Racing Seat Belts & Harnesses

How 3-, 4-, 5-, and 6-Point Racing Harnesses Compare

The point count tells you how many belts hold you in the seat. A 3-point harness works much like a factory car seat belt, and a 4-point harness adds a belt. A 5-point harness adds one strap between your legs, while a 6-point harness adds two.

You'll find each layout in this category, including these options:

• Schroth Racing Rallye 3 ASM 3-point and Rallye 4 ASM 4-point harnesses
• Zamp Racing 5-point harnesses with 3 in. to 2 in. pull-down belts and a latch lock
• RCI Platinum Series harnesses that set up as a 5- or 6-point

If you're deciding between a 5-point harness and a 6-point harness, start with your class rules. Then use our race harness buying guide to match belts to your car and seat. It walks you through seat, mounting, and buckle choices before you order.

Latch and Link vs. Cam-Lock Racing Harness Buckles

Both buckle styles connect every belt at one point, so your choice comes down to how you buckle in and release. A latch and link buckle uses a hinged lever on the lap belt, and the other belt ends slide onto its tongue. A cam-lock uses a round center buckle where each belt tab clicks in, and a twist of the cam releases them all.

RJS Racing Equipment offers both styles here, from 5-point cam-lock harnesses to 5-point latch and link harnesses. RJS also builds latch and link lap belts, including the Classic Series 3 in. lap belt. For young drag racers, there's an SFI 16.1 Jr. Dragster latch and link harness.

If you want a different adjuster, look at the Simpson SB51203 ratchet 5-point harness. Whichever buckle you pick, make sure you can work it quickly with gloves on. Also confirm it meets the rules for your class.

SFI and FIA Ratings for Racing Seat Belts and Harnesses

SFI and FIA ratings show that racing seat belts and harnesses were built and tested to a published standard. Your sanctioning body's rulebook tells you which rating your car needs. SFI covers harnesses under specs 16.1, 16.2, 16.5, and 16.6.

The 16.5 and 16.6 specs add micro-slip and abrasion testing. FIA-rated belts follow the FIA 8853 standard. The rating you choose also sets how long your harness stays legal for competition.

Our guide to race harness requirements and expiration rules covers each spec in more detail. It's a good place to check before you buy for a new class or series.

When you shop by rating, look for the spec number in the product title. For example, the RJS SFI 16.1 5-point cam-lock harness includes a 2 in. sub belt and lists its spec up front. That makes it easy to filter your choices before you compare buckles and colors.

How Long a Racing Harness Lasts Before Replacement

An SFI-rated harness is good for 2 years from the date on its tag. An FIA-rated harness is good for 5 years. FIA 8853 belts expire at the end of the fifth year after the year they were made.

Because harness expiration runs from the tag or manufacture date, check the tag as soon as your new belts arrive. Write that date down with your other safety gear dates so you know when to reorder. If you race on an older harness, check its tag before your next event.

Don't wait for the webbing to look worn, since the tag date decides when the harness is out of compliance. If you want fewer replacements, an FIA-rated harness gives you a longer window, as long as your class accepts it. Either way, replace any harness that's been through a crash or shows cuts, fraying, or a damaged buckle.

Mounting Hardware and Complementary Safety Gear

Your harness needs solid mounting points, and you can attach it one of two ways: wrapped around a roll bar or bolted in. Eye bolts, snap-in ends, and bolt-in brackets are sold separately, so plan your hardware when you order belts. Simpson offers an eye bolt kit and a bolt-in bracket kit for bolt-in installs.

If you're working around a cage, add roll bar padding where your helmet or arms could make contact. It's a simple step that rounds out the cockpit.

Your harness also works with the rest of your gear, so plan them together. Pair it with head and neck restraints, arm restraints, and window nets that fit your class. For a street car, browse replacement seat belts instead. When you're ready to finish the setup, shop our full line of safety equipment.