An occupant detection system comprises an electric field sensor in the seat bottom of a vehicle seat for discriminating objects on the seat, and a range/proximity sensor for sensing the proximity of an occupant's torso relative to the seat back of a vehicle seat. The electric field sensor discriminates normally seated occupants from other seating conditions, and disables a restraint actuator unless a normally seated occupant is present. The range/proximity sensor disables the restraint actuator if an occupant has not been proximate to the seat back for a period of time greater than a threshold.