Older news and travel posts may still describe the January bus passenger requirement. The 6 February 2026 amendment changed that position, so check the vehicle type and purpose using the later official notice.
Evidence to keep
Current position and effective dates
The amendment gazetted and effective on 6 February 2026 repealed the added regulation 8D bus passenger requirement. The official notice states that there is no longer that general statutory wearing requirement for passengers on franchised or non-franchised buses. This repeal does not remove seat-belt requirements across every vehicle category.
Wearing requirements continue for other categories such as private cars, taxis, and light buses. When a non-franchised bus is used for student services, regulation 8G still applies to passengers. The Government encourages voluntary wearing and announced a fresh review; a review or consultation does not itself commence another requirement.
What to check and prepare now
- Identify the actual vehicle category and use, particularly student services, light buses, and ordinary bus journeys. Similar appearances or a booking website's informal label do not establish that the same legal category applies.
- Read the Government's 6 February amendment notice and the corresponding government news report. A forwarded January announcement or an introductory page that has not incorporated the repeal is insufficient evidence of a present-day obligation.
- Use an available belt according to its safety instructions and help children use the appropriate arrangement. Report a defective fitting to the driver or operator rather than attempting an improvised repair or assuming the repeal makes the fitting irrelevant.
A practical example
For an adult on an ordinary franchised bus, the January announcement alone cannot establish a current offence. If that person switches to a taxi, the taxi's continuing requirements need separate attention. A school arranging a non-franchised student service must check the student-service provisions rather than copying the ordinary-bus conclusion.
Scope, exceptions, and common confusion
Distinguish a voluntary safety recommendation from a criminal requirement currently in force. The legal position also does not remove the safety value of a suitable belt. Ask the Department or operator about the actual vehicle, seat, child, or student-service arrangement when details are uncertain.
Read the later amendment and check each vehicle category separately.
Official information and enquiries
These are the reference and service entry points for this guide. Check current fees, eligibility, and schedules with the authority. The preparation date is not each source's official update date.
- Government: safety-equipment amendment effective 6 February 2026
- Government news: bus passenger repeal on 6 February 2026
This is general information; an individual dispute depends on the facts, documents, and current law.