Do school bus drivers have to wear seat belts at all times?

In Illinois, school bus drivers are not required to wear seat belts while driving the bus. This exemption is based on the nature of school buses, which are designed with specific safety features, including high rollover protection and compartmentalization, providing a safe environment for passengers without the need for seat belts.

While seat belts are a critical safety feature in many types of vehicles, school buses are intentionally built to protect passengers during an accident even in the absence of seat belts. This design philosophy is supported by safety guidelines and regulations which recognize the unique construction of school buses.

In situations where other vehicles are involved, and driver safety is paramount, there are provisions and recommendations that can differ. However, the exemption for seat belt usage specifically for school bus drivers is a standardized regulation aimed at maintaining operational efficiency and quickly attending to the needs of the passengers, particularly children.