National Child Passenger Safety Certification Training ProgramNational Child Passenger Safety Certification Training Program

Module 4Module 4Seat Belt SystemsSeat Belt Systems

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Module 4 ObjectivesModule 4 Objectives

• Identify federal standards related to seat belts.• Name types of seat belts and seat belt parts.• Describe types of latchplates.• Describe types of retractors.• Locate latchplates and retractors.• Identify approved additional locking steps.• Explain best practices about seat belt systems to

caregivers.

FMVSS 208FMVSS 208

• MY 1996: All passenger seat belt systems must lock to secure car seats.

• 2008: Lap-and-shoulder belts are required in all seating positions.

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Lap Belts & Lap-and-Shoulder Seat BeltsLap Belts & Lap-and-Shoulder Seat Belts

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Seat Belt PartsSeat Belt Parts

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Buckle Retractor Anchor Webbing Latchplate

Locking LatchplateLocking Latchplate

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Locking Latchplate Locking Latchplate (continued)(continued)

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Switchable LatchplateSwitchable Latchplate

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Sliding & Sewn-On LatchplatesSliding & Sewn-On Latchplates

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Dynamic Locking LatchplateDynamic Locking Latchplate

• Lock the lap-and-shoulder belt when loaded by occupant during a crash

• Not intended to provide locking of seat belt for a car seat

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Emergency Locking RetractorEmergency Locking Retractor

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Automatic Locking RetractorAutomatic Locking Retractor

Switchable RetractorSwitchable Retractor

• Starts in unlocked “comfortable” mode

• Switches to a locked mode• Most common system to

encounter in field• Once switched to

automatic locking mode, belt will only shorten

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When to Use a Locking ClipWhen to Use a Locking Clip

• Retractor = emergency locking

• Latchplate = sliding• Lap-and-shoulder belt

all one piece of webbing

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Install a Locking ClipInstall a Locking Clip

When to Use a Belt-Shortening ClipWhen to Use a Belt-Shortening Clip

• Retractor = emergency locking

• Latchplate = sewn-on • No locking feature (there

may or may not be a separate shoulder belt)

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Install a Belt-Shortening ClipInstall a Belt-Shortening Clip

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Locking Clip Vs. Belt-Shortening ClipLocking Clip Vs. Belt-Shortening Clip

Locking Clip/Lock-Off Belt-Shortening Clip Found on every car seat with a harness

Purchased from auto dealer

Used with lap-shoulder belt with emergency locking retractor and sliding latchplate

Used on lap portion of seat belt with emergency locking retractor and sewn-on latchplate

Used only on seat belt with retractor as backup

Used in place of retractor: no retractor backup available

NEVER used to replace belt-shortening clip or to shorten a seat belt

Can be used in place of locking clip

Flip the Latchplate or Flip the Latchplate or Twist the Buckle StalkTwist the Buckle Stalk

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Key Questions Related to Key Questions Related to Seat Belt SystemsSeat Belt Systems

• How many child passengers are you transporting?• What are their ages and weights?• What types of seat belt systems are in the vehicle?• Are the seat belt systems – buckle, retractor,

anchors, webbing, and latchplate – in good working order?

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Key Questions Related to Key Questions Related to Seat Belt Systems Seat Belt Systems (continued)(continued)

• Do the seat belts in the vehicle have a locking feature (vehicles since 1996)?

• Does the seat belt lock at the latchplate or the retractor?

• What are the latchplate and retractor types?

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Install a Car Seat with a Locking Latchplate Install a Car Seat with a Locking Latchplate

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Install a Car Seat with an Install a Car Seat with an Automatic Locking RetractorAutomatic Locking Retractor