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.
