Is it true that a school bus driver must wear a seat belt at all times?

A school bus driver is not required to wear a seat belt at all times because school buses are designed with compartmentalization in mind, which means that they have structural features that help protect passengers without the need for seat belts. The high backs and closely spaced seats are intended to create a safe zone, reducing the risk of injury in many situations.

Furthermore, federal regulations do not mandate seat belts on larger school buses, which further supports the idea that seat belts are not a requirement for drivers in these vehicles. While wearing a seat belt can enhance safety in personal vehicles, for large school buses, the design of the bus itself provides a significant level of protection to both the driver and the children on board without the need for seat belts in every instance.

This understanding of how school buses are constructed and regulated is key to determining the safety measures that are enforced for drivers while operating such vehicles.