Abstract: A vehicular passenger restraint mechanism especially adapted for amusement rides wherein the passenger is subjected to changing forces throughout the ride. A passenger restraint arm is pivotably attached at the head location of each passenger seat. The restraint arm pivots from an extreme upward position, that permits the passenger to move into and out of the seat, to a lower restraint position wherein the bottom of the restraint arm rests on the passenger's lap and the remaining portions of the arm simultaneously restrain the passenger's shoulders against the back of the seat. A hydraulic system controllable from one or more locations on a multi-seat amusement ride vehicle permits each passenger to move his or her associated passenger restraint bar either up or down. A mechanical backup is provided with each hydraulic restraint system.