered to the specifications stipulated in the appendices.
5. Before Retrofitting:
The condition of a vehicle affects the strength of its body frame structure. As such, a
PLB vehicle should meet the criteria as set out in Appendix 5 before retrofitting work is
to proceed. Vehicle conditions that do not meet the criteria should be repaired, and
vehicle parts not up to the standard should be renewed. TD request that a PLB vehicle
should be examined by a Registered Professional Engineer (RPE), in Mechanical or
Structural discipline, to ascertain that its body condition shall meet the criteria, before
retrofitting work is to proceed.
6. Certificate from Registered Professional Engineer:
During the process of retrofitting, the vehicle has to be examined by the RPE at key
Appendix A
stages and on completion. He should certify that the retrofitting is completed in full
accordance with the Approved Design, Reinforcement Parts and Installation Details.
Normally he/she will take photos for records with registration marks on hidden parts, and
shall make identifications such as paint dots on essential positions to assure that they are
properly located and tightened. The form of certification is shown at Appendix 6.
7. Approval of Notifiable Alteration from TD
With the RPE’s certification in hand, the owner (or his agent) may write to TD applying
for notifiable alteration of his vehicle. TD shall then arrange a date and time for
examination of the vehicle, and shall issue an approval letter if deemed fit.
8. Vehicle Maintenance
It is essential that an altered vehicle, once approved for alteration, shall be kept in the
condition as approved in its subsequent operation. Damaged parts shall be replaced or
repaired to restore vehicle safety standards and roadworthiness. Without further approval
from TD, the vehicle shall not be further altered, or reinstated to its original condition
before retrofitting, for any individual components or for the whole vehicle.
9. Enquiry
For further enquires, you can call Senior Motor Vehicle Examiner (SMTA) of Transport
Department at Tel. no. 2829 5468.
Transport Department
30 August 2006
