The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) finalized a seat belt reminder rule in December 2024. NHTSA estimates that the rule, which adds a seat belt warning requirement for rear seats and enhances warnings for driver and front passenger seats, will prevent over 500 injuries and save about 50 lives annually.
Although seat belt use has improved over the past decades, these enhanced reminders aim to help make sure everyone remembers to buckle up. Seat belt usage rates for rear seat passengers are consistently below those for the front seats, averaging around 81.7% in 2022. NHTSA’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System found that about half of all passenger vehicle occupants who died in crashes in 2022 were not wearing a seatbelt.
This rule amends Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208, which previously only required a seat belt warning for the driver’s seat. New requirements apply to passenger cars, trucks, buses (except school buses), and multipurpose passenger vehicles with a gross weight rating up to 10,000 pounds.
The enhanced front seat belt warning system requirements will be effective for manufacturers on new vehicles starting September 1, 2026, while the rear seat belt warning system will be required as of September 1, 2027.
If you or a loved one has been injured, contact the Schuerman Law office today. Schuerman Law has been working with personal injury claims for over 40 years. John Schuerman will compassionately advocate for injured individuals as well as their families while fighting for full compensation of their claims. Schuerman Law offers evening and weekend appointments in addition to home and hospital visits. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 1-800-274-0045.
