1926.601(b)(4): Backing Vehicles With an Obstructed Rear View
Employers must not use motor vehicle equipment with an obstructed view to the rear unless it has a reverse signal alarm audible above the surrounding noise level, or it is backed up only when an observer signals that it is safe.
Key takeaways
- 1926.601(b)(4) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart O).
- OSHA cited it 39 times in the last 3 years, in 37 inspections, with $140,281 in current penalties.
- Most citations: MI (10), NJ (8), SC (5).
- Related part: 1926.601(b) General requirements (92 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.601(b)(4) is one requirement inside 1926.601 Motor vehicles, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart O). It includes 2 sub-paragraphs. The official text below is copied word for word from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). The numbers, injury cases and training on this page show how OSHA enforces it on real job sites.
Official text
(4) No employer shall use any motor vehicle equipment having an obstructed view to the rear unless: 39 citations
(i) The vehicle has a reverse signal alarm audible above the surrounding noise level or: Open (b)(4)(i) 13 citations
(ii) The vehicle is backed up only when an observer signals that it is safe to do so. Open (b)(4)(ii) 5 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.601.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 3 |
| 2024 | 12 |
| 2025 | 11 |
| 2026 | 13 |
Top states: MI (10), NJ (8), SC (5), NY (4), KY (3)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| 109926 - SHAFER CONTRACTING CO INC | BURNSVILLE, MN | $25,000 |
| A.L. HELMCAMP INC. | KENNARD, TX | $14,895 |
| CASTLEGATE BUILDING CORPORATION | PUNTA GORDA, FL | $11,292 |
| COUNTY OF SOMERSET | BRIDGEWATER, NJ | $7,000 |
| HUTCH PAVING INC | WHITMORE LAKE, MI | $7,000 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.601(b)(4), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Permissible methods of operating trucks in reverse on construction sites. (2010-03-02)
- Alternatives to common back-up alarms on construction motor vehicles; use of other effective technology or observers/signal persons. (2004-09-27)
- Equipment reverse signal alarms must be audible above surrounding noise level. (2004-05-27)
- Requirements for back-up alarms on construction vehicles. (1998-11-03)
- Reverse signal alarms for motor vehicles. (1993-07-12)
- Noise and potential hazard of backup alarms on equipment at construction sites. (1991-10-29)
- Requirements for back up alarms. (1982-06-25)
- Regulations for back-up alarms. (1980-07-11)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.601(b) General requirements 92 citations
- 1926.601(b)(14) 29 citations
- 1926.601(b)(4)(i) 13 citations
- 1926.601(b)(5) 10 citations
- 1926.601(b)(3) 8 citations
- 1926.601(b)(4)(ii) 5 citations
- 1926.601(b)(9) 2 citations
- 1926.601(b)(6)
- 1926.601(b)(8)
- 1926.601(b)(10)
- 1926.601(b)(11)
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
Frequently asked questions
What is needed to back a vehicle with no rear view?
A reverse signal alarm audible above the surrounding noise, or an observer who signals it is safe to back up.
Does the alarm just need to work?
It must be audible above the surrounding noise level.
Can a spotter be used instead of an alarm?
Yes. The vehicle may be backed up only when an observer signals that it is safe to do so.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.601 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly; data as of 2026-10-20
3-year window. Federal OSHA only; state-plan rules are not counted. Plain-language text is a summary, not legal advice; the official text controls. Black Belt Safety is not part of OSHA or the Department of Labor.