Seatbelt buckle guards – warning from DVSA

10 February 2023

The DVSA have recently sent a circular about the use of seatbelt buckle guards on Public Service Vehicles (“PSVs”) and have alluded to such items being checked by a DVSA Examiner as part of a roadside check.  The fitting of these guards can lead to prohibitions being issued which in turn will be recorded against your Operator Licence and considered by a Traffic Commissioner at any future Public Inquiry.

The DVSA circular is set out below.

“We have been made aware of Public Service Vehicle operators using seatbelt buckle guards.

 They are often used on school or local authority transport.

 Legislation

 Fitting buckle guards to a seat belt breaches the Road Vehicle (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986, regulation 48 (4).

The purpose of regulation 48 (“Maintenance of seat belts and anchorage points”) is to ensure that maintenance is adequate to ensure the safety of the vehicle passenger.

The use of a seat belt buckle guard is a deliberate and intended addition to the seat belt and is not exempt under regulation 48 (5) of the regulations.”

Possible enforcement action

If your vehicle is stopped at the roadside by a DVSA Examiner, and you have seatbelt buckle guards on your PSVs, it is likely that a prohibition will be issued alongside other possible enforcement action.  The DVSA’s guidance is simply to avoid disruption to your operations, do not use buckle guards.

For advice on this issue, please contact our Regulatory team on 01254 828300 or email the Team at Regulatory@backhouses.co.uk. More about the team can be found here.