Seat Belt Light - Should it remain on???

[robbiebrown34]

I have only just noticed this, and i am unsure whether it is right or whether it is a fault.

When i turn the car on, the seat belt light comes on, as normal. It then goes off - even when i aint wearing my seat belt. If i drive down the road without a seat belt, it doesnt flash or anything, it just remains off? Is this right?
I would have thought that if you have a seat belt light, it would flash at you if it knew you werent wearing a seat belt? but mine does nothing, the only time it comes on is when you start the car, and all of the lights come on aswel e.g. traction, lights etc...

Can anyone advise on this?

[Paul]

That's how they work.

[robbiebrown34]

what do you mean? the light should stay on when the seatbelt is not plugged in, or should it stay off all of the time?

[Paul]

You asked if it's right or if it's a fault, and I said it's how they work. In other words, no fault.

[118]

on the older MINI's, it comes on when you start the car to remind you to fasten your belt, but goes off after a short while regardless of whether you've fastened it or not. on the R56's, the light comes on and a warning sounds until you fasten your seatbelt

[Paul]

I didn't want to mention that, as we're in the first gen forums.

[robbiebrown34]

Brilliant, its good to know there is no fault, i was actually going to go to my dealer about this, but i thought i would post it on here first What a plonker i would have looked!

[Root Ginger]

The light is in fact a warning light for the seatbelt retention system. This pulls on the belt in the event of an impact to tighten it and keep you in your seat. If it stays on there is a fault in the system.

However, in the US this light is used to warn you that your seatbelt isn't on by flashing and an audible bong. The warning is a solid light with one bong each time the ignition is started the same as Europe.