Is Use of Car Lap Belt Alone Without Also Connecting the Shoulder Harness Legal ?

In People v. Cucinello (183 Misc 2d 50) the vehicle had a shoulder harness and a "lap" belt each of which had to be connected separately. The court ruled the use of the lap belt alone without also connecting the shoulder harness as well complied with the statutory mandate that the passenger be restrained by a "safety belt." The court's ruling clearly stated the shoulder harness and the "lap" belt qualified as safety belts leaving it to the passenger to use either one to comply with Vehicle and Traffic Law 1229-c (3) to use a safety belt not "belts."