FMCSA proposed rule intended to require CMV passengers to use seat belts

Trucking companies and drivers would be responsible for passengers buckling up

Posted December 10, 2015

On December 9, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced it is seeking public comment on a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) requiring passengers riding in property-carrying commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) to use safety belts.

Federal rules have long required all commercial drivers to use safety belts (49 CFR 392.16); this proposed rule would hold both trucking companies and commercial truck drivers responsible for ensuring that any passenger riding in the truck cab are also buckled up.

Approximately 275 occupants of large trucks killed in crashes in 2013 were not wearing their safety belts, according to the most recently available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Comments to the rulemaking docket should refer to Docket ID Number FMCSA-2015-0396- or RIN 2126-AB87 and be submitted to the Administrator, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration using the Federal eRulemaking Portal at: www.regulations.gov.

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