Colorado State Board of Education
Department of Education   1 Colorado Code of Regulations 301‑25

Adopted:	11‑21‑72, with numerous subsequent amendments temporary regulation amendments 2-16-78 and 5-10-78, repealed and readopted 1-4-79, amended 8-9-79, 10-4-79, 1-10-80, 3-13-80, 4-10-80, 10-9-80, 8-12-82, 9-13-84, 7-9-87, amended 7-14-88, 6-10-93, 11-14-96, 11-12-98.

Attorney General Opinions:  2-23-78, 1-15-79, 7-17-87, 7-25-88, 6-17-93, 12-3-96, 11-30-98.

Statutory Authority:  22‑51‑108, 22-2-107 (1)(c) and 42‑4‑1903 (1) (2) (3), C.R.S.

COLORADO MINIMUM STANDARDS GOVERNING

SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION VEHICLES

2251‑R‑1.00	Statement of Basis and Purpose.

The statutory authority for the Amendments to the Colorado Minimum Standards Governing School Transportation Vehicles (hereinafter "these rules"), adopted by the State Board of Education on November 11, 1998 May 10, 2007, is found in sections 22-51-108 and 42‑4‑1903 (1) (2) (3), C.R.S.

The purpose of this Amendment is to establish minimum standards for school transportation vehicles purchased for use in Colorado.  These standards are necessary to improve the safety of the children riding the school bus and the mechanical efficiency of the school bus.  The new standards meet or exceed the national recommended minimum standards and utilize state-of-the-art industry advances.

The purpose of these amendmentS ARE TO UPGRADE THE RULES FOR COLORADO Minimum Standards Governing School Transportation Vehicles. The amendments will improve the safety of the STUDENTS riding the school bus and the mechanical efficiency of the school bus.  They ARE designed to meet or exceed CHANGING NEEDS OF OPERATION, the national recommended minimum standards, NEW FEDERAL SAFETY AND EMISSION STANDARDS and utilize state-of-the-art industry advances.

2251-R-2.00	References

SAE-	
Society of Automotive Engineers, Inc.
Standards, Current Revision
400 Commonwealth Drive
Warrendale, PA 15096

UL-
Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.
Standard 299-82, Current Revision
333 Pfingsten Road
Northbrook, IL 60062

FED. SPEC.-
Federal Specification TT-C-520b
Current Revision 
General Services Administration
Specification and Consumer Information
Distribution Center
Building 197
Washington, D.C. 20407

NCST-
National Standards for School Buses, Revision 1995
Recommendations of the Twelfth National Conference on School Transportation, issued by the National Safety Council
444 North Michigan Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60611

National SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION SPECIFICATIONS AND PROCEDURES Revision 2005, Recommendations of the FOURTEENTH National CONGRESS on School Transportation, issued by the MISSOURI SAFETY CENTER, WARRENSBURG, MISSOURI

NBS-	
National Bureau of Standards
Voluntary Product Standard 1-83, Current Revision
Office of Standards Reference Materials
Washington, D.C. 20234

SAHS-
Standard Alphabets for Highway Signs - Series B
Federal Highway Administration, Current Revision
U.S. Government Printing Office
Washington, D.C. 20234

NFPA-
National Fire Protection Association
Volume 2, National Fire Codes, Current Revision
Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269

2251-R-3.00	Responsibility of Suppliers.

3.01	School transportation vehicle dealers, distributors, and manufacturers each have a responsibility to comply with these rules after the effective date of these rules, February 1, 1999.  SEPTEMBER 1, 2007.

3.02	Dealers, distributors, or manufacturers which supply school transportation vehicles for use in the State of Colorado which do not meet the specifications herein stated shall be notified of noncompliance and a general notice will be sent to all school districts and school transportation operations within the State of Colorado advising that equipment supplied by such dealer, distributor, or manufacturer is not in compliance with these rules,  February 1, 1999.  SEPTEMBER 1, 2007.

3.03	3.02 (A) If a dealer, distributor, or manufacturer has been notified of non-compliance in accordance with subsection 3.02 and replaces or modifies the equipment to meet these rules, February 1, 1999.  SEPTEMBER 1, 2007, a notification of compliance will be issued from the Colorado Department of Education within 30 days after proof of compliance.

2251-R-4.00	Effective Date of Specification.

4.01	School transportation vehicles manufactured on or after the effective date of these rules, February 1, 1999.  SEPTEMBER 1, 2007, for the purpose of transporting Colorado children STUDENTS shall meet or exceed these minimum standards contained herein.

4.02	School transportation vehicles manufactured before the effective date of these rules, which have been used exclusively for the purpose of  transporting COLORADO school children STUDENTS and which met or exceeded the Colorado Standards at the time, may continue in use.

4.03	Only those buses which were manufactured after January 1, 1978, WITHIN THE PREVIOUS 20 YEARS, may be purchased, leased,  contracted, or otherwise obtained for the purpose of transporting Colorado school children  STUDENTS. These buses must have met Colorado minimum standards THAT WERE in effect at the time of manufacture.

4.04	Only those small vehicles manufactured after September 1, 1994,  may be purchased, leased, contracted, or otherwise obtained for the purpose of transporting Colorado school children  STUDENTS.

2251-R-5.00	School Transportation Vehicle Definitions.

5.01	School Transportation Vehicle means every motor vehicle which is owned by a public or governmental agency and operated for the transportation of  children STUDENTS to or from school OR SCHOOL RELATED EVENTS or which is privately owned and operated for compensation provided that such transportation service is sponsored and approved by the local board of education or school governing agency.

	5.01 (A)THIS but it does not include informal or intermittent arrangements, such as sharing of actual gasoline expense or participation in a car pool. for the transportation of children to or from school.  

	5.01 (B) Vehicles that carry STUDENTS as part of their operation as a common carrier under the jurisdiction of US Department of Transportation or Public Utilities Commission are not included within the definition of SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION VEHICLE.

5.02	A School Bus shall be a motor vehicle with motive power, built to FMVSS AND THE school bus standards CONTAINED HEREIN, designed for carrying passengers STUDENTS ON EITHER ROUTES OR ACTIVITY TRIPS. which at any time would be used to carry school children providing that such transportation is sponsored and approved by the local board of education or school governing agency. Vehicles that carry school children as part of their operation as a common carrier under the jurisdiction of US Department of Transportation or Public Utilities Commission are not included within the definition of school bus.

5.02 (a)  TYPE A--Type "A" school bus is a conversion or body constructed upon a van-type compact truck or a front-section vehicle chassis, designed for carrying passengers With driver side door and gvwr of 21,000 pounds or less.

5.02 (b)  TYPE B--Type "B" school bus is a conversion or body constructed and installed upon a van or front-section vehicle chassis, or stripped chassis, with a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 10,000 pounds, designed for carrying passengers.  Part of the engine is beneath and/or behind the windshield and beside the driver's seat.  The entrance door is behind the front wheels.

5.02 (c)  TYPE C--Type "C" school bus is a body installed upon a flat back cowl chassis with a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 10,000 pounds, designed for carrying passengers.  All of the engine is in front of the windshield and the entrance door is behind the front wheels.

5.02 (d)  TYPE D--Type "D" school bus is a body installed upon a chassis, with the engine mounted in the front, midship, or rear, with a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 10,000 pounds, designed for carrying passengers.  The engine may be behind the windshield and beside the driver's seat; it may be at the rear of the bus, behind the rear wheels, or midship between the front and rear axles.  The entrance door is ahead of the front wheels.

5.03	Small Vehicle shall be a motor vehicle with motive power, which does not meet the requirements of a Type A, B, C, or D school bus.  These vehicles shall not transport more than the manufacturer's designated capacity.  A small vehicle shall meet or exceed section 59.06 of these rules.  These vehicles would MAY be used to carry students ON ROUTE OR ACTIVITY TRIPS. provided that such transportation service is sponsored and approved by the local board of education or school governing agency.

The preceding definition is not intended to include private motor vehicles used exclusively to carry members of the owner's household.

5.04	Activity Multifunction Bus shall be a motor vehicle with motive power, BUILT TO FEDERAL MULTIFUNCTIONAL SCHOOL ACTIVITY BUS STANDARDS,  designed for carrying passengers STUDENTS.  The activity bus shall be used to carry school children STUDENTS exclusively to and from school related activities or events, provided that such transportation is sponsored and approved by the local board of education.  The activity bus shall travel from one location to a second location without stopping to load or unload passengers or control traffic on a public highway.  These vehicles would BUSES MAY be used to carry students ON ACTIVITY TRIPS.  MULTIFUNCTION BUSES OF 15 OR LESS CAPACITY MAY ALSO BE USED ON ROUTE.  provided that such transportation service is sponsored and approved by the local board of education or school governing agency.

The preceding definition is not intended to preclude the use of school buses on school related activities or events.

5.04 (a)	The body shall bear the words "ACTIVITY BUS" in letters at least 8 inches high on both the front and rear.  The lettering shall be placed as high as possible without impairment of its visibility.  Lettering shall conform to SAHS.
5.04 (b)	Activity buses shall bear name of school or company on each side at least 5 inches in height. 

MULTIFUNCTION BUSES SHALL MEET THE STANDARDS CONTAINED HEREIN WITH THE EXCEPTION OF:
	16.00 COLOR: CHASSIS
	54.00 COLOR: BODY
	63.01 LETTERING  “SCHOOL BUS” 
	63.06 LETTERING “STOP ON FLASHING RED”
	67.07 ALTERNATELY FLASHING WARNING SIGNAL LAMPS
	77.00 STOP SIGNAL ARM

2251-R-6.00	Testing and Certification.

6.01	Chassis manufacturers shall provide ANNUAL certification to the Colorado Department of Education that their product(s) meet these rules and all applicable FMVSS standards.  Written certification shall be provided 30 days before or after July 1, of each calendar year. 
6.02	School bus body manufacturers shall provide ANNUAL certification to the Colorado Department of Education that their product(s) meet or exceed these rules and all applicable FMVSS in effect at the time of manufacture.  Written certification shall be provided 30 days before or after July 1 of each calendar year.  Body manufacturers shall record and report to CDE the test results called for in Section 55 - Construction, of these rules.  All school bus bodies shall meet applicable FMVSS and compliance with these standards shall be certified by the body manufacturer by the attachment of a plate or decal.

6.05	Used school bus dealers SHALL REGISTER WITH THE COLORADO DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION CERTIFYING THAT ONLY SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION VEHICLES MEETING OR EXCEEDING COLORADO STANDARDS WILL BE SOLD. THERE SHALL BE NO FEE TO REGISTER. 

6.06	ALL SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION VEHICLES MUST MEET AND CONTINUE TO MEET APPLICABLE FMVSS.

2251-R-7.00	Chassis and Body Delivery Requirements.

7.01	The chassis and body manufacturer shall provide the following materials and information for direct delivery to the customer UPON REQUEST :

THE BUS CHASSIS

2251-R-13.00	Brakes.

13.01	All braking systems shall comply with FMVSS.
13.01 (A) THE BRAKING SYSTEM CAPACITY SHALL BE COMENSERATE WITH THE BRAKING REQUIREMENTS OF THE GVWR

13.02	Vehicles with a  rated MAXIMUM designed capacity of greater than 54 shall be equipped with full compressed air brake systems.

2251-R-14.00	Bumper, Front.

14.03	Front bumper shall be at least 3/16 inch thick of pressed steel channel, one piece construction or optional 3-piece breakaway construction and a minimum of eight inches wide (high) except Type A buses. with a GVW less than 10,000 pounds.

14.06	THE BUMPER SHALL BE OF SUFFICIENT STRENGTH TO PERMIT BEING PUSHED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE OF SIMILAR SIZE AND BEING LIFTED BY THE BUMPER WITHOUT PERMANENT DISTORTION.

2251-R-20.00	Exhaust System.

20.01	Exhaust pipe, muffler, and tail pipe shall NOT PASS THROUGH be outside the passenger portion of the bus body and attached to chassis.  Exhaust back pressure shall not exceed engine manufacturer maximum requirement.

20.02	Muffler shall be heavy-duty truck type of aluminized or stainless steel, or ceramic coated to offer maximum resistance to corrosion or oxidation.

20.03	Diameter of tail pipe shall not be reduced after it leaves muffler.

20.02	exhaust system must meet federal standards.

20.03	TAILPIPE shall not exit the right side of the bus body.

20.05 	THERE SHALL BE A PUSHBUTTON SWITCH INACCESSIBLE TO THE DRIVER TO MANUALLY START THE DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER REGENERATION PROCESS.  THIS SWITCH SHALL BE APPROPRIATELY LABELED.

2251-R-25.00	Horn.

25.01	Bus shall be equipped with dual horn(s) of standard make, each horn capable of producing complex sound in band of audio frequencies from 250 to 2000 cycles per second and having total sound level of 110 decibels as rated by horn manufacturer.

2251-R-33.00	Suspension System.

33.01	Capacity of suspension assemblies shall be commensurate with chassis manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating.

33.02	If leaf-type rear springs are used, they shall be of 	progressive type

2251-R-36.00	Transmission.

36.01	Manual type transmission shall be synchromesh for forward gear ratios 2nd and above.

2251-R-38.00	Wiring.

38.01	All wiring shall conform to current applicable recommended practices of SAE.

38.02	All wiring shall use a standard color, number, or function coding and each chassis shall be delivered with have available at no cost to the district/SERVICE PROVIDER, a wiring diagram that coincides with the wiring of the chassis.  TYPE A BUS CHASSIS MAY BE EXEMPT FROM THIS REQUIREMENT.

THE BUS BODY

2251-R-50.00	Aisle.

50.02	The aisle TO ANY SIDE EMERGENCY EXIT DOOR shall be unobstructed at all times by any type of barrier, seat, wheelchair or tiedown, unless a flip seat is installed and occupied.  A flip seat in the unoccupied (up) position shall not obstruct the 12 inch minimum aisle to any side emergency exit door. The track of a track seating system SHALL BE exempt from this requirement.  

2251-R-51.00	Battery.

51.01	Body manufacturer shall provide, at customer option, a drawer-type pull out tray to facilitate servicing or removal of battery(ies).  The battery(ies) shall be enclosed by a vented compartment constructed of mill-applied zinc steel provided with drain ports, hold down carrier mounted so as to avoid blocking filler ports and latching device to prevent accidental opening.  Under-coating shall be provided and applied to battery box.  Battery tray is to be equipped with a safety device to keep tray from sliding completely out to prevent battery from being dropped.  Battery compartment shall be labeled with the word "Battery".

2251-R-52.00	Bumper, Rear.

52.08	THE BUMPER SHALL BE OF SUFFICIENT STRENGTH TO PERMIT BEING PUSHED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE OF SIMILAR SIZE AND BEING LIFTED BY THE BUMPER WITHOUT PERMANENT DISTORTION.

2251-R-54.00	Color: BODY.

54.01	All exterior metal shall be painted National School Bus Yellow (NSBY) as specified in NCST with the exception of those areas listed below:

54.01 (a)	Lettering and numbering (black, white, or yellow for bumper area)

54.01 (b)	Bumpers (black)

54.01 (c)	Rubrails may be black or yellow at purchaser option

54.01 (d)	Background area for warning light system. (black)

54.01 (e)	The roof of the bus may be painted white not to extend below the drip rails on the sides of the body except that front and rear roof caps shall remain NSBY.

54.01 (F)	STUDENT WINDOW FRAMES, posts and service door frame MAY BE BLACK

54.02	Reflective retro-reflective  material shall be installed on the bus.  Material shall be of reflective NSBY conforming to the requirements of FMVSS 571.131, TABLE 1.  Reflective retro-reflective materials and markings shall include the following:

54.02 (a)	Rear of bus body: strips of at least 1.75 inch Reflective retro-reflective NSBY material shall be applied horizontally above the rear windows and above the rear bumper extending from the rear emergency exit perimeter marking outward to the left and right rear corners of the bus with vertical strips applied at the corners connecting these horizontal strips.

54.02 (b)	"School Bus" signs: Shall be marked with Reflective retro-reflective NSBY material comprising background for lettering of the front and/or rear "school bus" signs.

54.02 (c)	Sides of bus body: Shall be marked with Reflective retro-reflective  NSBY material  at least 1.75 inches in width, extending the length of the bus body and located (vertically) as close as practicable to the floor line.

2251-R-55.00	Construction.

55.02	The floor shall be at least 14 gauge mill applied zinc-coated steel sheet and shall be on one plane.  There shall be a main floor cross member of at least 10 gauge steel or equivalent placed at each side post extending the full width of the floor plate and permanently attached.  There shall be a minimum of two intermediate floor cross members of at least 16 gauge steel equally between the main floor cross members and permanently attached.

55.02(A)    Type A buses may use other metal or material with strength and corrosion resistance at least equivalent to all-steel construction as certified by the bus body manufacturer.

2251-R-57.00	Doors.

57.02	Manual door controls shall not require more than 25 pounds of force to operate at any point throughout the range of operation AS TESTED ON A 10% GRADE BOTH UPHILL AND DOWNHILL.  Power door controls shall be located within easy access of driver.

2251-R-58.00	Emergency  Exits.

58.01	ALL EMERGENCY EXITS SHALL CONFORM TO FMVSS 217.

58.01	Emergency door(s) shall be equipped with a 3-point latch mechanism.  Emergency door latch shall be equipped with suitable electric plunger-type switch connected with buzzer located in driver's compartment.  Switch shall be enclosed in metal case and wires leading from switch shall be concealed in bus body.  Switch shall be so installed that plunger contacts farthest edge of slide bar in such manner that any movement of slide bar will immediately close circuit on switch and activate buzzer.  A separate interior handle shall be provided to pull the door shut from the inside.
58.01(a)	When flip-up seat is located next to emergency door, the inside door handle must be enclosed or protected by a safety guard to prevent accidental opening.

58.01 (A) Ignition interlock for the vandal locks shall conform to FMVSS.

58.05	Emergency door shall bear words EITHER "EMERGENCY EXIT" OR "EMERGENCY DOOR" both inside and outside clearly visible in letters at least 2 inches high.  Words shall be placed directly above the door or on the upper portion of the door.

58.10	Rear emergency window:  If engine or storage compartment is so located as to require a side emergency door, an emergency window shall be installed in the rear of the bus and shall meet FMVSS 217.

58.11	All designated emergency windows shall bear words "EMERGENCY EXIT" in letters at least 2 inches high both inside and outside the window.  Lettering shall be placed so as to be clearly visible to passengers BOTH inside the bus and outside directly above, below, or on the window.

58.12	All designated emergency windows, shall be equipped with a buzzer.  W  when not fully latched, it shall activate a signal audible to the driver.

58.13	Ignition interlock for the vandal locks shall conform to FMVSS.

58.14	Emergency side windows shall be hinged at the front side.

58.15	The number of emergency exits a school bus shall be equipped with is shown in THE FOLLOWING Table.  All other factors not listed in this section concerning the emergency exits shall be according to FMVSS 217.  A district may choose to have more emergency exits installed.

Additional emergency doors may be installed in place of emergency windows according to FMVSS 217.

EMERGENCY EXITS Table
Bus Capacity
	Roof Hatch	Left side emergency window	Right side emergency window	
1-46	1	0	0	
46-70	2	1	1	
71-above	2	2	2	

2251-R-59.00	Emergency Equipment.

59.03	First Aid Kit(s):  The bus shall carry a first aid kit or kits which shall either be mounted securely in full view or the location plainly indicated by appropriate markings, in the drivers compartment. ADDITIONAL KITS MAY BE INSTALLED. The kit(s) shall be mounted in such a manner that they can be easily accessed removed if necessary.  Buses with a manufacturer's rated seating capacity of 36 or less shall be equipped with one 24 unit kit.  Buses rated more than 36 capacity shall be equipped with two 24 unit kits.

THE KIT SHALL BE SEALED.  THE SEAL VERIFIES THE INTEGRITY OF THE CONTENTS WITHOUT OPENING THE KIT.  THE SEAL SHALL BE DESIGNED TO ALLOW EASY ACCESS TO THE KITS CONTENTS.

Contents of the 24 unit First Aid Kit:
Item					Unit(s)
Adhesive Tape				1
1" adhesive bandage 			2
2" bandage compress			1
3" bandage compress			1
4" bandage compress			1
3" x 3" plain gauze pads			1
Gauze roller bandage 2" wide		2
Plain absorbent gauze - 1/2 square yard	4
Plain absorbent gauze - 24" x 72"	3
Triangular bandages			4
Scissors, tweezers			1
Space rescue blanket 			1
latex (or equivalent) NON-LATEX 
		disposable gloves, pair	.	1
CPR mask or mouth to mouth airway	1
Moisture and dustproof kit of sufficient capacity to store the required items.

59.04	Emergency Reflectors (Section 42-4-230, C.R.S.): All buses shall carry three (3) emergency triangle reflectors in compliance with FMVSS 125, contained in a securely mounted case easily accessible to the driver.

59.05	Body fluid cleanup kit: Each school bus shall have a removable body fluid clean-up kit accessible to the driver.

Contents of the Basic Body Fluid Clean-up Kit:

Item						Unit(s)
Antiseptic towelette				1
Disinfectant towelette				1
Absorbing powder 
	(capable of ½ gallon absorption) 		1
latex (or equivalent) NON-LATEX 
	disposable gloves, pair	  		1
Disposable wiper towels				2
Disposable scoop bag with closure 
	mechanism and scraper 			1
Moisture and dustproof container of sufficient capacity to store the required items.

2251-R-60.00	Floor Coverings.

60.06	A secured SEALED and insulated plate shall be provided to access fuel tank sending unit. THIS PLATE SHALL NOT BE INSTALLED UNDER FLOORING MATERIAL. Type A buses are exempt.

2251-R-62.00	Heating System.

62.03	Hot water heaters shall bear the name plate rating in accordance with NCST.

2251-R-63.00	Identification.

63.01	Body shall bear words "SCHOOL BUS" in black letters at least 8 inches high on both front and rear of body.  Lettering shall be placed as high as possible without impairment of its visibility.  Lettering shall conform to SAHS.

63.02	School buses shall bear name of school district or company /SERVICE PROVIDER on each side in black, standard unshaded letters, 5 inches in height.  If there is insufficient space due to the length of the name of the school district, terms such as community, consolidated, and district may be abbreviated.

63.03	The manufacturer's MAXIMUM rated pupil seating capacity shall be printed to the left of the entrance door on the lower skirt in 2 inch characters.  The word capacity may be abbreviated.  (Example: Cap. 48)  The capacity shall also be shown inside above the windshield.

63.07	The school district logo may be placed above the side window dripline. OR ALONG THE SIDE OF THE BUS BUT SHALL NOT INTERFERE WITH ANY REQUIRED LETTERING.

63.09	Battery compartment shall be labeled with the word "Battery".

63.10	IDENTIFICATION OF FUEL TYPE SHALL BE LOCATED ADJACENT TO OR ON THE FUEL FILLER OPENING.

2251-R-67.00	Lamps and Signals.

67.05	Back-up lamps:  Back-up lamps of minimum diameter 7 inch or 38.48 square inches, OR 4 INCH LED shall be provided. 

67.06	Turn signal lamps:

67.06 (a)	The bus shall be equipped with two amber turn signals in front and two amber turn signals in the rear. Both front and rear signals shall be at least 7 inches or A TOTAL OF 38.48 square inches, in diameter and  meet the specifications of  SAE. type a buses MAY BE EQUIPPED WITH CHASSIS MANUFACTURER'S FRONT TURN SIGNAL LAMPS.

67.07	School bus alternately flashing warning signal lamps:

Definition:  School bus alternately flashing warning signal lamps mounted at the same horizontal level, intended to identify vehicle as school bus and to inform other users of highway that such vehicle is stopped or about to stop on roadway to take on or discharge school children.

67.07 (a)	All school buses shall be equipped with four red warning signal lamps designed to conform to SAE standards, and four amber warning signal lamps designed to conform to FMVSS that standard except for color and except the candle power requirement shall be 2-1/2 times greater.  The school bus shall have two (2) double-lamp assemblies at the front of the vehicle and two (2) double-lamp assemblies at the rear of the vehicle.  Double-lamp assemblies shall display one amber lamp and one red lamp.

67.07 (E)	THE FOUR BRAKE LAMPS SHALL ALSO FLASH WHEN THE RED WARNING SIGNAL LAMPS ARE ACTIVATED.

67.07 (f)	The vision of the front signal lamps to the front and rear signal lamps to the rear shall be unobstructed by any part of the vehicle.  

The area around the lens of each alternately flashing signal lamp and extended outward approximately 3 inches shall be painted black.  In installations where there is not a flat vertical portion of the body immediately surrounding entire lens of lamp, a circular band of black approximately 3 inches wide, immediately below and to both sides of the lens, shall be painted on the body or roof area against which signal lamp is seen from a distance of 500 feet along the axis of vehicle.  

67.07 (g)	Visors shall be provided and securely mounted above the dual-lamp flashing warning signals to adequately shade and protect the dual-lamp assemblies from sunlight above but not to obstruct the rear and side effectiveness of the warning lamps.  LED WARNING SIGNAL LAMPS ARE EXEMPT.

2251-R-68.00	Mirrors.

68.01	Interior mirror:  Interior mirror shall be either clear view laminated glass or clear view glass bonded to a backing which retains the glass in the event of breakage.  Mirror shall have rounded corners and protected edges.  Type A bus shall have a minimum of 6" x 16" mirror and Type B, C, and D buses shall have a minimum of a 6" x 30" mirror.

2251-R-73.00	Seat Belt for Driver.

73.03	Each bus shall be equipped with a durable webbing cutter having a full width handgrip and a proteCted blade.  The cutter shall be mounted in a location accessible to the seated driver.

2251-R-74.00	Seats/Restraining Barriers.

74.07	Backs of all seats of similar size shall be of same width at top and of same height from floor and shall slant at same angle with floor.

74.10	IF TRACK SEATING IS INSTALLED, THE MANUFACTURER SHALL SUPPLY MINIMUM AND MAXIMUM SEAT SPACING DIMENSIONS FOR THE BUS WHICH COMPLY WITH FMVSS 222.  THIS INFORMATION SHALL BE ON A LABEL AFFIXED TO THE BUS.

2251-R-76.00	Stirrup Steps.

76.01	There shall be a least one folding stirrup step or recessed foothold and suitably located handles on each side of the front of the body for easy accessibility for cleaning the windshield and lamps except when windshield and lamps are easily accessible from the ground.  Steps are permitted in or on the front bumper, in lieu of the stirrup steps, if the windshield and lamps are easily accessible for cleaning from that position.

2251-R-77.00	Stop Signal Arm.

77.01	The stop signal arm shall be a flat 18 inch octagon, exclusive of brackets for mounting.  The stop signal arm shall contain two alternately flashing red lamps, one located near the top and one located near the bottom of the sign which show both to the front and to the rear.  The flashing red lamps shall be connected to the alternately flashing warning signal lamps master control system.  The STOP SIGNAL arm shall meet applicable FMVSS requirements  131.

77.02	It shall have the word "STOP" printed on both sides in white letters at least 6 inches high, with a brush stroke of approximately 7/8 inch width, on a bright red background.  The outer edge shall be painted white 1/2 inch wide.

77.03	The stop signal arm shall be reflectorized in accordance with FMVSS 131.

77.04	The sign shall be mounted outside the bus on the driver side below the driver window.  Rubber spacers shall be installed on either the side of the bus or the stop arm so as to prevent sign from making abrasive contact with the side of the bus.

2251-R-80.00	Tail Pipe.

80.01 Tail pipe shall not extend beyond body perimeter, after the body is attached to the chassis, and shall also comply with Section 20, subsections 20.01 through 20.04 of these rules.
The tail pipe may be flush with BUT shall not extend  more than ONE inch beyond the perimeter of the body for side exit or the bumper for rear exit.

2251-R-83.00	Ventilation.

83.01	Buses, in excess of 20 feet in length, shall be equipped with a multi-speed powered exhaust roof ventilator OR POWERED VENT FAN IN ROOF HATCH,  mounted in the rear half of the bus.

2251-R-85.00	Windshield and Windows.

85.01	All glass in windshield, windows, and doors shall be of approved safety glass, so mounted that permanent mark is visible, and of sufficient a quality to prevent distortion of view in any direction as specified in FMVSS.

85.02	Each full side window shall provide unobstructed emergency opening at least 9 inches high and 22 inches wide, obtained by lowering of window.  If full drop windows are used, they shall be blocked so that when, in a down position, the opening between the window header and top of glass is not more than 12 inches.

85.03	Push-out type, split-sash windows may be used.

85.04	All exposed edges of glass shall be banded.

2251-R-87.00	Windshield Wipers.

87.01	A windshield wiping system, two-speed or more, shall be provided.

87.02	The wipers shall be operated by one or more air or electric motors of sufficient power to operate wipers.  If one motor is used, the wipers shall work in tandem to give full sweep of windshield.

87.03	All wiper controls shall be located within easy reach of the driver and designed, when in stop position, to move blades from the driver's direct view.

2251-R-88.00	Wiring.

88.03	A separate fuse or circuit breaker shall be provided for each circuit except starter motor and ignition circuits. EACH CIRCUIT SHALL HAVE ADEQUATE CIRCUIT PROTECTION.

88.04	All wires shall be installed within body.  They shall be insulated and protected by covering of fibrous loom or equivalent which will protect them SO AS TO PROTECT THEM from external damage and minimize dangers from short circuits.  Whenever wires pass through body member, additional protection in form of appropriate type of insert shall be provided.

SPECIALLY EQUIPPED SCHOOL BUSES

2251-R-90.00	Introduction.

90.01	THIS SECTION APPLIES TO SCHOOL BUSES AND MULTIFUNCTION BUSES

Equipping buses to accommodate students with special needs disabilities  is dependent upon the needs of the passengers.  Buses may be fitted with various equipment to accommodate those needs.  Buses so equipped are not to be considered a separate class of school bus, but simply a regular school bus equipped for special accommodations.  Special Transportation considerations and needs of a student entitled to transportation as a related service should be addressed in the student’s individual education program (IEP).

2251-R-93.00	Power Lift.

93.01	Load.  The working load of the lift shall be at least 600 pounds, with a minimum peak load of 800 pounds.  Working parts such as cables, pulleys, and shafts, which can be expected to wear, and upon which the lift depends for support of the load, shall have a safety factor of at least 6, based on the ultimate strength of the material.  Non-working parts, such as platform, frame, and attachment hardware which would not be expected to wear, shall have a safety factor of at least 3, based on the ultimate strength of the material.

93.02	School buses with a power lift shall have increased electrical system capacity commensurate with the needs of the lift system.

93.03	Controls.  Controls shall be provided that enable the operator to activate the lift mechanism from either inside or outside the bus.  The lift shall deploy to all levels (i.e., ground, curb, and termediate positions) normally encountered in the operating environment. Where provided, each control for deploying, lowering, raising, and stowing the lift and lowering the roll-off barrier shall be of a momentary contact type requiring continuous manual pressure by the operator and shall not allow improper lift sequencing when the lift platform is occupied.  The controls shall allow reversal of the lift operation sequence, such as raising or lowering a platform that is part way down, without allowing an occupied platform to fold or retract into the stowed position.

93.04	Emergency operation.  The lift shall incorporate an emergency method of deploying, lowering to the ground level with a lift occupant, and raising and stowing the empty lift if the power to the lift fails.  No emergency method, manual or otherwise, shall be capable of being operated in a manner that could be hazardous to the lift occupant or to the operator when operated according to manufacturer’s instructions and shall not permit the platform to be stowed or folded when occupied.  No manual emergency operation shall require more than 2 minutes to lower an occupied wheelchair to ground level.  

93.05	Platforms, when occupied, shall have provisions to prevent their deploying, falling, or folding any faster than 12 inches per second and have provisions to prevent their dropping of an occupant in the event of a single failure of any load carrying component.

93.06	Platform barriers.  The lift platform shall be equipped with barriers to prevent any of the wheels of a wheelchair or mobility aid from rolling off the platform during its operation.  A movable barrier or inherent design feature shall prevent a wheelchair or mobility aid from rolling off the edge closest to the vehicle until the platform is in its fully raised position.  

93.06 (a)	Each side of the lift platform which extends beyond the vehicle in its raised position shall have a barrier a minimum 1.5 inches high.  Such barriers shall not interfere with maneuvering into or out of the aisle.  

93.06 (b)	The loading-edge barrier (outer barrier), which functions as a loading ramp when the lift is at ground level, shall be sufficient when raised or closed, or a supplementary system shall be provided to prevent a power wheelchair or mobility aid from riding over or defeating it.  The outer barrier of the lift shall automatically raise or close, or a supplementary system shall automatically engage, and remain raised, closed, or engaged at all times that the platform is more than 3 inches above ground level and the platform is occupied.  Alternatively, a barrier or system may be raised, lowered, opened, closed, engaged, or disengaged by the lift operator, provided an interlock or inherent design feature prevents the lift from rising unless the barrier is raised or closed or the supplementary system is engaged.

93.07	Handrails.  Platforms on lifts shall be equipped with handrails on two sides, which move in tandem with the lift, and which shall be graspable and provide support to standee through the entire lift operation.  Handrails shall  be placed to provide a minimum 1.5 inch knuckle clearance from the nearest adjacent surface.  Handrails shall not interfere with wheelchair or mobility aid maneuverability when entering or leaving the vehicle.

2251-R-93.00	Power Lift.  

93.01 GENERAL:  VEHICLE LIFTS AND INSTALLATION SHALL COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS SET FORTH IN FMVSS 403, PLATFORM LIFT SYSTEMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES, AND FMVSS 404, PLATFORM LIFT INSTALLATION IN MOTOR VEHICLES.

93.02   DESIGN LOAD:  THE DESIGN LOAD OF THE LIFT SHALL BE 800 POUNDS AT A MINIMUM.  WORKING PARTS, SUCH AS CABLES, PULLEYS AND SHAFTS, WHICH CAN BE EXPECTED TO WEAR, AND UPON WHICH THE LIFT DEPENDS FOR SUPPORT OF THE LOAD, SHALL HAVE A SAFETY FACTOR OF AT LEAST SIX, BASED ON THE ULTIMATE STRENGTH OF THE MATERIAL.  NON-WORKING PARTS, SUCH AS PLATFORM, FRAME AND ATTACHMENT HARDWARE, THAT WOULD NOT BE EXPECTED TO WEAR, SHALL HAVE A SAFETY FACTOR OF AT LEAST THREE, BASED ON THE ULTIMATE STRENGTH OF THE MATERIAL.
LIFT CAPACITY:  THE LIFTING MECHANISM AND PLATFORM SHALL BE CAPABLE OF OPERATING EFFECTIVELY WITH A WHEELCHAIR AND OCCUPANT MASS OF 800 POUNDS AT A MINIMUM.

93.03	IN ADDITION, CONTROLS, EMERGENCY OPERATIONS, PLATFORMS, PLATFORM BARRIERS, HANDRAILS, ETC SHALL COMPLY WITH FMVSS 403.

93.05	DOCUMENTATION:  THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION SHALL BE PROVIDED WITH EACH VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH A LIFT:
(a)  A PHONE NUMBER WHERE INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED ABOUT INSTALLATION, REPAIRS AND PARTS. (DETAILED WRITTEN INSTRUCTIONS AND A PARTS LIST SHALL BE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.)

93.06	TRAINING MATERIALS:  THE LIFT MANUFACTURER SHALL MAKE TRAINING MATERIALS AVAILABLE TO INSURE PROPER USE AND MAINTENANCE OF THE LIFT.  THESE MAY INCLUDE INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEOS, CLASSROOM CURRICULUM, SYSTEM TEST RESULTS OR OTHER RELATED MATERIALS.

2251-R-94.00	Ramps.

94.04	Provisions shall be made to secure ramp to side of bus for use without danger of detachment and ramp shall be connected to bus at floor level in such a manner as to permit easy access of wheels of wheelchair to floor of bus.

94.05	Ramp shall be at least 80 inches in length.   

94.04	A RAMP DEVICE MAY BE USED IN LIEU OF A MECHANICAL LIFT IF THE RAMP MEETS ALL THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA) AS FOUND IN 36 CFR § 1192.23, VEHICLE RAMP.

94.05	A RAMP DEVICE THAT DOES NOT MEET THE SPECIFICATIONS OF ADA, BUT DOES MEET THE SPECIFICATIONS OF 94.01 THROUGH 94.04 OF THIS SECTION MAY BE INSTALLED AND USED, ONLY WHEN A POWER LIFT SYSTEM IS NOT ADEQUATE TO LOAD AND UNLOAD STUDENTS.

94.06	rAMPS USED FOR EMERGENCY EVACUATION PURPOSES MAY BE INSTALLED IN RAISED FLOOR BUSES BY MANUFACTURERS. 

2251-R-95.00	Aisles.

95.01	All buses equipped with a power lift or ramp shall provide a MINIMUM 30 inch aisle leading from any wheelchair/mobility aid position to at least one emergency door and to the lift area.

2251-R-96.00	Identification.

96.01	Buses with power lifts or ramps shall display the International Symbol of Accessibility on all four sides of the bus. The symbols shall be a minimum of 6 inches and not 
exceed 12 inches..  SUCH EMBLEMS SHALL BE WHITE ON BLUE BACKGROUND.

2251-R-97.00	Restraining Devices.

97.01	Lap belt ready seat frames shall be reinforced to meet FMVSS.  All restraining devices shall conform to FMVSS.  ALL CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEMS, CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS, SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES AND SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES SHALL MEET FMVSS.

2251-R-99.00	Securement and Restraint System for Wheelchair/mobility Aid and Occupant.

99.01	For purposes of better understanding the various aspects and components of this section, the term “securement” or phrase “securement system” is used exclusively in reference to the device(s) which secure the wheelchair/mobility aid.  The term “restraint” or phrase “restraint system” is used exclusively in reference to the device(s) used to restrain the occupant of the Wheelchair/mobility aid.  The phrase “securement and restraint system” is used to refer to the total system which secures and restrains both the wheelchair/mobility aid and the occupant.

99.02	Securement and restraint system.  The wheelchair/mobility aid securement and occupant restraint system shall be designed, installed, and operate to accommodate passengers in a forward-facing orientation within the bus and shall comply with all applicable requirements of FMVSS.

99.03	The securement and restraint system, including the system track, floor plates, pockets, or other anchorages shall be provided by the same manufacturer, or be certified to be compatible by manufacturers of all equipment/systems used.  The system shall be installed so as to allow full use of all positions of the system anchorages.

99.04	When a wheelchair/mobility aid securement device and an occupant restraint share a common anchorage, including occupant restraint designs that attach the occupant restraint to the securement device or the wheelchair/mobility aid, the anchorage shall be capable of withstanding the loads of both the securement device and occupant restraint applied simultaneously, in accordance with FMVSS.

99.05	When a wheelchair/mobility aid securement device (webbing or strap assembly) is shared with an occupant restraint, the wheelchair/mobility aid securement device (webbing or strap assembly) shall be capable of withstanding a force twice the amount as specified in FMVSS.

99.06	The bus body floor and sidewall structures where the securement and restraint system anchorages are attached shall have equal or greater strength than the load requirements of the system(s) being installed.

99.07	The securement and restraint system shall incorporate an identification scheme which shall allow for the easy
identification of the various components and their functions.  It shall consist of one of the following, or combination thereof:

99.07 (a)	The wheelchair/mobility aid securement device (webbing or strap assemblies) and the occupant restraint belt assemblies shall be of contrasting color or color shade.

99.07 (b)	The wheelchair/mobility aid securement device (webbing or strap assemblies) and the occupant restraint belt assemblies shall 
be clearly marked to indicate the proper wheelchair orientation in the vehicle, and the name and location for each device or belt assembly, i.e., front, rear, lap belt, shoulder belt, etc.

99.08	The securement and restraint system shall be located and installed such that when an occupied wheelchair/mobility aid is secured, it is not adjacent to the lift.  

99.09	Each securement device (webbing or strap assembly) and restraint belt assembly shall be permanently and legibly marked or incorporate a non-removable label or tag which states that it conforms to all applicable FMVSS requirements.

99.10	The following information shall be provided with each vehicle equipped with a securement and restraint system:

99.10 (a)	Detailed instructions regarding installation, repair, and a parts list. 
99.10 (b)	Detailed instructions regarding use, including a diagram showing the proper placement of the wheelchair/mobility aid securement devices and occupant restraints, including correct belt angles.

99.11	The system manufacturer shall make available training materials to ensure the proper use and maintenance of the wheelchair/mobility aid securement and occupant restraint system.  These may include instructional videos, classroom curriculum, system test results, or other related materials.

99.12 (a) The securement system shall secure the wheelchair/mobility aid in such a manner that the attachments or coupling hardware will not 
become detached when any wheelchair/mobility aid component deforms, when one or more tires deflate
and without intentional operation of a release mechanism (e.g., a spring clip on a securement hook).

99.13	Dynamic testing.  The wheelchair/mobility aid securement and occupant restraint system shall be subjected to, and successfully pass, a dynamic sled test as spelled out in the current NCST.

2251-R-99.00	SECUREMENT AND RESTRAINT SYSTEM FOR WHEELCHAIRS AND WHEELCHAIR SEATED OCCUPANTS

For purposes of understanding the various aspects and components of this section, the term securement and tiedown and the phrases securement system or tiedown system are used exclusively in reference to the devices that anchor the wheelchair to the vehicle.  The term restraint and the phrase restraint system are used exclusively in reference to the equipment that is intended to limit the movement of the wheelchair occupant in a crash or sudden maneuver.  The term wheelchair tiedown and occupant restraint system (WTORS) is used to refer to the total system that secures the wheelchair and restrains the wheelchair occupant.

99.01	A wheelchair tiedown and occupant restraint system installed in specially equipped buses shall be designed, installed, and operated for use with forward-facing wheelchair-seated passengers and shall comply with all applicable requirements of FMVSS 222, School Bus Passenger Seating and Crash Protection.

99.02	WTORS, including the anchorage track, floor plates, pockets or other anchorages, shall be provided by the same manufacturer or shall be certified to be compatible by manufacturers of all equipment/systems used.

99.03	Wheelchair securement positions shall be located such that wheelchairs and their occupants do not block access to the lift door.

99.04	The WTORS, including the storage device, shall meet the flammability standards established in FMVSS 302.

99.05	The following information shall be provided with each BUS equipped with a securement and restraint system:

	99.05 (a)	 phone number where information can be obtained about installation, repair and parts.  (Detailed written instructions and a parts list shall be available upon request.)

99.05 (b)	Detailed instructions regarding use, including a diagram showing the proper placement of the wheelchair/mobility aids and positioning of securement devices and occupant restraints, including correct belt angles.

99.06 The WTORS manufacturer shall make training materials available to ensure the proper use and maintenance of the WTORS.  These may include instructional videos, classroom curriculum, system test results or other related materials.

99.07  Wheelchair Securement/Tiedowns shall comply with fmvss 222.

99.08 Each wheelchair position in a specially equipped bus shall have a minimum clear floor area of 30 inches laterally by 48 inches longitudinally.  Additional floor area may be required for some wheelchairs.  Consultation between the user and the manufacturer is recommended to ensure that adequate area is provided.

99.09	IF LONGITUDINAL TRACK SYSTEMS ARE USED, FOUR ROWS OF TRACKING MUST BE INSTALLED.  

2251-R-100.00	SERVICE ENTRANCE

100.01 ON POWER LIFT EQUIPPED VEHICLES, STEPS SHALL BE THE FULL WIDTH OF THE STEP WELL, EXCLUDING THE THICKNESS OF THE DOORS IN THE OPEN POSITION.

100.02  SUITABLE HAND RAILS SHALL BE PROVIDED ON BOTH SIDES OF ENTRANCE AREA TO ASSIST PASSENGERS DURING INGRESS AND EGRESS. THIS DEVICE SHALL ALLOW FOR EASY GRASPING OR HOLDING AND SHALL HAVE NO OPENINGS OR PINCH POINTS THAT MIGHT ENTANGLE CLOTHING, ACCESSORIES OR LIMBS

2251-R-101.00	Special Service  LIFT EQUIPPED Entrance.

101.01	There shall be adequate illumination for normal operation of the lift, to include the lift and adjacent area, both when deployed at the vehicle floor level and at ground level.

101.02	A drip molding shall be installed above the opening to effectively divert water from entrance.

101.03	Door posts and headers from entrance shall be reinforced sufficiently to provide support and strength equivalent to the areas of the side of the bus not used for special service LIFT EQUIPPED entrance.

101.04	A single door or double doors may be used for the special service LIFT EQUIPPED entrance.
101.04 (a)	A single door shall be hinged to the forward side of the entrance, unless doing so would obstruct the service entrance.  If, due to the above condition, the door is hinged to the rearward side doorway,  the door shall utilize a safety mechanism which will prevent the door from swinging open should the primary door latch fail.

101.04 (b)	If double doors are used, the system shall be designed to prevent the door(s) from being blown open by the wind resistance created by the forward motion of the bus, and/or incorporate a safety mechanism to provide secondary protection should the primary latching mechanism(s) fail.

101.05	All doors shall have positive fastening devices to hold doors in the open position.

101.06	All doors shall be weather sealed.

100.07	When dual doors are provided, the rear door shall have at least a one-point fastening device to the header.  The forward-mounted door shall have at least three-point fastening devices.  One shall be to the header, one to the floor line of the body, and the other shall be into the rear door.  The door and hinge mechanism shall be of a strength that is greater than or equivalent to the emergency exit door.

101.08	Door materials, panels and structural strength shall be equivalent to the conventional service and emergency doors.  Color, rub rail extensions, lettering and other exterior features shall match adjacent sections of the body.

101.09	Each door shall have windows set in rubber which are visually similar in size and location to adjacent non-door windows.  Glazing shall be of same type and tinting (if applicable) as standard fixed glass in other body locations.

101.10	Door(s) shall be equipped with a device that will actuate and maintain an audible or flashing signal located in the driver’s compartment when door(s) is not securely closed and ignition is in “on” position.

101.11	A switch shall be installed so that the lifting mechanism will not operate when the lift platform door(s) is closed.

101.12	Special service LIFT EQUIPPED entrance doors shall be equipped with padding at the top edge of the door opening.  Padding  shall be at least 3 inches wide and 1 inch thick and extend the full width of the door opening. to the service entrance and emergency 

2251-R-102.00	Support Equipment and Accessories.

101.01	Each bus which is set to accommodate wheelchair/mobility aids, safety vests, car seats, or other similar assistive or restraint devices shall have a durable webbing cutter with a protected blade. The cutter shall be properly secured in a location within reach of the driver while belted into his/her driver’s seat.

102.01	Each bus shall be equipped with a durable webbing cutter having a full width handgrip and a proteCted blade.  The cutter shall be mounted in a location accessible to the seated driver.