The U.S. Transportation Department announced on Monday that starting in late 2027, all new cars and trucks will be required to include rear seat reminder systems to increase seat belt use and reduce traffic-related deaths and injuries, which have been on the rise in recent years. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) stated that the final rule would also enhance and extend seat belt warnings to the front seats. This regulation follows a 2012 directive from Congress for the agency to consider such systems for rear passengers. NHTSA estimates the rule will prevent over 500 injuries and save around 50 lives annually.
Currently, seat belt reminder systems are only required for the driver’s seat, using visual and audible alerts to encourage belt use. The new rule will expand these warnings to include the front passenger seat and extend their duration. Additionally, a new two-phase audible warning and visual alert will be activated based on vehicle speed and will remain active until the driver’s seat belt is fastened. A visual warning at vehicle start-up will inform the driver of rear seat belt status, lasting at least 60 seconds, along with audio-visual alerts if rear seat belts are unfastened while driving.
Front seat belt warnings will be mandatory starting September 2026, and rear seat reminders will be required by September 2027. NHTSA reports that seat belts reduce the fatality risk for rear-seat passengers by 55% in cars and 74% in SUVs. Around half of all vehicle occupants killed in crashes are not wearing seat belts. The European Union has had similar regulations since 2019.
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