NHTSAFinal Rule

Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard: Occupant Crash Protection, Seat Belt Reminder Systems, Controls and Displays

TransportationHealthcare

Summary

This federal rule updates safety requirements for seat belt reminder systems in cars to make them more effective at encouraging drivers and passengers to buckle up. The regulation sets standards for how seat belt warnings work, including what alerts drivers see and hear, to help reduce injuries and deaths from car crashes.

Key Points

  • 1Requires vehicles to have improved seat belt reminder systems that alert both drivers and front-seat passengers when seat belts are unbuckled
  • 2Sets specific standards for warning signals, including how long reminders must last and how noticeable they need to be to get people's attention
  • 3Applies to all new cars and light trucks manufactured after the rule takes effect, helping protect occupants in crashes
  • 4Aims to increase seat belt usage rates, which is one of the most effective ways to reduce serious injuries and deaths in vehicle accidents
  • 5Manufacturers must comply with these display and control requirements when designing vehicle dashboards and safety systems

Key Dates

Published

February 14, 2025

This summary is for informational purposes only. It may not capture all nuances of the regulation. Always refer to the official text for authoritative information.

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