Seat belts

Scope

These requirements apply to operators of CMVs in interstate commerce.

Regulatory citations

• 49 CFR 392.16 — Use of seat belts

Key definitions

• Commercial motor vehicle (CMV): A self-propelled or towed motor vehicle used on a highway, in interstate commerce, that meets any one of the following criteria:
  • Has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or gross combination weight rating (GCWR), or gross vehicle weight (GVW) or gross combination weight (GCW), of 10,001 pounds or more, whichever is greater; or
  • Is designed or used to transport more than 8 passengers including the driver) for compensation; or
  • Is designed or used to transport more than 15 passengers (including the driver), and not used to transport passengers for compensation; or
  • Is transporting hazardous materials of a type or quantity which requires placarding.

Summary of requirements

A driver operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) that has a seat belt assembly installed at the driver’s seat may not operate the CMV unless the driver is properly restrained by the seat belt assembly. Also, a motor carrier may not require or permit a driver to operate the CMV unless the driver is properly restrained by the seat belt assembly.

If a property-carrying CMV has seat belt assemblies installed at the seats for other occupants of the vehicle (passengers), the driver may not operate the CMV unless the passengers are properly restrained by the seat belt assemblies. Also, a motor carrier may not require or permit a driver to operate the CMV unless the passengers are properly restrained by the seat belt assemblies.