Different types of seat belts offer different protection:

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

  • Lap belts – two-point seat belts – have two anchor points across the wearer's lap.

Lap belts do not provide the extra support of a lap-and-diagonal belt.

If wearing a lap belt is your only option

If your seat has a seat 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 seven must be secured in a child restraint and children aged 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.

More information

Read more about safety belts and airbags