What is the law regarding seat belts for school bus passengers in Texas?

In Texas, the law mandates that only the driver is required to use a seat belt when it is provided in a school bus. This approach is based on safety regulations that apply specifically to larger vehicles like school buses, where the design of the bus, along with its safety features, provides a certain level of protection without the necessity of seat belts for all passengers.

School buses are engineered with features such as seating design, compartmentalization, and high crush standards to protect passengers in the event of a crash. While seat belts may be available in some school buses, the regulation does not necessitate that all passengers wear them, as the buses’ safety design is intended to keep students safe without mandatory seat belt usage. This distinction clarifies the responsibility placed on the driver and reflects the unique safety standards associated with school transportation in Texas.