Starting in September of 2027, a new rule will mandate that all new passenger vehicles in the U.S. must emit a warning signal if rear-seat passengers fail to buckle up. This regulation, finalized by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, also includes enhanced alerts for unfastened front seat belts.
The agency projects that this measure will save an estimated 50 lives annually and prevent 500 injuries once fully implemented. The rule will be applicable to various vehicle types, such as passenger cars, trucks, buses (excluding school buses), and multipurpose vehicles weighing up to 10,000 pounds.
Prior to this rule, seat belt warnings were only required for the driver's seat. However, under the new regulation, outboard front-seat passengers will also receive alerts if their seat belts are not secured. Notably, front-center seats will be exempt from these warnings due to cost-effectiveness concerns, as most vehicles already feature warnings for outboard passenger seats.
Furthermore, the rule extends the duration of audio and visual warnings for the driver's seat. The front-seat provisions will come into effect on September 1, 2026.
According to NHTSA data, rear passengers exhibit lower seat belt usage rates compared to front passengers. In 2022, front seat belt usage stood at nearly 92%, while rear seat belt usage was approximately 82%. Shockingly, about half of automobile passengers who perished in accidents two years ago were not wearing seat belts.
This seat belt mandate marks the second significant regulation introduced by NHTSA in recent months. In November, the agency expanded its five-star auto safety ratings to encompass driver assistance technologies and pedestrian protection.
Safety advocates are urging the Department of Transportation, which oversees NHTSA, to finalize additional rules before the conclusion of the Biden administration. This urgency stems from concerns that President-elect Donald Trump has expressed opposition to new government regulations.
Cathy Chase, president of Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, has specifically called for the approval of automatic emergency braking for heavy trucks and technology aimed at preventing impaired driving.
