A lap belt is a two-point seat restraint system anchored at the floor or lower seat frame on either side of the passenger. It prevents ejection during a collision but offers no upper body restraint, allowing the torso to pitch forward. Most passenger cars have replaced standalone lap belts with three-point belts, though they remain common in classic cars, center rear seats of older vehicles, and some heavy equipment.
The customer wants us to retrofit three-point harnesses because the original lap belts don't feel safe enough for highway driving.
When installing aftermarket lap belts in a classic car, always ensure the floor anchors are reinforced with heavy steel backing plates to prevent them from tearing through the sheet metal in a crash.
Also heard as
- two-point belt
Related terms
Seat belt
A safety harness designed to secure an occupant in a vehicle seat during a collision or sudden stop.
Shoulder belt
A safety restraint strap that crosses the upper torso diagonally.
Passive restraint
A vehicle safety device that operates automatically without any action required by the occupant.