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DOT/NHTSA RIN: 2127-AH46 Publication ID: Spring 1999 
Title: Uniform Criteria for State Observational Surveys of Seat Belt Use 
Abstract: This rulemaking action establishes the criteria and procedures to be followed by the States to determine their seat belt use rates. Section 1403 of TEA-21 established a new program of incentive grants (under Section 157 of chapter 1 of title 23) that provides funds to States if: (1) The State had a seat belt use rate greater than the national average for the two preceding calendar years, OR (2) The State's seat belt use rate in the previous calendar year was higher than the State's "base seat belt use rate." (The " base seat belt use rate" is defined as the State's highest use rate for any calendar year from 1996 through the calendar year preceding the previous calendar year.) For calendar years 1996 and 1997, the legislation directs the Department to weigh State-submitted use rates to insure national consistency in methods of measurement. For calendar years 1998 and beyond, States must establish their seat belt use rates in accordance with guidelines issued by the Secretary. This rulemaking provides the States with the required guidelines. These uniform criteria replace the "Guidelines for State Observational Surveys of Safety Belt and Motorcycle Helmet Use," published in 1992, and rescinded by this rule. The results of the survey conducted in accordance with this rule will be used in making allocations of a total of $418 million during fiscal years 2000 through 2003. This rule is being published as an interim final rule, with immediate effectiveness, because the criteria apply to surveys that the States must conduct during calendar year 1998. Moreover, most States conduct these types of surveys during the summer/fall months. 
Agency: Department of Transportation(DOT)  Priority: Other Significant 
RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Final Rule Stage 
Major: No  Unfunded Mandates: No 
CFR Citation: 23 CFR 1340   
Legal Authority: PL 105-178, sec 1403   
Legal Deadline:
Action Source Description Date
Final  Statutory    12/08/1998 
Timetable:
Action Date FR Cite
Interim Final Rule  09/01/1998  63 FR 46389   
Interim Final Rule Effective  09/01/1998    
Interim Final Rule Comment Period End  01/29/1999    
Comment Period Extended to 03/01/99  02/23/1999  64 FR 8714   
Final Action  05/00/1999    
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No  Government Levels Affected: State 
Small Entities Affected: No 
Included in the Regulatory Plan: No 
Agency Contact:
Joan Tetrault
Office of State and Community Services
Department of Transportation
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
400 Seventh Street SW.,
Washington, DC 20590
Phone:202 366-2121