(a)  Definitions.⁠—In this section:

(1)  Passenger motor vehicle.⁠—The term “passenger motor vehicle” has the meaning given that term in section 32101.

(2)  Rear-designated seating position.⁠—The term “rear-designated seating position” means designated seating positions that are rearward of the front seat.

(3)  Secretary.⁠—The term “Secretary” means the Secretary of Transportation.

(b)  Rulemaking.⁠—Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall issue a final rule requiring all new passenger motor vehicles weighing less than 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight to be equipped with a system to alert the operator to check rear-designated seating positions after the vehicle engine or motor is deactivated by the operator.

(c)  Means.⁠—The alert required under subsection (b)⁠—

(1)  shall include a distinct auditory and visual alert, which may be combined with a haptic alert; and

(2)  shall be activated when the vehicle motor is deactivated by the operator.

(d)  Phase-in.⁠—The rule issued pursuant to subsection (b) shall require full compliance with the rule beginning on September 1st of the first calendar year that begins 2 years after the date on which the final rule is issued.