Earlier this summer, the state of California passed a law (SB20) that requires all drivers and passengers in commercial buses to wear a seat belt, or face a fine of $20 for the first offense and $50 for subsequent offenses.
Following are highlights of the new law which went into effect in July 2018:
NEW SEAT BELT LAW FOR BUSES IN CALIFORNIA:
- Passengers are exempt if leaving his or her seat to use an
on board bathroom. - Parent, legal guardian or chartering party is responsible for
passengers 8 – 16 years old to wear seat belts.
x Parent, legal guardian or chartering party is responsible for
passengers under 8 years old and under 4 feet 9 inches in
height, unless he or she is *acceptably restrained by a safety
belt. - If it is not possible to ensure a child, ward, or passenger who
is under eight years of age and under 4 feet 9 inches in
height is acceptably restrained by a safety belt because of his
or her size they shall be secured in an appropriate child
passenger restraint system that meets applicable federal
motor vehicle safety standards.
*acceptably restrained means all of the following:
- The latch plate is securely fastened in the buckle.
- The lap belt shall be adjusted to fit low and tight across the hips
or upper thighs, not the stomach area. - The shoulder belt shall be adjusted snugly across the chest and
the middle of the shoulder, away from the neck. - The shoulder belt shall not be placed behind the back of under the
arm.
Read the full Bill text here.
