Road Traffic (Safety Equipment) Regulations
[25 August 1984] L.N. 302 of 1984
(Format changes—E.R. 4 of 2024)
These regulations may be cited as the Road Traffic (Safety Equipment) Regulations.
The amendments made to these regulations by the Road Traffic (Safety Equipment) (Amendment) Regulations 1989 (L.N. 37 of 1989) do not apply to goods vehicles until 1 January 1990.
In these regulations, unless the context otherwise requires— (L.N. 162 of 2000)
anchorage points (固定點), except in relation to seats with integral seat belt anchorages, means the parts of the vehicle structure to which seat belt attachments are to be secured; approved (認可)—see subregulation (4); (L.N. 195 of 2025) automatically locking retractor (自動鎖緊式回卷器) means a retractor which allows extraction of the strap of a retractable belt to the desired length and which, when the buckle is fastened, automatically adjusts the strap to the wearer and prevents further extraction of the strap without voluntary intervention by the wearer; (L.N. 148 of 2002) body restraining seat belt (束縛身體安全帶) means a seat belt designed to provide restraint for both the upper and lower parts of the trunk of the wearer in the event of an accident to the vehicle; child (兒童) means a person under 8 years of age; (L.N. 179 of 2024) child restraining device (兒童束縛設備) means a restraining device intended to be worn by a child passenger in a vehicle and designed to prevent or lessen injury to the passenger in the event of an accident to the vehicle; (L.N. 179 of 2024) emergency locking retractor (緊急鎖緊式回卷器) means a retractor of a retractable belt— (a)which during normal driving conditions does not restrict freedom of movement by the wearer; (b)which has length adjustment components that automatically adjust the strap to the wearer; and (c)which has a locking mechanism which can be actuated in an emergency by—(i)deceleration of the vehicle (single sensitivity); or(ii)a combination of deceleration of the vehicle, movement of the webbing or any other automatic means (multiple sensitivity); (L.N. 148 of 2002) lap belt (安全腰帶) means a seat belt designed to provide restraint for only the lower part of the trunk of the wearer in the event of an accident to the vehicle; (L.N. 288 of 1995) middle front seat (前排中座) means a forward-facing seat between the driver’s seat and the specified passenger’s seat; (L.N. 288 of 1995) middle rear seat (後排中座) means any rear seat not being an outward rear seat; (L.N. 288 of 1995) outward rear seat (後排靠外座位) means a rear seat next to a door or window; (L.N. 288 of 1995) passenger’s seat (乘客座位) means a seat not being the driver’s seat; (L.N. 195 of 2025) protective helmet (防護頭盔) means any form of helmet which is designed, or intended, to be worn by a person driving, riding in or on, or using, any class of motor vehicle for the purpose of protecting the wearer against injury; rear seat (後排座位) means a forward-facing seat not being the driver’s seat or a middle front seat or the specified passenger’s seat; (L.N. 288 of 1995) registered (登記) means registered or deemed to be registered under the Road Traffic (Registration and Licensing of Vehicles) Regulations (Cap. 374 sub. leg. E); (L.N. 288 of 1995) retractable belt (可回卷安全帶) means a body restraining seat belt or a lap belt, being an approved seat belt, that is— (a)equipped with either an automatically locking retractor or an emergency locking retractor; and (b)capable of being extended to confine a person of torso circumference of not less than 1 200 mm; (L.N. 148 of 2002) retractor (回卷器) means a device designed to retract and store the strap of a retractable belt; (L.N. 148 of 2002) seat belt (安全帶)—(a)means a restraining device intended to be worn by a person in a vehicle and designed to prevent or lessen injury to the person in the event of an accident to the vehicle; and(b)includes a child restraining device; (L.N. 179 of 2024) seat with integral seat belt anchorages (設有原裝安全帶固定裝置的座位)—see subregulation (6); (L.N. 195 of 2025) specified passenger’s seat (指定乘客座位) means— (a)in the case of a vehicle which has one forward-facing front seat alongside the driver’s seat, that seat; (b)in the case of a vehicle which has more than one forward-facing front seat alongside the driver’s seat, the one furthest from the driver’s seat; or (c)in the case of a light bus, other than one to which paragraph (a) or (b) applies, the forward-facing front seat that is—(i)forward of the door or opening provided for the entry of passengers;(ii)on the side which is further from the driver’s seat; and(iii)closest to the front of the light bus; (L.N. 37 of 1989; L.N. 195 of 2025) student service vehicle (學生服務車輛) has the meaning given by regulation 2 of the Road Traffic (Construction and Maintenance of Vehicles) Regulations (Cap. 374 sub. leg. A). (L.N. 195 of 2025)For the purposes of these regulations, each seat belt in a vehicle may be used by only one person at a time and where more than one person is using the same seat belt at the same time each such person shall be deemed to be not securely fastened to his seat by means of that seat belt. (L.N. 162 of 2000)
For the purposes of these regulations, a child restraining device is suitable for use by a child passenger if the device is an approved child restraining device that is suitable for use by the passenger with regard to the passenger’s age or weight. (L.N. 179 of 2024)
For the purposes of these regulations—
anchorage points are approved anchorage points if they are of a type conforming with one or more of the specifications and standards set out in—
unless subparagraph (ii), (iii), (iv), (v) or (vi) applies—Part II of Schedule 2;
for a goods vehicle or special purpose vehicle—Part IV of Schedule 2;
for a public light bus registered on or after 1 August 2004—Part V of Schedule 2;
for a private light bus—
if it is first registered before 25 January 2026—Part II or V of Schedule 2; or
if it is first registered on or after 25 January 2026—Part V of Schedule 2;
for a bus—
if it is first registered before 25 January 2026—Part II or VI of Schedule 2;
if it is first registered on or after 25 January 2026 and before 1 May 2027—Part VI of Schedule 2; or
if it is first registered on or after 1 May 2027—Part VII of Schedule 2; or
for a special purpose vehicle that is adapted from any other vehicle—Part IV or the specified Part of Schedule 2;
a protective helmet is an approved protective helmet if it is of a type conforming with one or more of the specifications and standards set out in Schedule 1;
a seat belt is an approved seat belt if it is of a type conforming with one or more of the specifications and standards set out in Division 1 or 2 of Part I of Schedule 2; and
a child restraining device is an approved child restraining device if it is of a type conforming with one or more of the specifications and standards set out in Division 2 of Part I of Schedule 2. (L.N. 195 of 2025)
For the purposes of subparagraph (vi) of subregulation (4)(a), if a special purpose vehicle is adapted from a vehicle mentioned in another subparagraph of that subregulation, the Part of Schedule 2 mentioned in that other subparagraph is, in relation to the special purpose vehicle, the specified Part of Schedule 2. (L.N. 195 of 2025)
For the purposes of these regulations, a seat is a seat with integral seat belt anchorages if the seat is fitted with all the anchorage points required for use in connection with the seat belt provided for the seat, and conforms with one or more of the specifications and standards set out in—
unless paragraph (b), (c), (d) or (e) applies—Part III of Schedule 2;
for a public light bus registered on or after 1 August 2004—Part IIIA of Schedule 2;
for a private light bus—
if it is first registered before 25 January 2026—Part III or IIIA of Schedule 2; or
if it is first registered on or after 25 January 2026—Part IIIA of Schedule 2;
for a bus—
if it is first registered before 25 January 2026—Part III or VIII of Schedule 2;
if it is first registered on or after 25 January 2026 and before 1 May 2027—Part VIII of Schedule 2; or
if it is first registered on or after 1 May 2027—Part IX of Schedule 2; or
for a special purpose vehicle that is adapted from any other vehicle—Part III or the specified Part of Schedule 2. (L.N. 195 of 2025)
For the purposes of paragraph (e) of subregulation (6), if a special purpose vehicle is adapted from a vehicle mentioned in another paragraph of that subregulation, the Part of Schedule 2 mentioned in that other paragraph is, in relation to the special purpose vehicle, the specified Part of Schedule 2. (L.N. 195 of 2025)
Subject to regulation 10, no person shall drive a motor cycle, or ride as a passenger on a motor cycle (other than as a passenger seated in a side car attached thereto), unless he is wearing an approved protective helmet which is securely fastened to his head.
No person shall drive a motor cycle when there is a passenger (other than a passenger seated in a side car attached thereto) riding on it who is not wearing an approved protective helmet securely fastened to his head, unless such passenger has been exempted from compliance with subregulation (1) under regulation 10.
No person shall—
sell or expose for sale;
hire out or expose for hiring out; or
have in his possession for the purpose of selling or hiring out,
any protective helmet other than an approved protective helmet.
A police officer of or above the rank of inspector may, if he has reasonable grounds for believing that any person has in his possession at any premises or place any protective helmet which is not an approved protective helmet for the purpose of selling it or hiring it out, enter such premises or place without a warrant and may seize and remove any such protective helmet: Provided that no police officer shall enter any domestic premises or dwelling place for this purpose unless he has first obtained a warrant signed by a magistrate to enter the domestic premises or dwelling place.
If any person is convicted of an offence for the contravention of regulation 4 the court may order that any protective helmet (other than an approved protective helmet) which he has been found to have in his possession for the purpose of selling it or hiring it out shall be forfeited to the Government and shall be disposed of in such manner as the court thinks fit. (3 of 2002 s. 15)
Every vehicle to which this regulation applies shall be provided with approved anchorage points designed to hold body restraining seat belts securely in position on the vehicle for—
the driver’s seat; and
the specified passenger’s seat:
Provided that this subregulation shall not apply so as to require anchorage points to be provided for any seat which is a seat with integral seat belt anchorages.
Every vehicle to which this regulation applies shall be provided with an approved seat belt, which shall be a body restraining seat belt, for—
the driver’s seat; and
the specified passenger’s seat.
Every seat belt provided in pursuance of this regulation shall, if the seat for which it is provided is a seat with integral seat belt anchorages, be properly secured to the integral seat belt anchorage points forming part thereof, or if the seat for which it is provided is not such a seat, be properly secured to the structure of the vehicle by the anchorage points provided for it and to any other anchorage points provided on the seat for it.
Subject to subregulation (5), this regulation shall apply—
to every private car registered on or after 1 August 1976;
to every taxi registered on or after 1 January 1984;
with effect from 1 January 1986, to every taxi registered on or after 1 January 1981 and before 1 January 1984;
to every light bus; (L.N. 195 of 2025)
to every goods vehicle registered on or after 1 January 1990; and (L.N. 37 of 1989; L.N. 288 of 1995; L.N. 195 of 2025)
to every special purpose vehicle first registered on or after 25 January 2026. (L.N. 195 of 2025)
This regulation shall not apply to—
a private car manufactured before 30 June 1964;
a taxi manufactured before 1 January 1981;
a light bus manufactured before 1 January 1984;
a goods vehicle manufactured before 1 January 1989; (L.N. 37 of 1989)
a private car, taxi, goods vehicle or light bus while it is being used under a trade licence issued or deemed to be issued under the Road Traffic (Registration and Licensing of Vehicles) Regulations (Cap. 374 sub. leg. E); (L.N. 195 of 2025)
a private car, taxi, goods vehicle or light bus fitted with an alternative passive restraint system, designed to prevent or lessen injury to the driver and front seat passenger of the vehicle, approved in writing by the Commissioner; or (L.N. 37 of 1989; L.N. 195 of 2025)
a school private light bus. (L.N. 195 of 2025)
Every vehicle to which this regulation applies shall be provided with approved anchorage points designed to hold securely in position on the vehicle either a body restraining seat belt or a lap belt for the middle front seat: Provided that this subregulation shall not apply so as to require anchorage points to be provided for any seat which is a seat with integral seat belt anchorages.
Every vehicle to which this regulation applies shall be provided with an approved seat belt for the middle front seat which shall be either a body restraining seat belt or a lap belt.
Every seat belt provided in pursuance of this regulation shall, if the seat for which it is provided is a seat with integral seat belt anchorages, be properly secured to the integral seat belt anchorage points forming part thereof, or if the seat for which it is provided is not such a seat, be properly secured to the structure of the vehicle by the anchorage points provided for it and to any other anchorage points provided on the seat for it.
This regulation—
applies to—
every private car, taxi, light bus, or goods vehicle, registered on or after 1 June 1996; and
every special purpose vehicle first registered on or after 25 January 2026; but
does not apply to a school private light bus. (L.N. 195 of 2025)
Every vehicle to which this regulation applies shall be provided with approved anchorage points designed to hold securely in position—
body restraining seat belts in the case of outward rear seats; and
body restraining seat belts or lap belts in the case of middle rear seats:
Provided that this subregulation shall not apply so as to require anchorage points to be provided for any seat with integral seat belt anchorages.
Every vehicle to which this regulation applies shall be provided with an approved seat belt for each rear seat, such belt to be—
in the case of an outward rear seat, a body restraining seat belt; and
in the case of any middle rear seat, a body restraining seat belt or a lap belt.
Every seat belt provided in pursuance of this regulation shall, if the seat for which it is provided is a seat with integral seat belt anchorages, be properly secured to the integral seat belt anchorage points forming part thereof, or if the seat for which it is provided is not such a seat, be properly secured to the structure of the vehicle by the anchorage points provided for it and to any other anchorage points provided on the seat for it.
This regulation applies to—
every private car registered on or after 1 June 1996;
every taxi registered on or after 1 January 2001; and
every goods vehicle, or special purpose vehicle, first registered on or after 25 January 2026. (L.N. 195 of 2025)
Every vehicle to which this regulation applies shall be provided with approved anchorage points designed to hold securely in position retractable belts for all its rear seats but this subregulation shall not apply so as to require anchorage points to be provided for any seat with integral seat belt anchorages.
Every vehicle to which this regulation applies shall be provided with a retractable belt for each of its rear seats.
Every retractable belt provided in pursuance of this regulation shall, if the seat for which it is provided is a seat with integral seat belt anchorages, be properly secured to the integral seat belt anchorage points forming part thereof, or if the seat for which it is provided is not such a seat, be properly secured to the structure of the vehicle by the anchorage points provided for it and to any other anchorage points provided on the seat for it.
This regulation—
applies to—
every public light bus registered on or after 1 August 2004; and
every private light bus first registered on or after 25 January 2026; but
does not apply to a school private light bus. (L.N. 195 of 2025)
Subject to regulations 8 and 10, no person shall—
drive; or
ride as a passenger in the specified passenger’s seat of,
a private car on any road unless he is securely fastened to his seat by means of a seat belt, if any, provided for his seat.
Subject to regulation 10, no person shall ride as a passenger in a private car on any road in a middle front seat—
subject to paragraph (b), unless he is securely fastened to his seat by means of a seat belt, if any, provided for his seat;
when the specified passenger’s seat is provided with a seat belt and is not occupied by another person, unless he is securely fastened to his seat by means of a seat belt provided for his seat.
Subject to subregulations (4) and (5) and regulation 8, a person must not drive a private car on any road—
when a passenger in the specified passenger’s seat, or a middle front seat, of the car is not securely fastened to the seat by means of a seat belt, if any, provided for the seat; or
when—
there is a passenger in a middle front seat of the car that is not provided with a seat belt; and
the specified passenger’s seat of the car is provided with a seat belt and is not occupied by any person. (L.N. 179 of 2024)
Subject to subregulation (5) and regulation 8, a person must not drive a private car on any road when a child passenger (whose height is less than 1.35 m) in the specified passenger’s seat, or a middle front seat, of the car is not securely fastened to the seat by means of a child restraining device that is suitable for use by the passenger. (L.N. 179 of 2024)
Subregulations (3) and (4) do not apply if the passenger has been exempted under regulation 10 from compliance with subregulation (1) or (2). (L.N. 179 of 2024)
Subject to regulations 8 and 10, a person must not— (L.N. 195 of 2025)
drive; or
ride as a passenger in the specified passenger’s seat of,
a taxi, light bus (other than a school private light bus), goods vehicle or special purpose vehicle on any road, unless the person is securely fastened to the person’s seat by means of a seat belt, if any, provided for the person’s seat.
Subject to regulation 10, a person must not ride as a passenger in a taxi, light bus (other than a school private light bus), goods vehicle or special purpose vehicle on any road in a middle front seat— (L.N. 195 of 2025)
subject to paragraph (b), unless the person is securely fastened to the seat by means of a seat belt, if any, provided for the seat;
when the specified passenger’s seat is provided with a seat belt and is not occupied by another person, unless the person is securely fastened to the middle front seat by means of a seat belt provided for the middle front seat.
Subject to subregulation (5) and regulation 8, a person must not drive a private light bus (other than a school private light bus) or goods vehicle on any road when there is in the specified passenger’s seat or a middle front seat of the private light bus or goods vehicle— (L.N. 148 of 2002; L.N. 195 of 2025)
a passenger of 2 years of age or less who is not securely fastened to his or her seat by means of— (L.N. 195 of 2025)
if regulation 6 or 6A, as the case requires, applies to the private light bus or goods vehicle, an approved child restraining device;
if regulation 6 or 6A, as the case requires, does not apply to the private light bus or goods vehicle but a seat belt is provided for the seat, an approved child restraining device; (L.N. 148 of 2002; L.N. 179 of 2024)
a passenger over 2 years of age but under the age of 15 years who is not securely fastened to his or her seat by means of a seat belt, if any, provided for the seat.
Subject to subregulation (5) and regulation 8, a person must not drive a special purpose vehicle on any road when there is in the specified passenger’s seat or a middle front seat of the vehicle a passenger under the age of 15 years who is not securely fastened to his or her seat by means of a seat belt, if any, provided for the seat. (L.N. 195 of 2025)
Subregulations (3) and (4) do not apply if the passenger has been exempted under regulation 10 from compliance with subregulation (1) or (2). (L.N. 195 of 2025)
Subject to regulation 10, a person must not ride as a passenger in a rear seat of a private car, taxi, light bus (other than a school private light bus), goods vehicle or special purpose vehicle on any road, unless the person is securely fastened to the seat by means of a seat belt, if any, provided for the seat. (L.N. 195 of 2025)
Subject to subregulations (3) and (7) and regulation 8, no person shall drive a private car on any road when there is a passenger in a rear seat who is not securely fastened to his seat by means of a seat belt, if any, provided for his seat. (L.N. 179 of 2024)
Subject to subregulation (7) and regulation 8, a person must not drive a private car on any road when a child passenger (whose height is less than 1.35 m) in a rear seat of the car is not securely fastened to the seat by means of a child restraining device that is suitable for use by the passenger. (L.N. 179 of 2024)
(Repealed L.N. 179 of 2024)
Subject to subregulation (7), a person must not ride as a passenger in a rear seat of a private car, taxi, light bus (other than a school private light bus), goods vehicle or special purpose vehicle on any road where— (L.N. 148 of 2002; L.N. 179 of 2024; L.N. 195 of 2025)
that seat is not provided with a seat belt; and
there is another rear seat in the private car, taxi, light bus, goods vehicle or special purpose vehicle that is provided with a seat belt and is not occupied by another person. (L.N. 148 of 2002; L.N. 179 of 2024; L.N. 195 of 2025)
Subject to subregulation (7) and regulation 8, no person shall drive a private car on any road when there is— (L.N. 179 of 2024)
a passenger in a rear seat which is not provided with a seat belt; and
another rear seat which is provided with a seat belt and is not occupied by another person. (L.N. 179 of 2024)
Subject to subregulation (7) and regulation 8, a person must not drive a goods vehicle or special purpose vehicle on any road when there is in a rear seat of the vehicle a passenger under the age of 15 years who is not securely fastened to the seat by means of a seat belt, if any, provided for the seat. (L.N. 195 of 2025)
Subregulations (2), (3), (5), (6) and (6A) do not apply if the passenger has been exempted under regulation 10 from compliance with subregulation (1). (L.N. 179 of 2024; L.N. 195 of 2025)
(Repealed L.N. 162 of 2000)
Regulations 7, 7A and 7B do not apply to the driver of a private car, taxi, light bus (other than a school private light bus), goods vehicle or special purpose vehicle while the driver is performing a manoeuvre that includes reversing. (L.N. 288 of 1995; L.N. 162 of 2000; L.N. 195 of 2025)
Every bus to which this regulation applies shall be provided with approved anchorage points designed to hold a body restraining seat belt securely in position on the bus for the driver’s seat: Provided that this subregulation shall not apply so as to require anchorage points to be provided for any seat which is a seat with integral seat belt anchorages.
Every bus to which this regulation applies shall be provided with an approved seat belt, which shall be a body restraining seat belt, for the driver’s seat.
Every seat belt provided in pursuance of this regulation shall, if the seat for which it is provided is a seat with integral seat belt anchorages, be properly secured to the integral seat belt anchorage points forming part thereof, or if the seat for which it is provided is not such a seat, be properly secured to the structure of the bus by the anchorage points provided for it and to any other anchorage points provided on the seat for it.
Subject to subregulation (4A), this regulation applies— (L.N. 195 of 2025)
to every bus registered on or after 1 July 1997;
subject to paragraph (c) and subregulation (5), with effect from 1 July 2002 to every bus registered before 1 July 1997; and
to every other bus registered before 1 July 1997 and provided with an approved seat belt for the driver’s seat at any time before that date.
This regulation does not apply to a bus that is a student service vehicle. (L.N. 195 of 2025)
The registered owner of any bus or any type of bus registered before 1 July 1997 may, during the period commencing 1 July 1997 and ending 30 June 2001, apply to the Commissioner in such form as he may determine for approval to exempt such bus or such type of bus from compliance with this regulation if the registered owner can prove to the satisfaction of the Commissioner that the bus or type of bus, as the case may be, described in the application cannot be provided with an approved seat belt for the driver’s seat because of technical reasons.
The Commissioner may, on application made to him under subregulation (5), exempt any bus or type of bus, as the case may be, described in that application from compliance with this regulation, subject to such conditions as he may specify in any particular case.
Every bus to which this regulation applies must be provided with approved anchorage points designed to hold securely in position seat belts for all its passenger’s seats (other than a seat with integral seat belt anchorages).
Every bus to which this regulation applies must be provided with an approved seat belt for each of its passenger’s seats.
Every seat belt provided under subregulation (2) must—
if the seat for which it is provided is a seat with integral seat belt anchorages—be properly secured to the integral seat belt anchorage points forming part of the anchorage; or
if the seat for which it is provided is not such a seat—be properly secured to the structure of the bus by the anchorage points provided for it and to any other anchorage points provided on the seat for it.
This regulation—
applies to every bus first registered on or after 25 January 2026; but
does not apply to a bus that is a student service vehicle.
Subject to regulations 8C and 10, no person shall drive a bus to which regulation 8A applies on any road unless he is securely fastened to his seat by means of an approved seat belt.
Regulation 8B shall not apply—
to a driver of a bus while he is performing a manoeuvre which includes reversing; or
to a driver of a bus in respect of which the Commissioner has exempted compliance with regulation 8A.
(Repealed L.N. 15 of 2026)
(Division 3 added L.N. 195 of 2025)
Every student service vehicle to which this regulation applies must be provided with approved anchorage points designed to hold a body restraining seat belt securely in position on the vehicle for the driver’s seat (other than a seat with integral seat belt anchorages).
Every student service vehicle to which this regulation applies must be provided with an approved seat belt, being a body restraining seat belt, for the driver’s seat.
Every seat belt provided under subregulation (2) must—
if the seat for which it is provided is a seat with integral seat belt anchorages—be properly secured to the integral seat belt anchorage points forming part of the anchorage; or
if the seat for which it is provided is not such a seat—be properly secured to the structure of the vehicle by the anchorage points provided for it and to any other anchorage points provided on the seat for it.
This regulation applies to every student service vehicle other than—
a school private light bus manufactured before 1 January 1984;
a school private light bus that is being used under a trade licence issued, or deemed to be issued, under the Road Traffic (Registration and Licensing of Vehicles) Regulations (Cap. 374 sub. leg. E);
a school private light bus fitted with an alternative passive restraint system, designed to prevent or lessen injury to the driver of the light bus, approved in writing by the Commissioner; or
a student service vehicle adapted from a bus in respect of which the Commissioner has exempted under regulation 8A(6) from compliance with regulation 8A.
Every student service vehicle to which this regulation applies must be provided with approved anchorage points designed to hold securely in position seat belts for all its passenger’s seats (other than a seat with integral seat belt anchorages).
Every student service vehicle to which this regulation applies must be provided with an approved seat belt for each of its passenger’s seats.
If the student service vehicle concerned is a school private light bus, then—
in addition to subregulation (1), the approved anchorage points provided under that subregulation for each of its passenger’s seat (other than a seat with integral seat belt anchorages) must be designed to hold securely in position—
for a specified passenger’s seat—a body restraining seat belt;
for a middle front seat—a body restraining seat belt or a lap belt; or
for a rear seat—a retractable belt; and
the requirement under subregulation (2) is taken not to be met for a passenger’s seat (other than a seat with integral seat belt anchorages), unless the seat belt provided is—
for a specified passenger’s seat—a body restraining seat belt;
for a middle front seat—a body restraining seat belt or a lap belt; or
for a rear seat—a retractable belt.
Every seat belt provided under subregulation (2) must—
if the seat for which it is provided is a seat with integral seat belt anchorages—be properly secured to the integral seat belt anchorage points forming part of the anchorage; or
if the seat for which it is provided is not such a seat—be properly secured to the structure of the vehicle by the anchorage points provided for it and to any other anchorage points provided on the seat for it.
This regulation applies to every student service vehicle first registered on or after 25 January 2026.
In addition, this regulation also applies to—
every school private light bus manufactured on or after 1 January 1984 in so far as a specified passenger’s seat is related; and
every school private light bus registered on or after 1 June 1996 in so far as a middle front seat is related.
However, this regulation does not apply to—
a school private light bus that is being used under a trade licence issued, or deemed to be issued, under the Road Traffic (Registration and Licensing of Vehicles) Regulations (Cap. 374 sub. leg. E); or
a school private light bus fitted with an alternative passive restraint system, designed to prevent or lessen injury to the front seat passenger of the light bus, approved in writing by the Commissioner.
A person must not drive a student service vehicle on any road, unless the person is securely fastened to the person’s seat by means of an approved seat belt, if any, provided for the person’s seat.
Subregulation (1) does not apply to—
the driver of a student service vehicle while the driver is performing a manoeuvre that includes reversing; or
the driver of a student service vehicle in respect of whom the Commissioner has exempted under regulation 10 from compliance with this regulation.
Subject to regulation 10, a person must not ride as a passenger in a passenger’s seat of a student service vehicle on any road, unless the person is securely fastened to the seat by means of a seat belt, if any, provided for the seat.
Subject to subregulation (6), a person must not ride as a passenger in a middle front seat of a school private light bus on any road if—
the seat is not provided with a seat belt; and
there is another passenger’s seat in the light bus that is provided with a seat belt and is not occupied by another person.
Subject to subregulation (6), a person must not drive a school private light bus on any road when there is in the specified passenger’s seat or a middle front seat of the light bus—
a passenger of 2 years of age or less who is not securely fastened to his or her seat by means of—
if regulation 8F applies to the light bus—an approved child restraining device; or
if regulation 8F does not apply to the light bus but a seat belt is provided for the seat—an approved child restraining device; or
a passenger over 2 years of age but under the age of 15 years who is not securely fastened to his or her seat by means of a seat belt, if any, provided for the seat.
Subregulations (4) and (5) do not apply if the passenger has been exempted under regulation 10 from compliance with subregulation (3).
There shall be carried inside every—
bus and light bus;
heavy goods vehicle; and
vehicle whose vehicle licence contains such a requirement,
a suitable apparatus for extinguishing fire.
Such apparatus shall be—
of a type approved by the Director of Fire Services;
carried in such a position as to be readily accessible and available for use; and
maintained at all times in good and efficient working order.
The Director of Fire Services shall by notice in the Gazette specify the type of apparatus approved by him for the purposes of subregulation (2)(a).
(L.N. 195 of 2025; L.N. 15 of 2026)
The Commissioner may, on application made to him in such form as he may determine, exempt any person or any class of persons from compliance with regulation 3, 7(1) or (2), 7A(1) or (2), 7B(1), 8B or 8G(1) or (3) for such period and subject to such conditions as he may specify in any particular case.
(L.N. 37 of 1989; L.N. 288 of 1995; L.N. 262 of 1996; L.N. 162 of 2000; L.N. 195 of 2025; L.N. 15 of 2026)
(Repealed 89 of 1994 s. 28)
Any person who, without reasonable excuse, contravenes regulation 3, 4, 7(1) or (2), 7A(1) or (2), 7B(1) or (5), 8B or 8G(1), (3) or (4) commits an offence and is liable to a fine at level 2 and to imprisonment for 3 months. (L.N. 37 of 1989; L.N. 162 of 2000; L.N. 15 of 2026)
Any person who, without reasonable excuse, uses or causes or permits to be used on a road a vehicle that does not comply with any of the requirements of regulation 6, 6A, 6B, 6C, 8A, 8AB, 8E, 8F or 9 commits an offence and is liable to a fine at level 2 and to imprisonment for 3 months.
If—
a driver of a private car contravenes regulation 7(3) or (4) or 7B(2), (3) or (6);
a driver of a private light bus (other than a school private light bus) or goods vehicle contravenes regulation 7A(3);
a driver of a special purpose vehicle contravenes regulation 7A(4);
a driver of a goods vehicle or special purpose vehicle contravenes regulation 7B(6A); or
a driver of a school private light bus contravenes regulation 8G(5),
without reasonable excuse, the driver commits an offence and is liable to a fine at level 1. (L.N. 195 of 2025)
Without limiting the scope of the reasonable excuse mentioned in subregulation (3), a driver of a private car has a reasonable excuse for contravening regulation 7(4) or 7B(3) if, at the time of the alleged offence—
the passenger concerned is being transported in an emergency; or
the driver has a reasonable ground to believe that the passenger concerned—
has attained 8 years of age; or
is of 1.35 m or above in height. (L.N. 179 of 2024)
In a criminal proceeding for an offence under subregulation (1), (2) or (3)— (L.N. 195 of 2025)
the burden of establishing that a person charged with the offence has a reasonable excuse mentioned in that subregulation lies on the person; and
the person is taken to have established the reasonable excuse if— (L.N. 195 of 2025)
there is sufficient evidence to raise an issue with respect to the reasonable excuse; and
the contrary is not proved by the prosecution beyond reasonable doubt. (L.N. 179 of 2024)
(L.N. 288 of 1995; L.N. 262 of 1996; L.N. 148 of 2002; E.R. 4 of 2024; L.N. 195 of 2025)
Protective helmets bearing a marking applied by the manufacturer indicating compliance with the specifications contained in—
British Standard 2495;
(Repealed L.N. 65 of 2005)
Australian Standard E 33-1968;
American National Standards Institute Z90.1-1966, Z90.1-1970 and Z90.1-1971;
Institute Belge De Normalization BENOR NBN 626;
Deutsche Normen DIN 4848;
French National Standard AFNOR NFS 72-301;
Dutch National Institute for Road Vehicles TNO;
(Repealed L.N. 65 of 2005)
Safety Helmet Council of America (SHCA) Certification;
British Standard 5361; (L.N. 65 of 2005)
British Standard 6658:1985; (L.N. 65 of 2005)
Japanese Industrial Standard JIS T 8133:1970-2000 for full type protective helmets for drivers and passengers of motorcycle; (L.N. 65 of 2005)
Australian Standard AS 1698-1988; (L.N. 65 of 2005)
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 218 of Federal Regulations Vol. 38 No. 160 of USA dated 20 August 1973 including all revisions of that standard made before the date this subparagraph comes into operation; (L.N. 65 of 2005)
ECE Regulation No. 22 made by the Economic Commission for Europe dated 1 June 1972 (E/ECE/324-E/ECE/TRANS/505/Rev.1/Add. 021) including all revisions of that regulation made before the date this subparagraph comes into operation; (L.N. 65 of 2005)
Snell Memorial Foundation. Standard for Protective Headgear 1970-2005. (L.N. 65 of 2005)
Protective helmets of a type approved by the Commissioner and specified by him by notice in the Gazette, bearing a marking determined by him indicating that the type of helmet has been accepted as capable of affording to persons riding motor cycles a degree of protection from injury equal to or greater than that provided by protective helmets of the types specified in paragraph 1. (L.N. 65 of 2005)
A seat belt (other than a child restraining device) in respect of which either the seat belt assembly or the vehicle to which it is attached is permanently marked by the manufacturer of the belt or vehicle with the specification number, mark or symbol indicating compliance with any of the following—
British Standard for Seat Belt Assemblies for motor vehicles BS 3254: 1960 or BS 3254 (including Part 1: 1988 Specification for restraining devices for adults);
British Standard Specification for Passive Seat Belt Systems BS AU 160a or BS AU 183: 1989;
ECE Regulation No. 16 made by the Economic Commission for Europe dated 7 May 1973 (including all revisions for seat belt made before 1 August 1998);
Australian Standards for Seat Belt Assemblies for motor vehicles E35-1965, E35, Part 1-1970 or E35, Part 2-1970 (including retractors) (including modifications authorized by Australian Design Rules No. 4, 4A, 4B and 4C); AS 2596-1995 or AS 2596-1983 (including modifications complying with Australian Design Rule No. 4);
New Zealand Specification for Seat Belt Assemblies for motor vehicles NZS 1662: 1969 or NZS 5401;
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (USA) No. 209 for Seat Belt;
Japanese Industrial Standard JIS D4604: 1969 (three-point belts only) or D4604: 1988;
Australian Design Rule 4/03 approved in Road Vehicle (National Standards) Determination No. 2 of 1997 (Australia) (including all revisions of that Rule made before 30 June 2005);
Technical Standard for Seat Belt Assemblies made by the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport of Japan in Attachment 32 to Announcement No. 619 of 15 July 2002 (including all revisions of that Standard made before 30 June 2005);
Seat Belt Assembly Test Procedure (TRIAS) 31-1994 made by the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport of Japan in Circular of Koshin No. 453 of 24 August 1971 (including all revisions of that Test Procedure made before 30 June 2005);
Directive 77/541/EEC issued by the European Economic Community dated 28 June 1977 (including all revisions of that Directive made before 30 June 2005); (L.N. 195 of 2025)
National Standard of the People’s Republic of China GB 14166-2013; (L.N. 195 of 2025)
any other specifications and standards that are demonstrated to the Commissioner to be substantially the same as, or more stringent than, any specification or standard specified in any other subparagraph of this paragraph. (L.N. 195 of 2025)
A seat belt (other than a child restraining device) that—
is of a type approved by the Commissioner and specified by the Commissioner by notice published in the Gazette; and
bears a marking determined by the Commissioner indicating that the type has been accepted as capable of affording to persons in a motor vehicle a degree of protection from injury equal to, or greater than, that provided by a seat belt of a type specified in paragraph 1.
A child restraining device in respect of which either the device assembly or the vehicle to which it is attached is permanently marked by the manufacturer of the device or vehicle with the specification number, mark or symbol indicating compliance with any of the following—
British Standard for Seat Belt Assemblies for motor vehicles BS 3254: 1960 or BS 3254 (including Part 2: 1991 Specification for restraining devices for children);
British Standard Specification for Passive Seat Belt Systems BS AU 157a, BS AU 185, BS AU 186, BS AU 186a, BS AU 202 or BS AU 202a;
ECE Regulation No. 16 made by the Economic Commission for Europe dated 7 May 1973 (including all revisions made before 1 August 1998); ECE Regulation No. 44 made by the Economic Commission for Europe dated 1 February 1981 (including all revisions for child restraining devices made before 1 August 1998); or UN Regulation No. 129 made by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe dated 7 August 2013 (including all revisions for child restraining devices made before 1 November 2025);
Australian Standards for Seat Belt Assemblies for motor vehicles AS 1754-1995;
New Zealand Specification for Seat Belt Assemblies for motor vehicles NZS 5411;
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (USA) No. 213;
Japanese Industrial Standard JIS D0401: 1990 or JIS D0401: 1996;
Directive 77/541/EEC issued by the European Economic Community dated 28 June 1977 (including all revisions of that Directive made before 30 June 2005);
Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 1754: 2010 or AS/NZS 1754: 2013;
National Standard of the People’s Republic of China GB 27887-2011 for restraining devices for child occupants of power-driven vehicles.
A child restraining device that—
is of a type approved by the Commissioner and specified by the Commissioner by notice published in the Gazette; and
bears a marking determined by the Commissioner indicating that the type has been accepted as capable of affording to persons in a motor vehicle a degree of protection from injury equal to, or greater than, that provided by a child restraining device of a type specified in paragraph 3.
(Part I replaced L.N. 179 of 2024)
(L.N. 37 of 1989; L.N. 148 of 2002; L.N. 195 of 2025)
British Standard for Seat Belt Anchorage Points—B.S. AU48:1965;
British Standard for Seat Belt Anchorage Points B.S. AU48a;
Japanese Standard JASO-6602;
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (USA) No. 210;
E.C.E. Regulation No. 14, including Revision 1, made by the Economic Commission for Europe dated 30 January 1970 and published by the United Nations;
Australian Design Rule 5A or 5B;
Directive 76/115/EEC, as amended by 82/318/EEC, issued by the European Economic Community; (L.N. 37 of 1989)
Technical Standard for Seat Belt Anchorages and Type Approval Test Procedures (TRIAS) 37-1987 made by the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport of Japan for motor vehicle in Circular of Jisha No. 899 of 1 October 1983 and Circular of Koshin No. 453 of 24 August 1971 including all revisions of that standard and test procedures made before the date△ this paragraph comes into operation; (L.N. 148 of 2002; L.N. 65 of 2005; L.N. 195 of 2025)
National Standard of the People’s Republic of China GB 14167-2013 for safety-belt anchorages, ISOFIX anchorages systems and ISOFIX top tether anchorages for vehicles; (L.N. 195 of 2025)
any other specifications and standards that are demonstrated to the Commissioner to be substantially the same as, or more stringent than, any specification or standard specified in any other paragraph of this Part. (L.N. 195 of 2025)
(L.N. 148 of 2002; L.N. 195 of 2025)
British Standard for seats with Integral Seat Belt Anchorages B.S. AU140:1967;
British Standard for seats with Integral Seat Belt Anchorages B.S. AU140a;
E.C.E. Regulation No. 14, including Revision 1, made by the Economic Commission for Europe dated 30 January 1970 and published by the United Nations;
Australian Design Rule 5A or 5B;
Technical Standard for Seats and Seat Anchorages and Type Approval Test Procedures (TRIAS) 35-1975; and
Technical Standard for Seat Belt Anchorages and Type Approval Test Procedures (TRIAS) 37-1987,
made by the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport of Japan for motor vehicle in Circular of Jisha No. 899 of 1 October 1983 and Circular of Koshin No. 453 of 24 August 1971 including all revisions of those standards and test procedures made before the date△ this paragraph comes into operation; (L.N. 148 of 2002; L.N. 65 of 2005; L.N. 195 of 2025)
National Standard of the People’s Republic of China GB 14167-2013 for safety-belt anchorages, ISOFIX anchorages systems and ISOFIX top tether anchorages for vehicles; (L.N. 195 of 2025)
any other specifications and standards that are demonstrated to the Commissioner to be substantially the same as, or more stringent than, any specification or standard specified in any other paragraph of this Part. (L.N. 195 of 2025)
ECE Regulation No. 14 made by the Economic Commission for Europe dated 1 April 1970 (E/ECE/324-E/ECE/TRANS/505/Rev. 1/Add. 13) including all revisions for vehicles with regard to safety belt anchorage made before the date△ this paragraph comes into operation;
Directive 76/115/EEC issued by the European Economic Community dated 18 December 1975 including all revisions for anchorages for motor-vehicle safety belts made before the date△ this paragraph comes into operation;
Technical Standard for Seats and Seat Anchorages and Type Approval Test Procedures (TRIAS) 35-1975; and
Technical Standard for Seat Belt Anchorages and Type Approval Test Procedures (TRIAS) 37-1987,
made by the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport of Japan for motor vehicle in Circular of Jisha No. 899 of 1 October 1983 and Circular of Koshin No. 453 of 24 August 1971 including all revisions of those standards and test procedures made before the date△ this paragraph comes into operation; (L.N. 65 of 2005)
Australian Design Rule 5/04 approved in Road Vehicle (National Standards) Determination No. 2 of 1997 (Australia) including all revisions for anchorages for seat belt made before the date△ this paragraph comes into operation; (L.N. 195 of 2025)
National Standard of the People’s Republic of China GB 14167-2013 for safety-belt anchorages, ISOFIX anchorages systems and ISOFIX top tether anchorages for vehicles; (L.N. 195 of 2025)
any other specifications and standards that are demonstrated to the Commissioner to be substantially the same as, or more stringent than, any specification or standard specified in any other paragraph of this Part. (L.N. 195 of 2025)
(Part IIIA added L.N. 148 of 2002)
E.C.E. Regulation No. 14, including Revision 1, made by the Economic Commission for Europe dated 30 January 1970 and published by the United Nations;
Australian Design Rule 32A;
Directive 76/115/EEC of the European Economic Community, including amendment 82/318/EEC by the same authority;
Technical Standard for Seat Belt Anchorages and Type Approval Test Procedures (TRIAS) 37-1987 made by the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport of Japan for motor vehicle in Circular of Jisha No. 899 of 1 October 1983 and Circular of Koshin No. 453 of 24 August 1971 including all revisions of that standard and test procedures made before the date△ this paragraph comes into operation; (L.N. 148 of 2002; L.N. 65 of 2005; L.N. 195 of 2025)
National Standard of the People’s Republic of China GB 14167-2013 for safety-belt anchorages, ISOFIX anchorages systems and ISOFIX top tether anchorages for vehicles; (L.N. 195 of 2025)
any other specifications and standards that are demonstrated to the Commissioner to be substantially the same as, or more stringent than, any specification or standard specified in any other paragraph of this Part. (L.N. 195 of 2025)
(Part IV added L.N. 37 of 1989. L.N. 148 of 2002)
ECE Regulation No. 14 made by the Economic Commission for Europe dated 1 April 1970 (E/ECE/324-E/ECE/TRANS/505/Rev. 1/Add. 13) including all revisions for vehicles with regard to safety belt anchorage made before the date△ this paragraph comes into operation;
Directive 76/115/EEC issued by the European Economic Community dated 18 December 1975 including all revisions for anchorages for motor-vehicle safety belts made before the date△ this paragraph comes into operation;
Technical Standard for Seat Belt Anchorages and Type Approval Test Procedures (TRIAS) 37-1987 made by the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport of Japan for motor vehicle in Circular of Jisha No. 899 of 1 October 1983 and Circular of Koshin No. 453 of 24 August 1971 including all revisions of that standard and test procedures made before the date△ this paragraph comes into operation; (L.N. 65 of 2005)
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 210 of Federal Regulations Vol. 36 No. 232 of USA dated 2 December 1971 including all revisions for seat belt assembly anchorages made before the date△ this paragraph comes into operation;
Australian Design Rule 5/04 approved in Road Vehicle (National Standards) Determination No. 2 of 1997 (Australia) including all revisions for anchorages for seat belt made before the date△ this paragraph comes into operation; (L.N. 195 of 2025)
National Standard of the People’s Republic of China GB 14167-2013 for safety-belt anchorages, ISOFIX anchorages systems and ISOFIX top tether anchorages for vehicles; (L.N. 195 of 2025)
any other specifications and standards that are demonstrated to the Commissioner to be substantially the same as, or more stringent than, any specification or standard specified in any other paragraph of this Part. (L.N. 195 of 2025)
(Part V added L.N. 148 of 2002)
Directive 76/115/EEC issued by the European Economic Community dated 18 December 1975 (including all revisions for vehicles with regard to safety belt anchorages up to Directive 2005/41/EC issued by the same authority on 7 September 2005);
United Nations Regulation No. 14 (E/ECE/324-E/ECE/TRANS/505/Rev. 1/Add. 13/Rev. 4) (including all revisions with regard to the strength of seats and their anchorages up to the 08 series of amendments);
National Standard of the People’s Republic of China GB 14167-2013 for safety-belt anchorages, ISOFIX anchorages systems and ISOFIX top tether anchorages for vehicles;
any other specifications and standards that are demonstrated to the Commissioner to be substantially the same as, or more stringent than, any specification or standard specified in any other paragraph of this Part.
(Part VI added L.N. 195 of 2025)
United Nations Regulation No. 14 (E/ECE/324-E/ECE/TRANS/505/Rev. 1/Add. 13/Rev. 4) (including all revisions with regard to the strength of seats and their anchorages up to the 08 series of amendments);
National Standard of the People’s Republic of China GB 14167-2013 for safety-belt anchorages, ISOFIX anchorages systems and ISOFIX top tether anchorages for vehicles;
any other specifications and standards that are demonstrated to the Commissioner to be substantially the same as, or more stringent than, any specification or standard specified in any other paragraph of this Part.
(Part VII added L.N. 195 of 2025)
Directive 76/115/EEC issued by the European Economic Community dated 18 December 1975 (including all revisions for vehicles with regard to safety belt anchorages up to Directive 2005/41/EC issued by the same authority on 7 September 2005);
United Nations Regulation No. 14 (E/ECE/324-E/ECE/TRANS/505/Rev. 1/Add. 13/Rev. 4) (including all revisions with regard to the strength of seats and their anchorages up to the 08 series of amendments);
National Standard of the People’s Republic of China GB 14167-2013 for safety-belt anchorages, ISOFIX anchorages systems and ISOFIX top tether anchorages for vehicles;
any other specifications and standards that are demonstrated to the Commissioner to be substantially the same as, or more stringent than, any specification or standard specified in any other paragraph of this Part.
(Part VIII added L.N. 195 of 2025)
United Nations Regulation No. 14 (E/ECE/324-E/ECE/TRANS/505/Rev. 1/Add. 13/Rev. 4) (including all revisions with regard to the strength of seats and their anchorages up to the 08 series of amendments);
National Standard of the People’s Republic of China GB 14167-2013 for safety-belt anchorages, ISOFIX anchorages systems and ISOFIX top tether anchorages for vehicles;
any other specifications and standards that are demonstrated to the Commissioner to be substantially the same as, or more stringent than, any specification or standard specified in any other paragraph of this Part.
(Part IX added L.N. 195 of 2025)
| △ | Commencement date: 1 August 2004. |