Autoliv's load limiters absorb the load in a crash in a very efficient way by keeping the belt force at a controlled and pre-defined level. This is accomplished by a mechanism in the retractor that allows webbing to be pulled out slightly - and in a controlled way - if the load on an occupant's body becomes too high in a violent crash. The system is typically used in combination with an airbag which then absorbs the excessive energy. This is especially important for elderly, since studies have shown that a 60 year old person can only take half as much load on his rib cage as a twenty year old person.

The load limiter is typically integrated with the retractor, where a specially designed bar holds the spindle with the webbing. When the force from the webbing reaches a pre-set level, the bar will twist, allowing the spindle to turn and thereby limiting the load on the occupant's chest.

Seatbelt systems with load limiters typically also have pretensioners that reduce the forward motion of the occupant by tightening the belt at the onset of a crash.

Load limiters were first introduced in 1995 and are now included in close to 50% of Autoliv's seatbelt systems.

Degressive load limiter

To further optimize the consistent restraining load from seatbelts and airbags, Autoliv has introduced load limiters that use a degressive load characteristic. In the initial onset of the crash, when the occupant is only restrained by the belt, the restraining force of the seatbelt is held at a relatively high, constant level. As the occupant moves forward and into the airbag, the belt's load limiter moves down to a lower restraining force that will prevent the risk of peak load that could occur if the restraining forces of the two safety systems were added to each other. The degressive system therefore gives a high and relatively even load on the occupant's chest during the whole crash. The introduction of the degressive load limiter systems began in 2000, starting with some BMW and Volvo models.

Autoliv has also introduced adaptive load limiters that are used in Smart Seatbelt Systems.