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Transport Canada
Disclaimer: These documents are not the official versions (more).

MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY ACT

Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations

Standard 209



Seat Belt Assemblies

209. (2) Every seat belt assembly with which a vehicle is equipped shall

(a) be designed for use by only one person at one time; and

(b) provide pelvic restraint designed to remain on the pelvis of the occupant under all conditions.

(3) The pelvic restraint of a Type 2 seat belt assembly that can be used without upper torso restraint shall comply with all requirements for a Type 1 seat belt assembly set out in these Regulations.

(4) Every Type 2 seat belt assembly shall provide upper torso restraint that

(a) does not shift the pelvic restraint into the abdominal region of the occupant;

(b) is designed to minimize vertical forces on the shoulders and spine of the occupant; and

(c) has hardware designed and located in the assembly to minimize the possibility of injury to the occupant.

(5) Every Type 2A shoulder belt shall comply with all requirements for a Type 2 seat belt assembly set out in these Regulations.

(7) The webbing of a seat belt assembly

(a) shall have its ends protected or treated to prevent ravelling;

(b) shall not, when used in a seat belt assembly having a metal buckle for size adjustment of the assembly, pull out of the adjustment hardware at maximum size adjustment;

(c) shall be capable of moving essentially unimpeded when routed between a seat back and seat cushion and attached to a retractor located behind the seat;

(d) shall be not less than 46 mm (1.8 in.) wide except for portions that do not touch a 95th percentile adult male where the seat is in any adjustment position and the seat back is in the manufacturer's nominal design riding position when measured under the conditions of Motor Vehicle Safety Test Methods, Section 209, Seat Belt Assemblies, approved on behalf of the Minister on February 27, 1984;

(e) shall have a breaking strength of not less than

(i) in the case of a Type 1 seat belt assembly, 26.7 kN (6,000 pounds), and

(ii) in the case of a Type 2 seat belt assembly, 22.2 kN (5,000 pounds) for the pelvic restraint and 17.8 kN (4,000 pounds) for the upper torso restraint,

when tested in accordance with the test methods referred to in paragraph (d);

(f) except as provided in subsection (29), shall not extend more than

(i) in the case of a Type 1 seat belt assembly, 20 per cent at 11.1 kN (2,500 lb.), and

(ii) in the case of a Type 2 seat belt assembly, 30 per cent at 11.1 kN (2,500 lb.) for the pelvic restraint and 40 per cent at 11.1 kN (2,500 lb.) for the upper torso restraint,

when tested in accordance with the test methods referred to in paragraph (d);

(g) shall, when subjected to abrasion in accordance with the test methods referred to in paragraph (d), have a breaking strength of not less than 75 per cent of the breaking strength specified in paragraph (e) for that type of belt assembly;

(h) shall, when exposed to the light of a carbon arc and tested in accordance with the test methods referred to in paragraph (d), have

(i) a breaking strength of not less than 60 per cent of its strength before exposure to the light, and

(ii) a colour retention not less than No. 2 on the Geometric Gray Scale published by the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists;

(i) shall, unless the webbing is made from material inherently resistant to micro-organisms, when subjected to micro-organisms and tested in accordance with the test methods referred to in paragraph (d) have a breaking strength of not less than 85 per cent of its strength before subjection to micro-organisms;

(j) shall not transfer colour to a crock cloth, either wet or dry, to a greater degree than Rating 3 on the AATCC Chromatic Transference Scale, developed by the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists in 1972, when the webbing is tested in accordance with the test methods referred to in paragraph (d); and

(k) shall not stain to a greater degree than Rating 2 on the AATCC Chromatic Transference Scale, developed by the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists in 1972, when tested in accordance with the test methods referred to in paragraph (d).

(8) Every strap used in a seat belt assembly to sustain restraint forces shall comply with the requirements for webbing in subsection (7) and, if the strap is made from a rigid material, it shall comply with all applicable requirements of this section.

(9) All hardware parts of a seat belt assembly that, under normal use, make contact with any person, clothing or webbing shall not have any burrs or sharp edges.

(10) Subject to subsection (11), every seat belt assembly shall include all hardware necessary for installation in a motor vehicle in accordance with SAE Recommended Practice J800c, "Motor Vehicle Seat Belt Installations", November 1973, which hardware shall be designed to prevent attachment bolts and other parts from becoming disengaged from the vehicle while in service.

(10.1) Reinforcing plates or washers furnished for universal floor installation of seat belt assemblies in motor vehicles shall

(a) be made of steel, free from burrs and sharp edges on the peripheral edges adjacent to the vehicle;

(b) be at least 1.5 mm (0.06 in.) in thickness and at least 2580 mm2 (4 in.2) in projected area;

(c) have at least a 15 mm (0.6 in.) distance between any edge of the plate and the edge of the bolt hole;

(d) have all corners rounded to a radius of not less than 6 mm (0.25 in.) or cut so that no corner angle is less than 135°; and

(e) have no side less than 6 mm (0.25 in.) in length.

(11) Seat belt assemblies designed for installation in motor vehicles equipped with seat belt anchorages that do not require anchorage nuts, plates or washers need not have the hardware described in subsection (10), but shall have 7/16-20 UNF-2A or 1/2-13 UNC-2A attachment bolts or equivalent hardware.

(12) Attachment hardware of a seat belt assembly, except attachment hardware made of corrosion resistant steel containing a minimum of 11.5 per cent chromium,

(a) shall not, after being tested in accordance with the test methods referred to in paragraph (7)(d), have significant ferrous corrosion on any surface other than surfaces at peripheral edges or edges of holes in underfloor reinforcing plates and washers; or

(b) shall be protected by a coating at least as effective as

(i) in the case of attachment hardware at or near the floor, an electro-deposited coating of nickel plus chromium, or copper plus nickel plus chromium, with a service condition number of at least SC2 determined in accordance with ASTM B456-79, "Standard Specification for Electro-deposited Coatings of Copper plus Nickel plus Chromium and Nickel plus Chromium", and

(ii) in the case of attachment hardware other than that specified in subparagraph (i), an electro-deposited coating of nickel plus chromium, or copper plus nickel plus chromium, with a service condition number of SCI determined in accordance with the ASTM standard referred to in subparagraph (i), but such hardware shall not be racked for electro-plating in locations subject to maximum stresses.

(13) When tested in accordance with applicable subsections of the test methods referred to in paragraph (7)(d)

(a) eye bolts, shoulder bolts or other bolts used to secure the pelvic restraint of a seat belt assembly to a vehicle shall withstand a force of 40 kN (9,000 pounds), except that such bolts need not withstand a force of more than 22.2 kN (5,000 pounds) if they are installed in such a manner that only one end of a seat belt assembly can be attached thereto;

(b) attachment hardware, other than bolts, designed to receive the ends of two seat belts assemblies shall withstand a tensile force not less than 26.7 kN (6,000 pounds) without fracture of any section; and

(c) a seat belt assembly having single attachment hooks of the quick-disconnect type for connecting webbing to an eye bolt shall be provided with a retaining latch or keeper which shall not move more than 2 mm (0.08 inch) in either the vertical or horizontal direction.

(14) The release mechanism of a seat belt assembly

(a) shall be a buckle or buckles readily accessible to the occupant to permit his easy and rapid removal from the assembly;

(b) shall be designed to minimize the possibility of accidental release; and

(c) if the assembly has a buckle with a release mechanism in the latched position, shall have only one opening in which the tongue can be inserted on the end of the buckle designed to receive and latch the tongue.

(15) Every Type 1 or Type 2 seat belt assembly shall, irrespective of seat adjustment position and with the seat back in the manufacturer's nominal design driving position,

(a) be capable of adjustment to fit occupants whose dimensions and mass range from those of a 5th percentile adult female to those of a 95th percentile adult male; and

(b) have

(i) an automatic-locking retractor,

(ii) an emergency-locking retractor, or

(iii) an adjusting device that is within the reach of the occupant.

(17) Surfaces of buckles, retractors and metallic parts, other than attachment hardware, of a seat belt assembly shall not, after subjection to the corrosion conditioning specified in the test methods referred to in paragraph (7)(d), have any ferrous or non-ferrous corrosion which may be transferred, either directly or by means of the webbing, to the occupant or his clothing when the assembly is worn.

(18) Every buckle that is subjected to the conditions in subsection (17) shall meet the applicable requirements of subsections (20), (21) and (22).

(19) Plastic or other non-metallic hardware parts of a seat belt assembly shall not, when subjected to the temperature conditioning specified in the test methods referred to in paragraph (7)(d), warp or otherwise deteriorate in such a manner as to cause the assembly to operate improperly or fail to comply with applicable requirements of this section.

(20) Every buckle of a seat belt assembly

(a) shall release when a force of not more than 133 N (30 lb.) is applied as specified in the test methods referred to in paragraph (7)(d);

(b) shall not release under a compressive force of 1 780 N (400 lb.) applied as specified in the test methods referred to in paragraph (7)(d), but shall be operable and able to meet the applicable requirements of subsections (27) and (28) after the compressive force is removed;

(c) that is actuated

(i) by a push button shall have a minimum push button area of 450 mm2 with a minimum linear dimension of 10 mm for applying the release force,

(ii) by a lever shall permit the insertion of a cylinder 10 mm (0.4 in.) in diameter and 38 mm (1.5 in.) in length to at least the midpoint of the cylinder along its length in the actuation portion of the buckle release, and

(iii) by other means shall have adequate access for two or more fingers to actuate release; and

(d) having tilt lock adjustment shall lock the webbing at an angle of not less than 30° between the base of the buckle and the anchor webbing when tested in accordance with the test methods referred to in paragraph (7)(d).

(21) The force required to decrease the size of a seat belt assembly shall not exceed 49 N (11 pounds) when measured in accordance with the test methods referred to in paragraph (7)(d).

(22) The buckle latch of a seat belt assembly, when tested in accordance with the test methods referred to in paragraph (7)(d), shall not fail, gall or wear to an extent that normal latching and unlatching is impaired and, if metal to metal, shall release when in any position of partial engagement and subjected to a force of not more than 22 N (5 lb.).

(23) A non-locking retractor with which a seat belt assembly is equipped shall

(a) allow the webbing of that seat belt assembly to extend within 6 mm (0.25 inch) of maximum length when a tension is applied, as specified in the test methods referred to in paragraph (7)(d); and

(b) when on an upper-torso restraint,

(i) be attached to the non-adjustable end of the assembly,

(ii) have the reel easily visible to an occupant while wearing the assembly, and

(iii) have a maximum retraction force of not more than 4.9 N (1.1 pounds) in any strap or webbing that makes contact with the shoulder of an occupant when measured in accordance with the test methods referred to in paragraph (7)(d), unless the retractor is attached to the free end of the webbing which is not subjected to any tension during restraint of an occupant by the assembly.

(24) An automatic-locking retractor with which a seat belt assembly is equipped, when tested in accordance with the test methods referred to in paragraph (7)(d),

(a) shall not allow the webbing of that seat belt assembly to move more than 25 mm (1 inch) between locking positions of the retractor;

(b) shall have a retraction force under zero acceleration of not less than 2.6 N (0.6 pound) when attached to a pelvic restraint and not less than 2 N (0.45 pound) or more than 4.9 N (1.1 pounds) in any strap or webbing that makes contact with the shoulder of an occupant when the retractor is attached to an upper torso restraint; and

(c) shall not, when attached to an upper torso restraint, increase the restraint on the occupant of the seat belt assembly during use in a vehicle travelling over rough roads.

(25) An emergency-locking retractor of a Type 1 or Type 2 seat belt assembly, when tested in accordance with the test methods referred to in paragraph (7)(d),

(a) shall lock before the webbing extends 25 mm (1 inch) when the retractor is subjected to an acceleration of 0.7 times the acceleration due to gravity;

(b) shall not lock,

(i) if the retractor is sensitive to webbing withdrawal, before the webbing extends 50 mm (2 inches) when the retractor is subjected to an acceleration of not more than 0.3 times the acceleration due to gravity, and

(ii) if the retractor is sensitive to vehicle acceleration, when the retractor is rotated in any direction to any angle of 15 degrees or less from its orientation in the vehicle; and

(c) shall exert a retractive force of

(i) at least 2.6 N (0.6 pound) under zero acceleration when attached only to a pelvic restraint,

(ii) not less than 0.9 N (0.2 pound) or more than 4.9 N (1.1 pounds) under zero acceleration when attached only to an upper torso restraint, and

(iii) not less than 0.9 N (0.2 pound) or more than 6.7 N (1.5 pounds) under zero acceleration when attached to a strap or webbing that restrains both the upper torso and the pelvis.

(26) A retractor used on a seat belt after subjection to the cycling procedure specified in the test methods referred to in paragraph (7)(d) shall meet the applicable requirements of subsections (23), (24), (25), (27) and (28), except that the retraction force shall not be less than 50 per cent of its original retraction force.

(27) Except as provided in subsection (29), the components of every Type 1 seat belt assembly, including webbing, straps, buckles, adjustment hardware, attachment hardware and retractors, when tested in accordance with the test methods referred to in paragraph (7)(d), shall meet the following requirements:

(a) each structural component of the seat belt assembly shall withstand a force of not less than 11.1 kN (2,500 pounds);

(b) the length of the seat belt assembly loop between anchorages shall increase by not more than 360 mm (14 inches) when subjected to a force of 22.2 kN (5,000 pounds);

(c) webbing cut by the hardware during the test shall have a breaking strength, at the cut, of not less than 18.7 kN (4,200 pounds); and

(d) there shall be no complete fracture through any solid section of metal attachment hardware during the test.

(28) Except as provided in subsection (29), the components of every Type 2 seat belt assembly, including webbing, straps, buckles, adjustment hardware, attachment hardware and retractors, when tested in accordance with the test methods referred to in paragraph (7)(d), shall meet the following requirements:

(a) the structural components in the pelvic restraint shall withstand a force of not less than 11.1 kN (2,500 pounds);

(b) the length of the pelvic restraint between anchorages shall increase by not more than 500 mm (20 inches) when subjected to a force of 11.1 kN (2,500 pounds);

(c) the structural components in the upper torso restraint shall withstand a force of not less than 6 670 N (1,500 pounds);

(d) the length of the upper torso restraint between the anchorages shall increase by not more than 500 mm (20 inches) when subjected to a force of 6 670 N (1,500 pounds);

(e) the structural components in the assembly that are common to both pelvic and upper torso restraint shall withstand a force of not less than 13.3 kN (3,000 pounds);

(f) webbing cut by the hardware during the test shall have a breaking strength of not less than

(i) 15.6 kN (3,500 pounds) at a cut in the webbing of the pelvic restraint, or

(ii) 12.5 kN (2,800 pounds) at a cut in the webbing of the upper torso restraint; and

(g) there shall be no complete fracture through any solid section of metal attachment hardware during the test.

(29) A Type 1 or Type 2 seat belt assembly that includes a load-limiter

(a) is not required to comply with the elongation requirements of paragraph (7)(f), (27)(b), (28)(b) or (28)(d); and

(b) where the seat belt assembly does not comply with the elongation requirements of paragraph (7)(f), (27)(b), (28)(b) or (28)(d), shall

(i) not be installed in a motor vehicle except in conjunction with an air bag, and

(ii) in addition to conforming to the marking requirements specified in subsection (30), be permanently and legibly marked or labelled with a statement that the seat belt assembly may be installed in a vehicle only in conjunction with an air bag.

(30) Every seat belt assembly shall be permanently and legibly marked or labelled with

(a) the year of manufacture;

(b) the name or trademark of the manufacturer, distributor, or importer; and

(c) the model identification.

(31) For the purpose of paragraph (30)(c), a model shall consist of a single combination of webbing having a specific type of fibre weave and construction, and hardware having a specific design although various colours may be included in the same model.

(32) Every vehicle equipped with a seat belt assembly shall be provided with

(a) written instructions regarding

(i) the proper use of the assembly, stressing the importance of wearing the assembly snugly and properly located on the body,

(ii) the maintenance of the assembly and periodic inspection of all components, and

(iii) the proper manner of threading the webbing in the hardware of seat belt assemblies in which the webbing is not permanently fastened;

(b) in the case of a non-locking retractor, a caution that the webbing must be fully extended from the retractor during use of the seat belt assembly unless the retractor is attached to the free end of the webbing that is not subjected to any tension during restraint of an occupant by the assembly; and

(c) in the case of a Type 2A assembly, a warning that the shoulder belt is not to be used without a lap belt.

Established by the CONSOLIDATED REGULATIONS OF CANADA, 1978.

amended by

SOR/78-910 1 December, 1978 pursuant to sections 4 and 7 of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act

Subsections 209(2) to (4) of Schedule IV.

SOR/87-154 19 March, 1987 pursuant to sections 4 and 7 of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act

The definition "Type 3" in subsection 209(1) of Schedule IV is revoked; subsection 209(1) of Schedule IV by adding the definition "load limiter"; subsection 209(4) of Schedule IV preceding paragraph (a); subsection 209(6) of Schedule IV is revoked; paragraph 209(7)(d) of Schedule IV; paragraph 209(7)(e) of Schedule IV by adding the word "and" at the end of subparagraph (i), by deleting the word "and" at the end of subparagraph (ii), and by revoking subparagraph (iii); paragraph 209(7)(f) of Schedule IV; paragraphs 209(7)(j) and (k) of Schedule IV; section 209 of Schedule IV by adding subsection (10.1); paragraph 209(12)(b) of Schedule IV; subsection 209(14) of Schedule IV; subsection 209(16) of Schedule IV is revoked; subsection 209(20) of Schedule IV; subsection 209(22) of Schedule IV; subsection 209(26) of Schedule IV; subsection 209(27) of Schedule IV preceding paragraph (a); subsection 209(28) of Schedule IV preceding paragraph (a); and subsection 209(29) of Schedule IV.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY ACT IS NOW CHAPTER M-10 OF THE REVISED STATUTES OF CANADA, 1985.

SOR/92-545 17 September, 1992 pursuant to sections 4 and 7 of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act

Paragraph 209(12)(b) of Schedule IV of the French version preceding subparagraph (ii); subparagraph 209(12)(b)(ii) of Schedule IV; subsection 209(27) of Schedule IV of the French version preceding paragraph (a); and subsection 209(28) of Schedule IV of the French version preceding paragraph (a).

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY ACT IS NOW CHAPTER 16 OF THE STATUTES OF CANADA, 1993.

SOR/95-536 7 November, 1995 pursuant to paragraph 5(1)(a) and subsection 11(1) of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act

French version only.

SOR/97-447 17 September, 1997 pursuant to section 5 and subsection 11(1) of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act, effective January 1, 1998

Subsection 209(1) of Schedule IV is revoked; and subparagraphs 209(20)(c)(i) and (29)(b)(i) and (ii) of Schedule IV are replaced.


Last updated: 2005-03-02 Top of Page Important Notices