[quote:cc4ed3fa2a="ropedart"]What do you mean not legal? What is DMV? What about screwing things on like bush bars and running boards and roof racks etc? Isn't that a vehicle mod. I put lapbelts in the military into jeeps and MI51's. You need about 1/2 inch bolt to attach to the frame? There are DOT guidelines.
BTW I am planning to put in a lapbelt for emergencies. The only thing is if rust starts there its going to be my fault. It will not be the fault if rust starts at the other side of the vehicle.[/quote:cc4ed3fa2a]
Not legal, as in against the law. DMV is Department of Motor Vehicles. They thru the police enforce state and local laws and codes for motor vehicles. Cars, boats, and air planes (yes, they are considered motor vehicles). You would have to check into your local or state law as to what would be legal for you. I know in Ct and NY, you can not legally make the type of modifications to your vehicle that you talk about doing.
Let me give you an example. Bumper height. All bumpers are required to be the same height (give or take). When someone puts springs and a lift kit on a vehicle, they change the location of the bumper. Now it is rare to hear about the police pulling someone over for it, but they can. In addition, if there was an accident, the insurance company could sit and say, well, the person would not be injured, or the vehicle would not have been as bad if you had not changed the location of the bumper, so they won't pay, and you will have to. Does that make any sense?
You can do whatever you wish to your E, but your insurance company and the police may have something to say on it.
Any change you make, must legally be reported to your insurance company. Now I am not talking about putting a roof rack on (although you actually should notify them), but if you bolt something to it, that changes the manufacture's design. That can effect the center of gravity, the weight ratio that the company has on a vehicle, etc. If you were to add brush guards, that might effect the warranty. Really it might.
As far as DOT regulations, you would have to check with your state and see what they require. Adding a lapbelt, even up to code may not be the best idea, as Honda could say that you changed their design, and that altered the E and you are liable for anything that goes on due to things. God forbid that you have a serious accident, and the bolt pulls out, or breaks, etc. I would hate to have to represent you in a case like that.
I hope this helps a bit.