Home > Policy Development > Seat Belt Wearing 

This policy relates to the EU Directive 2003/20/EU, which requires the extension of compulsory seat belt wearing to all passengers aged 3 years and above seated in buses and coaches where a restraint is provided. It requires passengers travelling in these vehicles to be informed of the requirement to wear seat belts whenever they are seated and the vehicle is in motion.

TO BE NOTED: Nothing in this Directive or in the D.O.E. proposals require seat belts to be installed or worn where they are not already required to be fitted, for example, in buses that are designed to carry standing passengers.

This Directive must be implemented no later than the 9th May 2006. The D.O.E aims to have the necessary legislation in place by 1st February.

ISSUED: 22 AUGUST 2005
CLOSING DATE: 25 NOVEMBER 2005

Clare Conway
Road Safety Branch
Clarence Court
10-18 Adelaide Street
Belfast
BT2 8GB

e-mail;. Clare.conway@doeni.gov.uk
TEL NO: 028 90 540822