The Commission has formally adopted the recent decision to require three-point safety belts to be fitted to all new minibus models…

Date: 20/06/1996

...from October 1999 and two-point belts to all new coach types from October 1997. The new seatbelt standards will be optional from the start of 1997. Manufacturers may choose to seek national 'type approval' for their vehicles, but those that do will not be guaranteed free circulation for their vehicles throughout the EU. The new rules also cover improved standards for headrests and safety labels for cars with passenger side airbags.