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Regulations - Seat Belt

The new Seat Belt laws came into effect in Northern Ireland on 27th February 2007 and were brought about by the EU Directive 2003/20/EC.

In buses and coaches with seat belts fitted, passengers aged 14 and above must wear them. Passengers on vehicles used as a local service on routes consisting of restricted roads or where provision has been made for standing passengers and the operator permits standing are exempt. The subject of who is responsible for passengers aged 3-13 on buses requires further consultation and this is to take place during August 2007 and Northern Ireland is part of the GB consultation on this. We will keep you posted on developments. As far as children under 3 are concerned, if they are travelling in the front seat they will have to have the correct child restraint but if they are travelling in the back they can travel unrestrained ! - However they should NOT use the lap belts. Bus companies do not need to provide restraints although the parents can if they wish use their own but they then need to ensure they are properly fitted etc. etc.