Where are front seat belts required?

Front seat belts are required in all motor vehicles where the manufacturer has originally installed them. This regulation ensures that vehicles are equipped with safety features that comply with established safety standards. Federal and state laws mandate that all passenger vehicles, as part of their original construction, must include functioning seat belts for the driver and front-seat passenger.

The focus on the manufacturer's installation is crucial because vehicles built before certain federal standards may not have seat belts as a standard feature, and the requirement is predicated on safety innovations that were incorporated into vehicle design over time. This means that even if a vehicle was built before certain safety regulations were enacted, if it originally came equipped with seat belts, those belts are required to be used. Hence, the requirement is directly tied to the manufacturer's intent and compliance with safety norms rather than arbitrary dates or vehicle types.