The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) finalized a rule requiring all new passenger vehicles in the U.S. to sound a warning if rear-seat passengers are not wearing seat belts. The rule, effective September 2027, also strengthens warnings for unbuckled front-seat passengers. NHTSA estimates the rule could save 50 lives and prevent 500 injuries annually.
Starting in September of 2027, all new passenger vehicles in the U.S. will have to sound a warning if rear-seat passengers don’t buckle up. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Monday that it finalized the rule, which also requires enhanced warnings when front seat belts aren’t fastened. The agency estimates that the new rule will save 50 lives per year and prevent 500 injuries when fully in effect, according to a statement.
The new rule will apply to passenger cars, trucks, and buses except for school buses, and multipurpose vehicles weighing up to 10,000 pounds. The rule also lengthens the duration of audio and visual warnings for the driver’s seat. The front-seat rules are effective starting Sept. 1 of 2026.In 2022, front belt use was just under 92%, while rear use dropped to about 82%. About half of automobile passengers who died in crashes two years ago weren’t wearing belts, according to NHTSA data.In November the agency bolstered its five-star auto safety ratings to include driver assistance technologies and pedestrian protection. Safety advocates want the Department of Transportation, which includes NHTSA, to finish several more rules before the end of the Biden administration because President-elect Donald Trump has said he’s against new government regulations. Cathy Chase, president of Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, urged the department to approve automatic emergency braking for heavy trucks and technology to prevent impaired drivin
SAFETY SEAT BELTS AUTOMOBILES TRANSPORTATION REGULATIONS
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Digital payment apps face new federal oversight under new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ruleThe Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has finalized a new rule introducing federal oversight for major digital payment apps like Venmo, Cash App, and PayPal. The rule takes effect 30 days after its publication in the Federal Register.
Read more »
New England Patriots Rule Out Seven Players vs. RamsThe New England Patriots have ruled out seven players against the Los Angeles Rams.
Read more »
Trump New York Case May Be 'Rule of Law's Last Stand'—Ex-ProsecutorFormer prosecutor Randall Eliason warns that Trump's election win imperils multiple cases, leaving the NY verdict as the final test.
Read more »
Rangers add two prospects, resurgent infielder to 40-manTexas also returned last year’s Rule 5 draft selection back to the New York Yankees.
Read more »
New York Mets Leave Two Top 20 Prospects Exposed to Rule 5 DraftThe New York Mets left several prospects unprotected ahead of the Rule 5 Draft, including right-handers Dom Hamel and Mike Vasil.
Read more »