A method and apparatus is provided for determining seat belt tension in a seat belt system. The apparatus includes webbing and a motor coupled to the webbing for retracting the webbing and generating a seat belt tension. When the seat belt apparatus is deployed to restrain an occupant, the tension on the seatbelt is monitored by applying a voltage to the motor to retract the webbing, measuring an electrical current during the application of the voltage, determining a maximum value of the electrical current and determining the seat belt tension based upon the maximum value.