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DOT/NHTSA

RIN: 2127-AH46

Publication ID: Spring 2000

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the "Guidelines for State Observational Surveys of Safety Belt and Motorcycle Helmet Use," published in 1992, and rescinded by this rule.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 was used in making allocations of a total of $418 million during fiscal years 2000 through 2003. This rule was published as an interim final rule, with immediate effectiveness, because the criteria applied to surveys that the States were required to conduct being in calendar year 1998. In the next action, the agency evaluated the comments, as appropriate. This rulemaking is significant because it specifies the requirements states must follow to qualify for grant funds totalling almost 500 million dollars for fiscal years 1999-2000.
Agency: Department of Transportation(DOT)	Priority: Other Significant
RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda	Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Completed Actions
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
Comment Period End	03/01/1999
Final Action	03/14/2000	65 FR 13679
Final Action Effective	04/13/2000

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No	Government Levels Affected: State
Small Entities Affected: No	Federalism: No
Included in the Regulatory Plan: No
Agency Contact: John Oates Chief, Implementation, 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