Frequently Asked Questions About Minibus Driving
Tuesday, July 6th, 2010A minibus isn’t a car and some additional definitions, rules and regulations apply to using one. These questions and answers illustrate some of them.
What Defines a Minibus?
A minibus is a vehicle with 9 to 16 seats, not including the driver’s seat. A vehicle having more than 16 passenger seats is a coach.
Must Minibus Passengers Wear Seatbelts?
Yes, unless the minibus is old enough to not have been fitted with seatbelts. Although the legal requirement varies with factors including the age of the minibus, the number of passengers carried and the type of seats fitted, it is accepted that seatbelts should be fitted and used. Generally, if a minibus has seatbelts, they must be used. In all cases, the minibus driver must wear a seatbelt.
What is the Minibus Speed Limit?
Several speed limits apply to minibuses used in the UK, depending on various factors. On urban and residential roads, the limit is 30 mph. A minibus may travel at up to 50 mph on a single carriageway A road and at 60 mph on a dual carriageway road. The motorway speed limit is 70 mph. Minibuses registered after the 1st of January 2005 must have a speed limiter that allows them to travel at a maximum of 62mph.
A minibus towing a trailer is restricted to 60 mph on motorways and isn’t allowed to use the outside lane for overtaking.
What is a Section 19 Minibus Permit?
Normally, using a minibus for hire or reward means having a PCV (Passenger Carrying Vehicle) licence. However, a Section 19 permit allows organisations like volunteer groups to make a small charge for vehicle operating costs without the need for a PCV licence. Such a permit is valid only in the UK.
Drivers of Section 19 permit minibuses may be volunteers or they may be paid. Those providing a non profit-making bus service may apply for a Section 22 permit, provided the driver is a volunteer and receive no payment.
Where a school or other educational establishment provides a free minibus service to pupils or students, a Section 19 permit isn’t usually required.
What about using a minibus in Europe?
Whether the minibus is used for hire or reward or offers a free service, the following must be carried in Europe.
A waybill or an own account certificate.
A European accident form.
A valid minibus insurance certificate.
A valid registration document.
A GB sticker or EU type number plates with a GB designation. Either of these must be prominently displayed on a permanent basis.
While regulations can vary from country to country in the EU, it is wise, and may be legally necessary to carry the following.
A full set of spare bulbs for the minibus.
A reflective safety jacket or waistcoat, which must be kept in the minibus’s cab.
A reflective warning triangle.
A fire extinguisher.
Certain EU countries require an insurance green card. A green card doesn’t provide insurance cover in its own right but proves that the minimum legal requirement for third party liability insurance is being met in the countries for which a green card is required.
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