
Louisiana: New Rear Seat Belt Rules Coming Soon – What Drivers Should Know
Starting September 2027, new rules will require all passenger vehicles to sound alarms if rear-seat passengers aren’t wearing their seat belts.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced the change this week, aiming to increase seat belt use and save lives. Rear seat belt usage remains lower than in front seats—about 82% compared to 92%. Federal data shows that nearly half of those who died in crashes in 2022 weren’t buckled up.
Here’s what to know:
- New Alarms: Vehicles will warn rear passengers to buckle up. This expands current rules that only apply to the driver’s seat and some front passengers.
- Front Seat Warnings: Starting September 2026, audio and visual seat belt reminders for front seats will also last longer.
- What It Covers: The rule applies to cars, trucks, SUVs, and multipurpose vehicles under 10,000 pounds. It excludes school buses.
The NHTSA estimates this new rule will save 50 lives per year and prevent 500 injuries. Safety advocates have praised the decision and continue pushing for other protections, like impaired-driving prevention systems.
Drivers in Louisiana should take note: these reminders will soon become standard in new vehicles, encouraging everyone to buckle up for safety.
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