Seat belt guard warning update

20 February 2023

We recently wrote an article on seat belt guards and shared a circular from the DVSA which you can find here. Since then, the DVSA have issued a further circular in respect of seat belt buckle guards with a further warning.  We set out the detail of this below.

Our Regulatory team are able to advise you on this and many other things, such as if you are called to a Public Inquiry.  Please contact a member of our Regulatory team on 01254 828300 if you have any queries or need any advice.  You can find out more about them here.

On 9 February DVSA issued an email alert to public service vehicle (PSV) operators to advise them not to use seatbelt buckle guards.

Risk

DVSA’s priority is the safety of PSV passengers.

There is a risk the use of these guards could prevent the release of a seatbelt quickly in an emergency.

The alert was intended to support operators to ensure the safety of their passengers.

Current practice

At this stage, DVSA is highlighting the potential safety issues with the use of seatbelt buckle guards.

If DVSA examiners find evidence of the use of seatbelt buckle guards during routine roadside inspections, their first action would be to offer advice and guidance about vehicle and passenger safety.

Moving forward

DVSA wants to work with industry to develop a solution to support the safe transport of PSV users: it has no plans to target enforcement action against their use.

DVSA will continue to work with stakeholders, including the Department for Education, Department for Transport, schools, local authorities and parents so everyone affected can be confident about using transport services safely.

The DVSA have confirmed that verbal warnings will be issued only at this stage whilst discussions are ongoing.