NHTSA Mandates Seat Belt Reminder Systems: Neonode's Solution Leads the Way

NHTSA's new rule mandates comprehensive seatbelt reminder systems for all new light vehicles in the USA from Sep 1, 2027. It aims to boosts safety for front and rear occupants. Neonode's MultiSensing® technology offers an advanced solution, exceeding compliance with precise seatbelt detection.

In a landmark move to enhance vehicle occupant safety, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a Final Rule amending Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 208 in the USA, mandating seat belt reminder systems (SBRS) for driver, front outboard passenger, and rear seats in all new light vehicles manufactured on or after September 1, 2027.

Previously, the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard only required seat belt reminders for the driver’s seat. The regulation, driven by the 2012 MAP-21 Act and the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, aims to boost seat belt usage in rear seats where usage rates lag at 80-85% compared to 90% for front seats.

Neonode’s MultiSensing® technology is poised to meet, and excel, this challenge with its cutting-edge Seat Belt Detection Solution.

A Game-Changer for Vehicle Safety

The NHTSA’s Final Rule addresses a critical safety gap: unbelted occupants, especially in rear seats, face significantly higher risks of injury or fatality in crashes. The new regulation requires:

• Driver’s Seat: A 60-second visual warning at vehicle start if the driver’s seat belt is unfastened, with a 30-second audio-visual warning if the vehicle is driven above a threshold speed without the belt fastened.

• Front Outboard Passenger Seat: A 60-second visual warning at vehicle start if the seat is occupied and the belt is unfastened, with a 30-second audio-visual warning during travel if the belt remains unfastened.

• Rear Seats: A 60-second visual warning at vehicle start for unfastened rear belts, plus a 4-8 second audio-visual warning if a rear belt is unfastened during the trip or changes from fastened to unfastened.

Compliance begins with a phase-in: 50% of vehicles by September 1, 2028, 75% by September 1, 2029 and full compliance by September 1, 2029.

Neonode’s Seat Belt Detection Solution: Precision Meets Compliance

Neonode’s Seat Belt Detection Solution is uniquely positioned to help automakers meet these new requirements. Leveraging advanced computer vision technology, Neonode’s seatbelt detection can identify more than just the seatbelt being worn by every driver/passenger, but also if the seatbelt is being worn correctly – increasing the accuracy of seatbelt warnings. This technology was built to meet the stringent European NCAP requirements that will come into action already in 2026. Neonode’s seatbelt detection solution includes:

• Accurate Detection: Precisely identifies seatbelt usage and occupant presence across all seating positions, including detection of correct seatbelt usage, and incorrect usage including belts worn behind the back, over the lap only or not at all.

• Seamless Integration: Designed for easy integration into existing vehicle architectures, reducing implementation costs and complexity.

• Enhanced User Experience: Compatible with clear, non-intrusive alerts that align with NHTSA’s requirements for visual and audio warnings, balancing safety with driver and passenger comfort.

• Durability and Versatility: Built to function in diverse vehicle conditions, including varying seat adjustments and lighting environments, ensuring robust compliance.

This solution not only meets but exceeds NHTSA’s standards, offering automakers a future-proof way to enhance safety while maintaining a premium in-cabin experience.

Why It Matters

The new NHTSA regulation will result in fewer fatalities, reduced injuries and lower societal costs. Public support for the mandate is strong, with safety advocates, manufacturers and consumers alike recognizing the value of increased seat belt use. Neonode’s technology aligns perfectly with this safety-driven initiative. By combining precision, reliability and ease of integration, it empowers automakers to comply with the new regulations in the USA and Europe with one system.

View the final rule from the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS or Standard) No. 208, “Occupant crash protection,” about the requirement for seatbelt warning system for rear seats here.