1926.601(b)(4)(i): Reverse Signal Alarm on Vehicles
A vehicle can meet this paragraph by having a reverse signal alarm audible above the surrounding noise level. The rule lists this alarm as one of the allowed options.
Key takeaways
- 1926.601(b)(4)(i) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart O).
- OSHA cited it 13 times in the last 3 years, in 13 inspections, with $46,842 in current penalties.
- Most citations: NJ (7), NY (2), IA (1).
- 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)(i) is one requirement inside 1926.601 Motor vehicles, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart O). 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
(i) The vehicle has a reverse signal alarm audible above the surrounding noise level or: 13 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 | 1 |
| 2024 | 9 |
| 2025 | 2 |
| 2026 | 1 |
Top states: NJ (7), NY (2), IA (1), MI (1), PA (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| COUNTY OF SOMERSET | BRIDGEWATER, NJ | $7,000 |
| JOSEPH W. DAVIS, INC. | SPRING CITY, PA | $6,951 |
| OAKGROVE CONSTRUCTION, INC. | CORFU, NY | $6,016 |
| BOROUGH OF WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS | WASHINGTON, NJ | $4,900 |
| TOWN OF NEWTON DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS | NEWTON, NJ | $4,900 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.601(b)(4)(i), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- 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)
- Reverse signal alarms for motor vehicles. (1993-07-12)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.601(b) General requirements 92 citations
- 1926.601(b)(4) 39 citations
- 1926.601(b)(14) 29 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 does 1926.601(b)(4)(i) describe?
A vehicle reverse signal alarm audible above the surrounding noise level.
How loud must the alarm be?
Audible above the surrounding noise level.
Is the alarm the only option?
The rule ends with 'or', so it is one of the allowed options.
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 2026-10-19
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.