Does a school bus driver have to wear a seat belt at all times?

A school bus driver is not required to wear a seat belt while driving, as the design of school buses is inherently different from that of passenger vehicles. School buses are built with safety features that include higher sides, reinforced roofs, and other structural components that protect passengers in the event of an accident. Instead of seat belts, school buses employ compartmentalization, which uses closely spaced seats with high backs to create a protective zone for passengers. This design minimizes the need for seat belts, making it safe for drivers to operate the bus without them.

Understanding the specific role of seat belts in the context of school bus safety is crucial. While wearing a seat belt is mandatory in most passenger vehicles for driver safety, the unique design and safety protocols of school buses mitigate that requirement for drivers.