What does California law state about the use of seat belts on school buses?

California law specifies that seat belts are required for certain types of school buses based on their design. This means that some newer models of school buses, particularly those that are designed with passenger seat belts and meet specific safety standards, must be equipped with seat belts for passengers.

This measure is aimed at enhancing the safety of students while being transported to and from school, particularly in bus designs that allow for the installation of these restraints. The requirement reflects ongoing efforts to improve safety measures and aligns with national trends advocating for the use of seat belts in various types of vehicles, including school buses.

In contrast, certain older buses or those designed without the ability to safely accommodate seat belts might not be required to have them. Additionally, while it may seem intuitive to make seat belts mandatory for all passengers, California law recognizes differences in design and safety features that can affect the feasibility of mandatory seat belts on every bus.