The Australian Government has introduced a new Australian Design Rule following consultation that will see the introduction of visual and audible alerts similar to those featured when travelling by air, helping to encourage usage where 3-point seatbelts are already fitted.
The new ADR 68/01 adds to an existing obligation to fit seatbelts and other requirements related to the safety of passengers in the event of a crash. The rule applies to new buses and coaches entering the Australian market.
From 1 November 2026 for new models of buses and coaches, and from 1 November 2027 for new existing model buses and coaches.
The changes come in response to the horrific Hunter Valley bus crash in June 2023, and is in addition to other design changes introduced by the Australian Government to improve road safety, including mandating of lane departure warning systems for heavy vehicles.