Seatbelt buckle guards, often used for children who try and release their own buckles, have been made illegal by The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). The seatbelt buckle guard prevents a person from releasing their seatbelt.
In a statement, the DVSA said: “We have been made aware of Public Service Vehicle operators using seatbelt buckle guards. They are often used on school or local authority transport."
On the topic of legislation, the government organisation said:
- 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.”
The DVSA’s guidance is to not use buckle guards. Those who do may face penalties.
