Seat Belt Use Now Required for Passengers in All Large Trucks

Earlier this week, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) published a final rule requiring all passengers/occupants traveling in commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) on public roads to wear seat belts. Prior to the final rule, the regulations merely stated that each seating position on CMVs manufactured on or after July 1, 1971 must have a seat belt, but only required the driver of the CMV to actually have to use the seat belt. The final rule now requires both drivers and passengers alike to use seat belts. As well, the responsibility for passenger compliance to use seat belts will be that of both the driver and the carrier. Specifically, the new language, found in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) section 392.16 (Use of seat belts) (49 CFR 392.16), reads:

(a) Drivers. No driver shall operate a property-carrying commercial motor vehicle, and a motor carrier shall not require or permit a driver to operate a property-carrying commercial motor vehicle, that has a seat belt assembly installed at the driver’s seat unless the driver is properly restrained by the seat belt assembly.

(b) Passengers. No driver shall operate a property-carrying commercial motor vehicle, and a motor carrier shall not require or permit a driver to operate a property-carrying commercial motor vehicle, that has seat belt assemblies installed at the seats for other occupants of the vehicle unless all other occupants are properly restrained by such seat belt assemblies.

The rule becomes effective Monday, August 8.