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Lap belts

Updated: 1 December 2009

Different types of safety belts offer different protection:

  • Lap-and-diagonal belts - three-point safety belts - have three anchor points: across the lap and diagonally across the wearer's chest.
  • Lap belts - two-point safety belts - have two anchor points across the wearer's lap.

Lap belts do not provide the extra support of a lap-and-diagonal belt. However, if a lap belt is the only option, you must wear it. A lap belt is safer than no belt at all.

If wearing a lap belt is your only option

If your seat has a safety belt, you must wear it even if it's only a lap belt. A lap belt is better than no belt at all. There are a few steps you can take to make wearing them as safe as possible:

  • Adjust the lap belt to fit. Ensure the belt fits low and snugly across the wearer's pelvis bone.
  • Use a suitable child restraint. All children under five must be secured in a child restraint and children age five to seven must use one where available. The safest option is to use a child restraint designed to fit with lap belts. Check with the child restraint manufacturer.

Want more information?
See more details on safety belts and airbags.