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Seat Belt Laws and Plus Size Passengers: Where to Get Seat Belt Extenders

© Mary Ellen Popolo

Forty-nine states (all except New Hampshire) and the District of Columbia have mandatory safety belt laws. In most states, these laws cover front-seat occupants only, although belt laws in 14 states also cover rear seat occupants.

But for some of us, wearing seat belts is not an option because they don't fit.

What the Seatbelt Legislation Says

The Code of Federal Regulations, (Title 49, Volume 5, Parts 400 to 999) requires that "a Type 1 or Type 2 seat belt assembly shall be capable of adjustment to fit occupants whose dimensions and weight range from those of a 5th-percentile adult female to those of a 95th-percentile adult male".

In simple terms, this means that a seat belt is required to fit an adult male of up to 215 pounds with a seated hip circumference of 47.2 inches and a waist circumference of 42.5 inches.

Although these standards might be adequate for a vast majority of the population, it leaves many overweight people unable to wear a safety belt in a passenger vehicle.

Using a Seat Belt Extender

If your seat belt doesn't fit, the only available option is to use a seat belt extender. Typically about 8" in length, it snaps into the existing seat belt, providing a longer belt and a better fit. Seat belt extenders are not universal in fit and you must get the extender for your particular vehicle. You can do so by calling the service department of your local dealership. Some dealers may charge for the extender, while others provide them free of charge.

Surprisingly, a number of manufacturers do not make seat belt extenders at all. There are several other manufacturers that do not make extenders, but do offer customized longer seat belts. Call your car's dealership to find out what the options are for your vehicle.

For a listing of most car manufacturers with addresses and/or toll free customer service numbers please visit this website.

You can also add your name to a petition to amend the current Federal Regulations to require vehicle manufacturers to provide a means for any passenger who fits in one of their vehicles to be able to fasten the seat belt.

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