What states require seat belts on school buses?
California is the only state requiring lap-shoulder belts on new buses. New York, New Jersey and Florida require lap belts on new buses. Starting in 2010, all new buses purchased by Texas school districts will require lap-shoulder belts. Each year, 20 to 30 states have bills calling for seat belts to be mandatory on new school buses. Most proposed bills are driven by grassroots activity that compels a local representative to author a bill. Some states are waiting for NHTSA to revise current FMVSS 222 to include a performance standard for lap-shoulder belts.
