Abstract: A vehicle occupant sensing system includes a laser array that generates three beams. A first beam is directed toward an upper body zone, a second beam is directed toward a middle body zone, and a third beam is directed toward a lower body zone. A first sensor assembly receives reflection beams from the upper body zone and generates a first signal that represents a proportional amount of an occupant present in the upper body zone. A second sensor assembly receives reflection beams from the middle body zone and generates a second signal that represents a proportional amount of the occupant present in the middle body zone. A third sensor assembly receives reflection beams from the lower body zone and generates a third signal that represents a proportional amount of the occupant present in the lower body zone. The laser array and the first, second, and third sensor assemblies are all mounted within a common housing that is mounted to a vehicle structure such as an A-pillar or rear view mirror.