The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is proposing to require passengers riding in property-carrying commercial motor vehicles to use safety belts.
Federal rules have long required all commercial drivers to use safety belts – and manufacturers are required to install both driver and passenger seat belts in commercial vehicles – however the rules are silent on the actual use of seat belts by passengers.
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.
This rulemaking is in response to a 2013 petition submitted by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance.
The full, official proposal can be accessed here.