NY A05915

Requires all operators and passengers of commercial vehicles (transporting more than 8 people, including the driver) to wear commissioner-approved safety belts at all times

Mandates commercial vehicle operators conduct pre-trip safety briefings informing passengers about the importance of wearing safety belts, proper use, and risks of non-compliance

Requires operators to perform regular inspections of all safety belts to ensure functionality, accessibility, and proper maintenance, with records made available to the Department of Motor Vehicles and Department of Transportation

Directs the Department of Transportation to develop and distribute educational materials promoting seat belt use in collaboration with transportation unions and associations

Takes effect 180 days after becoming law, implementing recommendations from the National Transportation Safety Board following a fatal 2023 bus and truck collision in Louisville, NY