Safety belt use requirements for Federal employees

This executive order mandates that all Federal employees in front seats of government vehicles on official business must wear safety belts when the vehicle is in motion. It requires Executive branch agencies to adopt rules, conduct education programs, and report annually on compliance, while encouraging Legislative and Judicial branches to adopt similar programs.

51 FR 34575

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Impact dates

Date TBD
Agencies promulgate rules and take appropriate measures
Sep 26, 1987
Annual report to President on Federal employee belt use status

Key directives

Federal employees in front seats must wear safety belts on official business when vehicle is in motion
All Executive branch agencies must promulgate rules and take measures within existing safety programs
Agencies must conduct education programs for employees
Secretary of Labor must submit annual report to President on Federal employee belt use status
Secretary of Transportation must provide leadership and guidance to agency heads
Secretary of Defense responsible for implementation regarding military personnel

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

Safety belt use requirement takes effect for all Federal employees in front seats on official business

Near term (90d)

Agencies must promulgate rules and implement education programs within existing occupational safety and health frameworks

Long term

Annual reporting by Secretary of Labor to President on Federal employee belt use status continues indefinitely

Risks & tensions

No specific deadline provided for agency rule promulgation—text says 'within their existing' programs, implying prompt but undefined timeline
Annual reporting obligation is ongoing with no sunset date
Exclusion of Legislative and Judicial branches from mandatory coverage may create inconsistent protection across government
Sec. 5 explicitly bars new causes of action, limiting enforcement mechanisms for employees