What type of seat belt assembly is a lap belt designed for?

A lap belt is specifically classified as a Type 1 seat belt assembly. Type 1 seat belts are designed to secure the occupant at the lap, providing restraint primarily across the pelvic area without additional shoulder support. This design is particularly useful in basic vehicle configurations, where the primary function is to restrain occupants in the event of a collision.

In contrast, a Type 2 seat belt assembly includes both lap and shoulder belts, which provides a higher level of safety by distributing the forces of a crash across more body areas. Harness seat belts are designed to secure an occupant in a more complex way, typically found in racing or specialized vehicles, employing multiple straps to keep the person securely in place. Booster seat assemblies are made for children to elevate them for proper seat belt fitment, not for adults or standard passenger restraint.

Thus, the classification of a lap belt as a Type 1 assembly highlights its specific function and design characteristics tailored for basic restraint without shoulder support.