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Query Concerning Legal Authority for Issuing and Enforcing Regulations Requiring Universal Seat Belt Use

B-216218 Published: Nov 30, 1984. Publicly Released: Jan 09, 1985.
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Highlights

Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO analyzed the legal authority for issuing and enforcing regulations requiring universal seat belt use by motorists travelling on federally managed lands, particularly lands controlled by the Department of Defense (DOD) and the National Park Service. Constitutional powers provide for the government to control all aspects of the use of public lands, which includes requiring seat belt use and punishment for non-use. Since DOD and the Park Service have a legitimate interest in the safety of motorists on their respective properties, sufficient reason exists to initiate such requirements. GAO concluded that such regulations are generally authorized.

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Motor vehicle safetyPublic landsSafety regulationState lawNational parksMotoristsLand usePoliceFederal regulationsCommerce