Regulation – transport, storage and distribution sector

Seat belts for buses, coaches, minibuses and LGVs

The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2001 extended requirements to fit seat belts to certain classes of vehicle that were registered on or after 1 October 2001.

Buses, coaches and minibuses

These are passenger vehicles with more than eight passenger seats. The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 1996 already required that children on organised trips in minibuses and coaches must be provided with a forward facing seat fitted with a seat belt.

The 2001 Regulations specified that seat belts must be fitted to all forward and rearward facing seats in all new buses and coaches – apart from buses specifically intended for urban use and standing passengers. Seat belts must be fitted by the manufacturer and must comply with either a British Standard – BS3254 Part 1 (although this is rarely used) – or a European Standard. Seat belt anchorages must comply with technical and installation requirements.

It is likely that in the future legislation will outlaw side-facing seats (apart from urban buses) and seat belts in new vehicles

Goods vehicles

All new goods vehicles must fit a seat belt to the driver’s seat and to all other forward facing front seats.

Read guidance on fitting seat belts on the DfT website.

You can also read a guidance leaflet on minibus and coach seat belts on the DfT website (PDF)