New law requires Texas school buses to add seatbelts by 2029.
Are Seat Belts Now Required on Texas School Buses?
Key Takeaway:
Yes. Under Senate Bill 546, every Texas school bus must be equipped with a three-point seat belt for every passenger and the driver by September 1, 2029. The law phases in gradually, giving school districts time to plan and report their progress.
What the Law Says
Senate Bill 546 marks a significant shift in Texas bus safety standards. It requires:
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Three-point seat belts on all new school buses that transport children.
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District compliance reports submitted to the Texas Education Agency (TEA) by the end of the 2025–2026 school year.
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Full compliance by September 1, 2029, unless a district qualifies for temporary exceptions.
Exceptions may apply if a district can show that:
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Its budget cannot cover the immediate costs, or
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Installing belts would void a manufacturer’s warranty.
Why It Matters (Stats You Should Know)
Bus rides are generally very safe — but when crashes happen, seat belts can significantly reduce the risk of harm. Recent data help show why this law is needed:
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In 2024, Texas saw 11 people killed and 93 seriously injured in 2,480 crashes involving school buses.
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Statewide reporting shows hundreds of school bus crashes every year. While many end with only minor damage, others cause serious injuries. These are the cases where stronger protections, like three-point seat belts, can make a life-saving difference—going beyond the limited protection that padded seating alone can provide.
These numbers show that even though school buses are among the safest ways for students to travel, there’s still room for improvement — especially in preventing injuries during crashes, rollovers, or evasive maneuvers. Adding three-point seat belts is one clear way to help reduce risk for students.
What Parents Can Do
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Ask your school district how they plan to meet the compliance deadline.
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Talk with your child about proper belt use on school buses — belts only protect if they are worn correctly.
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Monitor TEA reports and local news for updates on which districts have started installing belts or ordered new buses.
The Bigger Picture
Senate Bill 546 is just one of 835 new Texas laws effective September 1, 2025. While many changes cover things like DWI enforcement or consumer protections, this law specifically focuses on protecting children getting to and from school — a moment many families consider routine but which can pose hidden risks.
👉 Want to see how this law fits into the bigger picture? Check out our related post: Six New Texas Laws Drivers Should Know (Effective September 1, 2025)
Child Injured on a Texas School Bus? Call Shaw.
If your child has been injured in a bus crash anywhere in Texas, you could be entitled to compensation for things like:
- ER Treatment,
- Ambulance Costs,
- Pain and Suffering,
- Trauma/PTSD,
- Missed Work
- And More.
Call Shaw today at 800-862-1260 for a free, no-obligation consultation with an experienced San Antonio child injury lawyer. No fees. No pressure. Just expert legal advice when you need it most.
We look forward to serving you.