Passenger information

This regulation requires airplanes carrying passengers to have visible signs indicating when smoking is prohibited and when seat belts must be fastened. The seat belt signs must be controllable by the crew and both types of signs must be illuminated during ground movement, takeoff, landing, and whenever the pilot deems necessary.

If your aircraft isn't required to have these signs (typically smaller aircraft), you must give oral notifications to passengers about seat belt and smoking requirements instead.

When signs are installed, passengers and crew cannot smoke while "no smoking" signs are lit or in any lavatory. Passengers must fasten their seat belts when the seat belt sign is illuminated and must comply with all crewmember instructions related to these requirements.

This regulation ensures passengers receive clear, consistent safety information regardless of aircraft size, either through illuminated signs or direct communication from the pilot.

*This is a plain-English summary for study only. The official 14 CFR text on this page is controlling — always read the current regulation and consult a CFI.*