California law to require commercial bus passengers to use seat belts

A California state law effective July 2018 will require drivers and passengers of commercial buses, such as Greyhound, to wear seat belts. The law includes a $20 fine for the first violation and a $50 fine for the next. Parents are held responsible for making sure children under 16 are buckled up. The companies of charter buses are also responsible for children using seat belts.

Seat Belt Laws

The new law, SB20 by state Sen. Jerry Hill, D-San Mateo, easily passed both houses. California Jerry Brown signed it last week. According the to National Transportation Safety board, there are 21 bus fatalities a year and more than 7,900 injuries.

Bus companies are required to keep seat belts in working order and remind passengers to wear them.