Buckle up, Texas — and not just if you’re riding shotgun. A new rule finalized this week will require a seat belt use warning for back seat riders, according to a the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

New federal transportation rules will have more people buckling up. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, starting in the fall of 2027, all new passenger vehicles will have to sound a warning if the rear-seat passengers are not belted up.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration finalized a rule on Monday that will require seat belt use warnings for rear and passenger seats and enhanced warnings for drive

All new cars and trucks sold in the US from September 2027 must have rear seat belt warnings. Enhanced rules for the front seat belt warning will come into effect in September 2026. NHTSA estimates that the changes will prevent 500 injuries and save 50 lives every year In a move that’ll make every backseat driver even more vocal,

NHTSA estimated the new rule will prevent more than 500 injuries and save about 50 lives each year if and when it's fully implemented.