We turn to student safety for this installment of our series. While the bright yellow school bus is already one of the safest vehicles on the road, a new law takes effect that mandates a higher level of passenger restraint for all future vehicles. Senate Bill 191 (Public Act 104-0075) requires three-point, lap and shoulder seat belts in all newly purchased school buses.
This law brings Illinois’ school transportation standards in line with modern passenger safety requirements, providing extra protection against injury during collisions and rollovers.
Key Requirements of the New School Bus Seat Belt Law
While the law has been passed and signed, its implementation is a gradual process designed to accommodate the purchasing cycles and budgets of school districts.
1. The Three-Point Seat Belt Requirement
The core of the law is simple: each designated seating position in a newly purchased school bus must be equipped with a combination pelvic and upper torso seat safety belt system, commonly known as a three-point seat belt or lap and shoulder belt.
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“Newly Purchased”: The mandate applies only to vehicles purchased by school districts or contractors after the effective date. School districts are explicitly not required to retrofit their existing fleet of buses.
2. The Implementation Timeline is Phased
To mitigate the immediate financial impact on local school districts, the law establishes a compliance date several years into the future:
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Mandate Start Date: July 1, 2031. The requirement for three-point belts will apply to all school buses purchased on or after this date. This gives school districts ample time to adjust their transportation budgets and procurement plans.
3. No Burden on Drivers or Staff
The law is very clear in its limitation regarding responsibility:
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No Enforcement Duty: The law explicitly states that no public or nonpublic school, school district, transportation provider, or bus driver is required to ensure that the seat belt is correctly adjusted and fastened, or to provide instruction on how to use it. The responsibility for securing the seat belt remains with the passenger.
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