[josephsc]

You know, I have a Canadian 4-seat 968 cab -- and I've always been reluctant to go into the HOV lane (because is of the "is it really a two-seater" issue).

The thing that's really irked me about HOV rules is that a Prius gets HOV access -- but not a diesel Jetta that gets better mileage...

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[flash]

ok - i'm confused - 2 seaters are allowed with 2 people, right?

when i moved from the bay area, the car pool lanes were only specific hours, and 2 was the minimum

are you saying that it is now 3 minimum for cars with back seats? are the lanes car pool all the time, or still only during commute hours?

as for the back seats, if they are there, it's a 4 seat car - if they aren't, it's a 2 seat car - you can argue with the cop or the judge, but you'll probably lose - also, in california, without shoulder belts, those seats aren't legal anyway, and you could get a ticket just for having them

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[jeff968]

<!--quoteo(post=79729:date=Sep 9 2009, 02:25 AM:name=flash)-->QUOTE (flash @ Sep 9 2009, 02:25 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec-->also, in california, without shoulder belts, those seats aren't legal anyway, and you could get a ticket just for having them<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->

Really? So I'm driving down the pacific coast highway with the top down on my 1990 944 Cabriolet and my kids in the back using the <b>factory equipped </b>rear lap belts only and it is illegal? That doesn't sound right but it wouldn't be the first time I heard something from the state that didn't sound right.

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[PorscheDude]

Aren't these laws only applicable to the car from it's particular model year?

If I'm cruisin' down PCH in my '32 Highboy, I do not lawfully need seat belts cause it's 25 years prior to them even being optional in a car.

So, I'd say it's ok for the S2 and illeagal in the 968.
Of course the officer would need to know the difference.
Which I'm sure he would not.

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[flash]

yup - absolutely, if you have california plates - i would have to check about out of state cars, but i'm pretty sure it applies

children have very specific belt requirements here - they cannot ride in seats without shoulder harnesses - this goes for any car from anywhere

adults won't get a seat belt ticket, but if the cop knows his stuff, he could still nail you for an equipment violation

further, as rear seats were never DOT approved, you may well run into laws in your own state about that too - you can't just go around putting seats in there because they "fit" - the laws still apply

will you get busted for it? likely not - however, if you had an accident, and somebody in the back seat got hurt, you can be sure that your insurance company would skate out on paying - there could even be an argument made for reckless endangerment

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[josephsc]

<!--quoteo(post=79729:date=Sep 8 2009, 10:25 PM:name=flash)-->QUOTE (flash @ Sep 8 2009, 10:25 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec-->are you saying that it is now 3 minimum for cars with back seats? are the lanes car pool all the time, or still only during commute hours?<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->Yep -- it's been 3 minimum (except for 2-person cars) for quite sometime. But only during commute hours, irregardless of direction of commute traffic. My '87 944, '92 968 cab, '99 Ford Ranger -- all came with non-usable rear seats with lap belts only. Hence I've always dealt with this gray area.

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