Non-FIA Seat Belts

The non-FIA seat belts here are 4-point harnesses with 3-inch shoulder straps and 3-inch lap belts in polyester webbing, sold without FIA homologation. They are for uses where no homologated belt is required, and come in red, orange, pink, grey and green.

A 4-point harness holds the torso more firmly than a factory three-point belt, which keeps the driver planted in a bucket seat through long corners. Its weakness is the missing crotch strap. In a heavy frontal impact, the lap belt can ride up onto the abdomen and the body can slide beneath it. The risk is higher in a seat that reclines or lacks lap-belt slots.

Points to weigh:

• Webbing: 3-inch polyester on shoulders and lap spreads the load over a wide area of the body.
• Events: without an FIA label, these belts are not accepted where a series or organiser asks for homologated harnesses.
• Road use: legality depends on national rules, so keep the factory belts fitted and working.
• Colour: a matter of taste, with no effect on strength.

Fit the belts with a fixed-back bucket seat whose slots keep the lap belt low on the pelvis. Anchor them to strong points with backing plates, run the shoulder straps back level or slightly downwards, and tighten the lap belt before the shoulders. Replace the set after an accident, or when the webbing frays or fades in sunlight.