Seat-Belt Pretensioner and Load Limiter
Last modified: Aug 05, 2026
A seat-belt pretensioner rapidly removes slack when a qualifying crash is detected, helping the occupant begin decelerating with the vehicle. A load limiter, or force limiter, then allows controlled belt payout as force rises, reducing excessive chest loading while still restraining forward movement.
Functions
They perform different, complementary jobs and may vary by seating position. See Seat Belts for the complete belt mechanism and restraint context.