GM Bringing “Buckle to Drive” to Most 2022 Vehicles

Previously only a feature of Teen Driver Mode, “Buckle to Drive” will prevent the driver from shifting into drive unless the driver’s seat belt is engaged.

A message will appear on the cluster, “Buckle Seat Belt to Shift”. This feature will time out after 20 seconds, even if the driver has not engaged their seat belt.

Previously featured on the 2020 year models of the Canyon, Traverse, Malibu, and Colorado, Teen Driver Mode is a suite of safety features designed to keep young drivers safer. According to GM, almost 40% of high school students do not wear seat belts when riding with someone else. Teen Driver Mode also includes features like Speed Warning, Speed Limiter, Audio Limiter, and Seat Belt Audio Mute. Similar teen safety systems are offered my other manufacturers, such as Ford MyKey and Chevy Teen Driver Technologies.

“Buckle to Drive” will be enabled by default for the majority of GM’s new vehicles, including the 2022 SUVs and full-size trucks like the Sierra and Silverado.

A similar feature was required in new vehicles for a short time. In 1973, a law was passed requiring seat belt ignition interlocks in new vehicles, preventing drivers from starting their vehicles before buckling in. This was extremely controversial at the time and the law was quickly overturned the next year.

Even in the early 1980s, only 14% of American used seat belts regularly, according to the NHTSA.

The new “Buckle to Drive” feature could spark similar controversy, albeit to a lesser extent. Some may find the requirement inconvenient, especially when moving your vehicle a short distance, like just out of the garage.

Thankfully drivers will have the option to disable this feature. Simply navigating to Settings > Vehicle > Buckle to Drive on your Infotainment screen will allow you to disable it entirely.

HomeShopAccount
Search