What year did the requirement for seat belts in vehicles begin?

The requirement for seat belts in vehicles began in 1966 when the U.S. government established a mandate under the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. This legislation aimed to improve vehicle safety and required all new passenger cars to be equipped with seat belts. This was a significant milestone in automotive safety regulations, reflecting a growing understanding of the importance of seat belts in reducing injuries and fatalities in accidents. By making seat belts standard equipment, the law helped to promote their use among drivers and passengers. This requirement paved the way for further safety measures and improvements over the subsequent decades.