TITLE 6 PRIMARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION
CHAPTER 40 TRANSPORTATION - SCHOOL BUS EQUIPMENT
PART 2 NEW MEXICO SCHOOL BUS STANDARDS
AND SCHOOL BUS PHASE-OUT
6.40.2.1 ISSUING
AGENCY: The Public Education Department
[7-01-96, 7-30-99;
6.40.2.1 NMAC - Rn, 6 NMAC 9.2.1 7-31-2000; A, 11-15-2005]
6.40.2.2 SCOPE:
Provisions apply to the design and construction standards for school
buses manufactured for use in New Mexico and school bus phase-out.
[7-01-96; 6.40.2.2
NMAC - Rn, 6 NMAC 9.2.2 & A, 7-31-2000]
6.40.2.3 STATUTORY
AUTHORITY: Authority is Chapter 22, Article 16,
Transportation of Students, Sections 22-16-2.A and B; 22-16-9; and 22-16-11.A,
NMSA, 1978.
[7-01-96; 6.40.2.3
NMAC - Rn, 6 NMAC 9.2.3 7-31-2000]
6.40.2.4 DURATION:
Permanent.
[7-01-96; 6.40.2.4
NMAC - Rn, 6 NMAC 9.2.4 7-31-2000]
6.40.2.5 EFFECTIVE
DATE: July 1, 1996, unless a later date is cited at
the end of a section.
[7-01-96; 6.40.2.5
NMAC - Rn, 6 NMAC 9.2.5 & A, 7-31-2000]
6.40.2.6 OBJECTIVE: The
state transportation director shall maintain school bus construction standards
that meet the needs for school operations that are consistent with national
recommendations and design objectives.
A. To establish the parameters of school bus design and construction which
provides a safe environment for student passengers.
B. The school bus construction standards shall be developed for the body
and chassis of the school bus.
C. The
school bus construction standards shall contain construction and design for
transporting students with disabilities.
D. The
school bus construction standards shall be developed to include design and
construction to meet the needs of a unified transportation system.
E. To establish school bus construction costs for small, medium and large
buses, and to establish a maximum useful life criteria for spare and activity
buses.
[7-01-96; 6.40.2.6
NMAC - Rn, 6 NMAC 9.2.6, 6 NMAC 9.2.8 & A, 7-31-2000]
6.40.2.7 DEFINITIONS:
A. Type A - A Type "A" school bus is a van conversion or bus constructed utilizing a cutaway front-section vehicle with a left side driver's door. The entrance door is behind the front wheels. This definition includes two classifications: Type A-I, with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) less than equal to 10,000 pounds; and Type A-II with a GVWR greater than 10,000 pounds. Type “A-I” school buses are not approved for use in New Mexico.
B. Type B - A Type "B" school bus is
constructed utilizing a stripped chassis. The entrance door is behind the front
wheels. This definition includes two
classifications: Type B1, with GVWR less than or equal to 10,000 pounds; and
Type B2, with a GVWR greater than 10,000 pounds. Type
“B” school buses are not approved for use in New Mexico.
C. Type C - A Type "C" school bus is
constructed utilizing a chassis with a hood and front fender assembly. The
entrance door is behind the front wheels.
D. Type D - A Type "D" school bus is
constructed utilizing a stripped chassis. The entrance door is ahead of the
front wheels.
E. Commercial advertiser - A person who advertises a product or
services for profit or not for profit and has a permitted advertisement.
F. School bus private owner - A person who owns a school bus other than
a local school district, the state public education department, the state or
any other political subdivision of the state.
[7-01-96, 7-31-97;
6.40.2.7 NMAC - Rn, 6 NMAC 9.2.7 & A, 7-31-2000; A, 12-30-2010]
6.40.2.8 SCHOOL
BUS PHASE-OUT:
A. All school buses
including spare and activity buses shall not be operated for any purpose once
they have become twenty (20) years of age, from the date of (body) manufacture.
B. School buses
twenty (20) years of age, from the date of (body) manufacture shall be removed
from service in accordance with Section 22-16-9, NMSA, 1978.
[7-01-96; 6.40.2.8
NMAC - Rn, 6 NMAC 9.2.9 & A, 7-31-2000]
6.40.2.9 BUS
CHASSIS STANDARDS
A. AIR CLEANER
(1) The engine intake air cleaner
system shall be furnished and properly installed by the chassis manufacturer to
meet engine manufacturer's specifications.
(2) All diesel engine air filters shall include a restriction indicator of
the latching type that retains the maximum restriction developed during
operation of the engine. The indicator
should include a reset control so the indication can be returned to zero when
desired.
B. ALTERNATIVE FUELS
(1) Chassis shall meet all BUS CHASSIS STANDARDS.
(2) Chassis shall meet all applicable 49 CFR 571 federal motor vehicle
safety standards (FMVSS).
C. AXLES: The front and rear ends, including suspension
assemblies, shall have a gross axle weight rating at ground at least equal to
that portion of the load as would be imposed by the chassis manufacturer's
maximum gross vehicle weight rating.
D. BRAKES
(1) The braking system shall include the service brake and a
parking emergency brake.
(2) Buses using air in the operation of the brake system shall be equipped
with warning signals, readily audible and visible to the driver, that will give
a continuous warning when the air pressure available in the system for braking
is 60 psi (pounds per square inch) or less.
An illuminated gauge shall be provided that will indicate to the driver
the air pressure in pounds per square inch for the operation of the brakes.
(3) Any brake system with a dry reservoir shall
be equipped with a check-valve or equivalent device to ensure that in the event
of failure or leakage in its connection to the source of compressed air, the
stored dry air shall not be depleted by the leakage or failure.
(4) Buses using a hydraulic-assist brake shall be equipped with warning signals, readily
audible and visible to the driver, that will provide continuous warning in the
event of a loss of fluid flow from primary source and in the event of
discontinuity in that portion of the vehicle electrical system that supplies
power to the backup system.
(5) The brake lines and booster-assist lines
shall be protected from excessive heat and vibration and installed in a manner,
which prevents chafing.
(6) All brake systems shall be designed to permit
visual inspection of brake lining wear without removal of any chassis
components.
(7) All type C and type D school buses shall be
equipped with air brakes.
E. BUMPER, FRONT
(1) All school buses shall be equipped with a front bumper. The front bumper shall be furnished by the
chassis manufacturer as part of the
chassis on all types of chassis unless there is a specific arrangement between
the chassis manufacturer and body manufacturer that the body manufacturer will
furnish the front bumper.
(2) Unless
energy absorbing bumper is used, the front bumper shall be of pressed steel
channel or equivalent material at least 3/16-inch thick and not less than
8-inch wide (high) and shall extend beyond forward-most part of the body,
grille, hood, and fenders and shall extend to outer edges of the fenders at the
bumper's top line.
(3) Front bumper, except breakaway
bumper ends, shall be of sufficient strength to permit pushing a vehicle of
equal gross vehicle weight without permanent distortion to the bumper, chassis,
or body.
(4) If tow eyes or hooks are furnished they shall be attached so as not to
project beyond the front bumper. Tow
eyes or hooks attached to the frame chassis may be furnished by the chassis manufacturer. This installation
shall be in accordance with the chassis manufacturer's standards.
(5) The bumper shall be designed or reinforced so that it will not deform
when the bus is lifted by a chain that is passed under the bumper (or through
the bumper if holes are provided for this purpose) and attached to both tow
eyes. For the purpose of meeting this
standard, the bus shall be empty and positioned on a level, hard surface and
both tow eyes shall share the load equally.
(6) The exhaust system on vehicles
equipped with a power lift unit may be routed to the left of the right frame
rail to allow for the installation of a power lift unit on the right side of
the vehicle.
F. CLUTCH
(1) Clutch
torque capacity shall be equal to or greater than the engine torque output.
(2) A starter interlock shall be installed to prevent actuation of the
starter if the clutch is not depressed.
G. COLOR
(1) Chassis,
including wheels and front bumper, shall be black. Body cowl,
hood, and fenders shall be in
national school bus yellow. The flat top
surface of the hood may be non-reflective national school bus yellow. Activity
school buses may be team colors.
(2) Demountable rims, if used, may be,
silver, gray or black as received from the wheel manufacturer. Wheels may be
polished aluminum, chrome or of a team color on activity buses only.
H. COOLING SYSTEMS (ENGINE): Engine cooling system shall be sufficient
capacity to properly maintain engine-operating temperature to manufactures
specifications at the rated horsepower.
I. DRIVE SHAFT:
Drive shafts shall be protected by a metal guard or guards around the
circumference of the drive shafts to reduce the possibility of its whipping
through the floor or dropping to the ground if broken.
J. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
(1) Battery
(a) Storage battery shall have minimum cold cranking capacity rating equal
to the cranking current required for 30 seconds at 0 degrees Fahrenheit
(-17.8°C) and a minimum reserve capacity rating of 120 minutes at 25 amps. Higher capacities may be required depending upon
optional equipment and local environmental conditions.
(b)
Since all batteries are to be secured in a sliding tray in the body,
chassis manufacturers shall temporarily mount the battery on the chassis frame, except that van conversion or cutaway
front-section chassis may be manufacturer's standard configuration. In these
cases, the final location of the battery and the appropriate cable lengths
shall be according to the design objectives, or as mutually agreed upon by the
chassis and body manufacturer. In all
cases, however, the battery cable provided with the chassis shall have
sufficient length to allow some slack. Battery storage area shall be secured
with a locking system or release system that shall be accessible from the
driver’s compartment.
(2) Alternator
(a) All type A-II buses up to 15,000 lbs. GVWR shall have a minimum
60-ampere alternator.
(b) Types A-II buses over 15,000 lbs. GVWR and all types C and D buses
shall be equipped with a heavy-duty truck or bus-type alternator, having a
minimum output rating of 130 amperes. Alternators of 130 through 145-ampere
design shall produce a minimum of 50 percent amperes output at engine idle
speed.
(c) All buses equipped with an electrical power lift shall have a minimum
130-ampere alternator.
(d) Direct-drive alternator is permissible in lieu of belt drive. Belt drive shall be capable of handling the rated
capacity of the alternator with no detrimental effect on other driven
components.
(3) Wiring
(a) All wiring shall conform to current applicable recommended practices of
the society of automotive engineers (SAE). All wiring shall use a standard
color and number coding and each chassis shall be delivered with a wiring
diagram that illustrates the wiring of the chassis.
(b) Chassis manufacturer shall install a readily accessible terminal strip
or plug on the body side of the cowl, or in an accessible location in the
engine compartment of vehicles designed without a cowl, that shall contain the
following terminals for the body connections:
(i) main 130 amp body circuit
(ii) tail lamps
(iii) right turn signal
(iv) left turn signal
(v) stop lamps
(vi) back up lamps
(vii) instrument panel lights
(rheostat controlled by headlamp switch)
(4) Circuits
(a) An
appropriate identifying diagram (color and number coded) for electrical
circuits shall be provided to the body manufacturer for distribution to the end
user.
(b) Headlight system must be wired separately from the body-controlled
solenoid.
(5) Daytime running light
(a) Exterior low-beam headlights and taillights may be provided with a
switch to automatically operate said lamps when the vehicle’s ignition is
engaged. This switch, if furnished,
shall not engage while the starter is engaged.
If this switch designed to provide reduced illumination under normal
operating conditions, a means whereby the headlights and taillights can be
engaged at full power shall be provided.
(b) Chassis manufacturer shall provide a means for body manufacturer to
include the taillights in the daytime running light (DRL) circuit.
K. ENGINE FIRE EXTINGUISHER (optional
equipment): Manufacturer may
provide an automatic fire extinguisher system in the engine compartment.
L. EXHAUST SYSTEM
(1) Exhaust pipe, muffler and tailpipe shall be outside the bus body
compartment and attached to the chassis so as not to damage any other chassis component.
(2) Tailpipe shall be
constructed of a corrosion-resistant tubing material at least equal in strength
and durability to 16-gauge steel tubing.
(3) Chassis manufacturers shall furnish an exhaust system with tailpipe of
sufficient length to exit the rear of the bus at the left side of the bus body
no more than 18-inches forward of the front edge of the rear wheelhouse
opening. If designed to exit at the rear
of the bus, the tailpipe shall extend at least five inches beyond the end of
the chassis frame. If designed to exit
to the side of the bus, the tailpipe shall extend at least 48.5-inches
(51.5-inches if the body is to be 102-inches wide) outboard from the chassis
centerline.
(a) On
types C and D vehicles, the tailpipe shall not exit beneath a fuel fill or
emergency door exit.
(b)
Type A chassis may be furnished with the manufacturer's standard
tailpipe configuration.
(4) Exhaust system on a chassis shall be properly insulated from the fuel
tank connections by securely attached metal shield at any point where it is
12-inches or less from tank or tank connection.
(5) Muffler shall be constructed of corrosion-resistant material.
(6) The exhaust system on vehicles
equipped with a power lift unit may be routed to the left of the right frame
rail to allow for the installation of a power lift unit on the right side of
the vehicle.
M. FENDERS, FRONT-TYPE C VEHICLES
(1) Total spread of outer edges of front fenders, measured at fender line,
shall exceed total spread of front tires when front wheels are in straight-ahead
position.
(2) Front fenders shall be properly braced and free from any body
attachments.
N. FRAME
(1) Frame or equivalent shall be of such design and strength
characteristics as to correspond at least to standard practice for trucks of
the same general load characteristics which are used for highway service.
(2) Any secondary
manufacturer that modifies the original chassis frame shall guarantee the
performance of workmanship and materials resulting from such modification.
(3) Frames shall not be
modified for the purpose of extending the wheelbase.
(4) Holes in top or bottom flanges or side units of the frame, and welding
to the frame, shall not be permitted except as provided or accepted by chassis
manufacturer.
(5) Frame lengths shall be provided in accordance with design objectives,
except where body and chassis manufacturer are the same or have established
mutual design criteria for the vehicle.
O. FUEL TANK
(1) Fuel tank or tanks having a minimum 30-gallon capacity with a 25-gallon
actual draw shall be provided by the chassis manufacturer. The tank shall be filled and vented to the
outside of the body, in a location where accidental fuel spillage will not drip
or drain on any part of the exhaust system.
Vehicles with a wheel base of 193-inches and larger shall be equipped
with fuel tank or tanks of minimum 60-gallon capacity with a 50-gallon actual
draw.
(2) No
portion of the fuel system, which is located outside the engine compartment,
except the filler tube, shall extend above the top of the chassis frame
rail. Fuel lines shall be mounted to
obtain maximum possible protection from the chassis frame.
(3)
Fuel filter with replaceable element shall be installed between the fuel
tank and engine.
(4) Fuel tank installation shall be in accordance with design objectives
and all federal motor vehicle safety standards in effect on the date of
manufacture of the bus. Fuel tank(s) may be mounted between the chassis frame
rails or outboard of the frame rails on either the left or right side of the
vehicle.
(5)
The actual draw capacity of each fuel tank shall be 83% of the tank
capacity.
(6) Unless specific agreement has been made between the body and chassis
manufacturers, fuel tanks and filler spouts shall not be located in spaces
restricted by design objectives.
(7) Installation of alternative fuel systems, including fuel tanks and
piping from tank to engine, shall
comply with all applicable fire codes and applicable federal motor vehicle
safety standards in effect on the date of manufacture of the bus. Installation
of LPG tanks shall comply with national fire protection association (NFPA) 58.
P. HEATING SYSTEM: The chassis engine shall have plugged openings for the purpose of
supplying hot water for the bus heating system.
The openings shall be suitable for attaching 3/4-inch pipe thread/hose
connector. The engine shall be capable
of supplying water having a temperature of at least 170 degrees Fahrenheit at a
flow rate of 50 pounds/per minute at the return end of 30 feet of one inch
inside diameter automotive hot water heater hose. (School Transportation
Manufacturing Technical Committee Standard No. 001 - Standard Code for Testing
and Rating Automotive Bus Hot Water Heating and Ventilating Equipment.)
Q. HORN: Bus
shall be equipped with horn or horns of standard make with each horn capable of
producing a complex sound in bands of audio frequencies between 250 and 2,000
cycles per second and tested in accordance with SAE J-377.
R. INSTRUMENTS AND INSTRUMENT PANEL
(1) Chassis shall be equipped with the following instruments and
gauges. (lights in lieu of gauges are
not acceptable, except as noted):
(a)
speedometer;
(b) odometer which will give accrued mileage (to seven digits), including
tenths of miles;
(c)
voltmeter; ammeter with graduated charge and discharge, with ammeter and
its wiring compatible with generating capacities, is permitted in lieu of
voltmeter;
(d)
oil pressure gauge;
(e)
water temperature gauge;
(f)
fuel gauge;
(g)
upper beam headlight indicator light;
(h)
brake indicator gauge light indicator in lieu of gauge is permitted on
vehicle equipped with hydraulic-over-hydraulic brake system;
(i)
turn signal indicator light;
(j) start indicator light where appropriate.
(2) All instruments shall be easily accessible for maintenance and repair.
(3) Instruments and gauges shall be mounted on the instrument panel so that
each is clearly visible to the driver while seated in a normal driving
position.
(4) Instrument panel shall have lamps of sufficient candlepower to
illuminate all instruments and gauges and shift selector indicator for
automatic transmission.
(5) Multi-function gauge (MFG)
(a) The driver must be able to manually select any displayable function of
the gauge on a MFG whenever desired.
(b) Whenever an out-of-limits conditions occurs, which would be displayed
on one or more functions of a MFG, then the MFG controller should automatically
display this condition on the instrument cluster. This should be in the form of an illuminated
tell-tale warning light as well as having the MFG automatically display the
out-of-limits indications. Should two or
more functions displayed on the MFG go out-of-limits simultaneously, then the
MFG should automatically sequence between those functions continuously until
the condition(s) is corrected.
(c) The use of a MFG does not relieve the requirements for audible warning
devices, where required.
S. OIL FILTER: An
oil filter with a replaceable element shall be provided and connected by
flexible oil lines if not a built-in or an engine-mounted design. The oil filter shall have a capacity of at
least one (1) quart.
T. OPENINGS: All
openings in the floorboard or firewall between chassis and passenger
compartment, such as for gearshift selector and parking brake lever, shall be
sealed.
U. PASSENGER LOAD
(1) Actual gross vehicle weight (GVW)
is the sum of the chassis weight, plus the body weight, plus the driver's
weight, plus total seated pupil
weight.
(a)
For purposes of calculation, the driver's weight is 150 pounds.
(b)
For purposes of calculation, the pupil weight is 120 pounds per pupil.
(2) Actual gross vehicle weight (GVW) shall not
exceed the chassis manufacturer's GVWR for the chassis nor shall the actual
weight carried on any axle exceed the chassis manufacturer's GVWR.
(3) Manufacturer's (GVWR) shall be furnished in duplicate (unless more are
requested) by manufacturers to the state agency having pupil transportation
jurisdiction. The state agency shall, in turn, transmit such ratings to other
state agencies responsible for development or enforcement of state standards
for school buses.
V. POWER AND GRADE ABILITY: Shall not exceed the manufacturer’s recommended standards for the vehicle size. A maximum speed limiter shall be set at 75 miles per hour. A lower setting is permissible at the request of the school bus owner. A cruise control mechanism may be installed on school activity buses only.
W. RETARDER SYSTEM (OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT):
Retarder system, if used, shall maintain the speed of the fully loaded school
bus at 19.0 mph or 30 km/hr on a 7% grade for 3.6 miles or 6 km.
X. SHOCK ABSORBERS: The bus shall be equipped with double-action shock absorbers compatible
with manufacturer's rated axle capacity at each wheel location.
Y. STEERING GEAR
(1) The steering gear shall be approved by the chassis manufacturer and
designed to ensure safe and accurate performance when the vehicle is operated
with maximum load and at maximum speed.
(2) If external adjustments are required, steering mechanism shall be
accessible to accomplish same.
(3) No changes shall be made in the steering apparatus, which are not
approved by the chassis manufacturer.
(4) There shall be a clearance of at least 2-inches between the steering
wheel and cowl, instrument panel, windshield, or any other surface.
(5) Power steering is required and shall be of the integral type with
integral valves.
(6) The steering system shall be designed to provide a means for
lubrication of all wear-points, if wear-points are not permanently lubricated.
Z. SUSPENSION SYSTEM: A soft ride suspension system, (taper leaf) low friction parabolic
springs, vari-rate and two stage steel leaf rear springs shall be provided on
type C and D buses where lift equipment is required.
(1) The capacity of springs or suspension assemblies shall be commensurate
with chassis manufacturer’s GVWR rating.
(2) Leaf rear springs shall be a progressive rate or multi-stage
design. Front leaf springs shall have a
stationary eye at one end and shall be protected by wrapped leaf in addition to
the main leaf.
AA. THROTTLE: The
force required to operate the throttle shall not exceed 16 pounds throughout the
full range of accelerator pedal travel.
BB. TIRES AND RIMS
(1) Tires and rims of the proper size and tires with a load rating
commensurate with chassis manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating shall be
provided. The use of multi-piece rims
and/or tube-type tires shall not
be permitted on any school bus ordered after the effective date of these
standards. Rims on activity buses may be chrome or of a team color.
(2) Dual rear tires shall be provided on type A-II, type C, and type D
school buses.
(3) All tires on a vehicle shall be of the same size, and the load range of
the tires shall meet or exceed the GVWR as required by 49 CFR 571.120 (FMVSS).
(4) If the vehicle is equipped with a spare tire and rim assembly, it shall
be the same size as those mounted on the vehicle.
(5) If a tire carrier is required, it shall be suitably mounted in an
accessible location outside the passenger compartment. Exception: On type A vehicles, spare tire and carrier
may be mounted behind the last seat at the rear of the bus if adequately
secured and mounted in such a way as not to interfere with the emergency exit.
CC. TRANSMISSION
(1) Automatic transmissions shall have no fewer than three forward speeds and one reverse speed. The shift selector shall provide a detent
between each gear position when the gear selector quadrant and shift selector
are not steering column mounted.
(2) In manual transmissions, second gear and higher shall be synchronized
except when incompatible with engine power.
A minimum of three forward speeds and one reverse speed shall be
provided.
(3) An electronic control or similar device may be installed to ensure that
automatic transmissions cannot accidentally be moved out of the neutral or park
gear position while the driver is not in the driver’s seat.
(4) A two-speed axle is not permitted.
DD. TURNING RADIUS
(1) A chassis with a wheelbase of 264-inches or less shall have a right and
left turning radius of not more than 42 1/2 feet, curb to curb measurement.
(2) A chassis with a wheelbase of 265-inches or more shall have a right and
left turning radius of not more than 44 1/2 feet, curb to curb measurement.
EE. UNDERCOATING: The
chassis manufacturers or their agent shall coat the undersides of steel or
metallic-constructed front fenders with a rust-proofing compound for which
compound manufacturers have issued notarized certification of compliance to
chassis builder that the compound meets or exceeds all performance and
qualitative requirements using modified tests.
FF. VEHICLE INTERLOCK SYSTEM: School buses equipped with a power lift shall meet 49 CFR 571.403 and 571.404 (FMVSS).
[7-01-96; 6.40.2.9
NMAC - Rn, 6 NMAC 9.2.10 & A, 7-31-2000; A, 07-15-2003; A, 11-15-2005; A,
12-30-2010]
6.40.2.10 BUS
BODY STANDARDS
A. AIR CONDITIONING (optional
equipment): Air conditioning
systems must meet manufacture standards.
B. AISLE
(1) All emergency doors shall be accessible by a 12-inches minimum
aisle. Aisle shall be unobstructed at
all times by any type of barrier, seat, wheelchair or tie down, unless a flip
seat is installed and occupied. A flip
seat in the unoccupied (up) position shall not obstruct the 12-inches minimum
aisle to any side emergency door.
(2) The seat backs shall be slanted sufficiently to give aisle clearance of
15-inches at tops of seat backs.
(3) All school buses equipped with a power lift shall provide a 30"
aisle leading from any wheelchair/mobility aid position to at least one
emergency door and the lift area.
C. BACK-UP WARNING ALARM (optional
equipment): An automatic
audible alarm may be installed behind the rear axle and shall comply with the
published backup alarm standards (SAE 994), providing a minimum of 112 dBA for
rubber- tired vehicles.
D. BATTERY
(1) Battery is to be furnished by
chassis manufacturer.
(2) When the battery is mounted as
described in the chassis section, the body manufacturer shall attach the
battery securely on a slide-out or swing-out tray in a closed, vented
compartment in the body skirt, so that the battery is accessible for convenient
servicing from the outside. Battery
compartment door or cover shall be hinged at front or top, and secured by a
locking system. On all type A buses, one or both batteries may be mounted in
the engine compartment in an accessible location.
(3) Buses may be equipped with a
battery shut-off switch. The switch is
to be placed in a location not readily accessible to the driver or passengers.
(optional equipment)
E. BUMPER (FRONT): On a type "D" school bus, if the
chassis manufacturer does not provide a bumper, it shall be provided by the
body manufacturer. The bumper will
conform to the standards in the chassis section.
F. BUMPER (REAR)
(1) Bumper shall be pressed steel channel or equivalent material, at least
3/16-inches thick, and shall be a minimum of 9 1/2-inches wide (high) on types
A-II, C and D buses and of sufficient strength to permit being pushed by
another vehicle without permanent distortion.
(2) Bumper shall be wrapped around back corners of the bus. It shall extend forward at least 12-inches,
measured from the rear-most point of the body at the floor line and shall be
flush mounted to body side or protected with an end panel.
(3) Bumper shall be attached to the chassis frame in such a manner that it
may be easily removed. It shall be so
braced as to withstand impact from a rear or side impact. It shall be so attached as to discourage
hitching of rides.
(4) Bumper shall extend at least 1-inch beyond rear-most part of body
surface measured at the floor line.
G. CHAINS (TIRE) (optional equipment): See wheel housing
H. COLOR
(1) The school bus body shall be painted national school bus yellow (NSBY).
(2) The body exterior paint trim shall be black.
(3) The roof of the bus shall be painted white extending down to the drip
rails on the sides of the body, except that front and rear roof caps shall
remain national school bus yellow.
I. COMMUNICATIONS: All school buses may be
equipped with a two-way electronic voice communications system, which can be
used at any point in the vehicle's route.
J. CONSTRUCTION:
(1) Side intrusion test: The
bus body shall be so constructed to withstand an intrusion force equal to the
curb weight of the vehicle; but not to exceed twenty thousand (20,000) pounds,
whichever is less. Each vehicle shall be capable of meeting this requirement
when tested in accordance with the procedures set forth below. The complete
body structure, or a representative seven (7) body section mock up, with seats
installed shall be load tested at a location twenty-four inches (24”) plus or
minus two inches (2”) above the floor line, with a maximum 10-inch diameter
cylinder, forty-eight inches (48”) long, mounted in a horizontal plane. The
cylinder shall be placed as close as practical to the mid point of the tested
structure, spanning two internal vertical structural members. The cylinder shall be statically loaded to
the required force of the curb weight or twenty thousand (20,000) pounds,
whichever is less, in a horizontal plane with the load applied from the
exterior toward the interior of the test structure. Once the minimum load has been applied, the
penetration of the loading cylinder into the passenger compartment shall not
exceed a maximum of ten inches (10”) from its original point of contact. There can be no separation of lapped panels
or construction joints. Punctures,
tears, or breaks in the external panels are acceptable; but are not permitted
on any adjacent interior panel. Body companies shall certify compliance with
this intrusion requirement; including test results, if requested.
(2) Construction shall be reasonably dust-proof
watertight.
K. CROSSING CONTROL ARM: A
crossing control arm if equipped shall be placed on the front bumper and shall
have a positive locking device. The operation of the crossing control arm shall
be equipped with a shut off control switch located in the driver compartment.
(1) Buses equipped with a crossing control arm shall be mounted on the
right side of the front bumper, and shall open to a 90° angle.
(2)
All components of the crossing control arm and all connections shall be
weatherproofed.
(3)
The crossing control arm shall incorporate system connectors
(electrical, vacuum, or air) at the gate and shall be easily removable to allow
for towing of the bus.
(4) The crossing control arm shall meet or exceed SAE Standard J1133.
(5) The crossing control arm shall be constructed of noncorrosive or
nonferrous material or treated in accordance with the body sheet metal
standard, See METAL TREATMENT Section 11 (29).
(6) There shall be no sharp edges or projections that could cause hazard or
injury to students.
(7) The crossing control arm shall extend approximately 72-inches from the
front bumper when in the extended position.
(8) The crossing control arms shall extend simultaneously with the stop
arm(s) by means of the stop arm controls.
L. DEFROSTERS
(1) Defrosting and defogging equipment shall direct a sufficient flow of
heated air onto the windshield, the window to the left of the driver, and the
glass in the viewing area directly to the right of the driver to eliminate
frost, fog and snow.
(2) The defrosting system shall conform to SAE standards J381 and J382.
(3) The defroster and defogging system shall be capable of furnishing
heated outside ambient air, except the part of the system furnishing additional
air to the windshield, entrance door and step well may be of the re-circulating
air type.
(4) Auxiliary fans are not considered defrosting or defogging systems.
(5) Portable heaters shall not be used.
M. DOORS
(1) Service door
(a) Service door shall be in the drivers control, and designed to afford easy release and provide a positive latching device. An air or electric assist system shall be provided.
(b) Service door shall be located on the right side of the bus, opposite and
within direct view of driver.
(c)
Service door shall have a minimum horizontal opening of 24-inches and a
minimum vertical opening of 68-inches.
(d)
Service door shall be a split-type, sedan-type, or jack-knife type. (Split-type door includes any sectioned door,
which divides and opens inward or outward.)
If one section of a split-type door opens inward and the other opens
outward, the front section shall open outward.
(e)
Lower as well as upper door panels shall be of approved safety
glass. Bottom of each lower glass panel
shall not be more than 10-inches from the top surface of bottom step. Top of each upper glass panel shall not be
more than 3-inches from the top of the door.
Type A vehicles shall have an upper panel (windows) of safety glass with
an area of at least 350 square inches.
(f)
Vertical closing edges on split-type or folding-type entrance doors
shall be equipped with flexible material to protect children's fingers.
(g) There shall be no door to left of driver on type C or D vehicles. All type A vehicles may be equipped with
chassis manufacturer's standard door.
(h)
All doors shall be equipped with padding at the top edge of each door
opening. Padding shall be at least 3-inches wide and 1-inch thick and extend
the full width of the door opening.
(i) On
power operated service doors the emergency release valve, switch or device to
release the service door must be placed above or to the immediate left or right
of the service door and clearly labeled.
(2) [Reserved]
N. DRIVER COMPARTMENT
(1) Driver seat supplied by the body company shall be a high back six way
adjustable seat with a minimum seat back adjustment of 15 degrees, not
requiring the use of tools, and with a head restraint to accommodate a 95th
percentile adult male, as defined in 49 CFR 571.208 (FMVSS). The driver seat shall be secured with nuts,
bolts, and washers or flanged-headed nuts.
(2) Driver seat positioning and range of adjustments shall be designed to
accommodate comfortable actuation of the foot control pedals by 95% of the
male/female adult population.
(3) Exception: Type A bus standard high back seat.
(4) A type 2 lap belt/shoulder harness shall be provided for the
driver. The lap belt and shoulder
harness shall be integrated into the seat design and not anchored to the side
of the bus body or the floor. The
assembly shall be equipped with an emergency locking retractor (ELR) for the
continuous belt system. On all buses
except type A equipped with standard chassis manufacturer's driver seat, the
lap portion of the belt shall be guided or anchored to prevent the driver from
sliding sideways under it. The lap
belt/shoulder harness shall be designed to allow for easy adjustment in order
to fit properly and effectively protect drivers varying from 5th percentile
female to 95th percentile male.
O. EMERGENCY EXITS
(1) Emergency door(s) and other emergency exits shall comply with the
requirements of 49 CFR 571.217 (FMVSS) and any of the requirements of these
standards that exceed 49 CFR 571.217 (FMVSS).
(2) Emergency door requirements
(a)
Upper portion of the emergency door shall be equipped with approved
safety glazing, exposed area of which shall be at least 400 square inches. The lower portion of the rear emergency doors
on types A-II, C, and D vehicles shall be equipped with a minimum of 350 square
inches of approved safety glazing.
(b) There shall be no steps leading to an emergency door.
(c)
The words "EMERGENCY DOOR," in letters at least 2-inches high,
shall be placed at the top of or directly above the emergency door, or on the
door in the metal panel above the top glass, both inside and outside the bus.
(d) The emergency door(s) shall be equipped with padding at top edge of
each door opening. Padding shall be at
least 3-inches wide and 1-inch thick, and extend the full width of the door
opening.
(e) The side emergency door, if installed, must meet the requirements as
set forth in 49 CFR 571.217 (FMVSS), regardless of its use with any other
combination of emergency exits.
(f) There
shall be no obstruction higher than 1/4-inch across the bottom of any emergency
door opening.
(g) The rear emergency window shall have an assisted lifting device that
will aid in lifting and holding the rear emergency window open.
(3) Emergency exit requirements shall comply with 49 CFR 571.217 (FMVSS).
P. EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT
(1) Fire extinguisher
(a)
The bus shall be equipped with at least one UL-approved pressurized, dry
chemical fire extinguisher. Extinguisher
shall be mounted in a bracket, located in the driver compartment and readily
accessible to the driver and passengers. A pressure gauge shall be mounted on
the extinguisher and be easily read without moving the extinguisher from its
mounted position.
(b) The fire extinguisher shall have a total rating of 2A10BC or
greater. The operating mechanism shall
be sealed with a type of seal, which will not interfere with the use of the
fire extinguisher.
(2) First-aid kit
(a) The bus shall have a
removable moisture-proof and dust-proof first aid kit in an accessible place in
the driver compartment. It shall be
properly mounted and identified as a first aid kit. The location for the first
aid kit shall be marked. Contents of first aid kit shall be in compliance with
the following standards.
(b)
A first-aid kit for all school buses is described as follows: 2 - 1 inch x 2 1/2 yards adhesive tape rolls,
24 - sterile gauze pads 3 inches x 3 inches, 100 - 3/4 inches x 3 inches
adhesive bandages, 8 - 2 inches bandage
compress, 10 - 3 inches bandage
compress, 2 - 2 inches x 6 yds. sterile gauze roller bandages, 2 - non-sterile
triangular bandages approximately 40 inches x 36 inches x 54 inches with 2
safety pins, 3 - sterile gauze pads 36 inches x 36 inches, 3 - sterile eye
pads, 1 - rounded-end scissors, 1 - pair of medical examination gloves, 1 -
mouth-to-mouth airway.
(3) Body fluid clean-up kit: Each bus shall have a removable and
moisture-proof body fluid clean-up kit accessible to the driver. It shall be properly mounted and identified
as a body fluid clean-up kit. Contents
of body fluid clean-up kit shall include: 1 - Disposable bag with securement
device, 1 - Scoop, 1- Scraper, 1- Disinfectant, 1- Surface wipe, 1- Pair of
medical examination gloves.
(4) Warning devices: Each school bus shall contain at least three (3)
reflectorized triangle road-warning devices mounted in an accessible
place. These devices must meet
requirements in 49 CFR 571.125 (FMVSS) and must be mounted in an accessible
location in the driver compartment.
(5) Any of the emergency equipment may be mounted in an enclosed
compartment, provided the compartment is labeled in not less than one inch
letters, stating the piece(s) of equipment contained therein. The enclosed
compartment shall be located in the driver compartment.
(6) Fuses are not permitted.
Q. FLOORS
(1) Floor in under-seat area, including tops of wheel housing, driver
compartment and toeboard, shall be covered with rubber floor covering or
equivalent, having a minimum overall thickness of .125-inches. The driver area
on all type A buses may be manufacturer's standard flooring and floor covering.
(2) Floor covering in aisles shall be of aisle-type rubber or equivalent,
wear-resistant and ribbed. Minimum overall thickness shall be .187-inches
measured from tops of ribs.
(3) Floor covering must be permanently bonded to floor and must not crack
when subjected to sudden changes in temperature. Bonding or adhesive material shall be
waterproof and shall be a type recommended by the manufacturer of
floor-covering material. All seams must
be sealed with waterproof sealer.
(4) On types C and D buses a flush-mounted screw-down plate that is secured and insulated shall be provided to
access the fuel tank sending unit or fuel pump.
R. GLAZING: Glazing shall not exceed 28% and shall be
installed in all doors, windows, and windshields consistent with federal,
state, and local regulations.
S. HANDRAILS: At
least one handrail shall be installed.
The handrail(s) shall assist passengers during entry or egress, and be
designed to prevent entanglement, as evidenced by passage of the NHTSA string
and nut test.
T. HEATING AND AIR
CONDITIONING SYSTEMS
(1) Heater shall be hot-water and/or combustion type.
(2) If only one heater is used, it shall be fresh-air or combination
fresh-air and recirculation type.
(3) If more than one heater is used, additional heaters may be
re-circulating air type.
(4) The heating system shall be capable of maintaining bus interior
temperatures as specified in SAE test procedure J2233.
(5) Auxiliary fuel-fired heating systems are not permitted.
(6) All heaters installed by body manufacturers shall bear a nameplate that
indicates the heater rating in accordance with SBMTC Standard No. 001. The plate shall be affixed by the heater
manufacturer and shall constitute certification that the heater performance is
as shown on the plate.
(7) Heater hoses shall be adequately supported to guard against excessive
wear due to vibration. The hoses shall not dangle or rub against the chassis or
any sharp edges and shall not interfere with or restrict the operation of any
engine function. Heater hoses shall conform to SAE Standard J20. Heater lines on the interior of bus shall be
shielded to prevent scalding of the driver or passengers.
(8) Each hot water system installed by a body manufacturer shall include
one shut-off valve in the pressure line and one shut-off valve in the return
line with both valves at the engine in an accessible location, except that on
all type A buses, the valves may be installed in another accessible location.
(9) There shall be a water flow regulating valve installed in the pressure
line for convenient operation by the driver while seated.
(10) All combustion heaters shall be in compliance with current federal
motor carrier safety regulations.
(11) Accessible bleeder valves shall be installed in an appropriate place in
the return lines of body company-installed heaters to remove air from the
heater lines.
(12) Access panels shall be provided
to make heater motors, cores, and fans readily accessible for service. Outside access panel may be provided for the
driver heater.
(13) Air conditioning
(optional) may be equipped.
U. HINGES: All
exposed metal door hinges subject to corrosion shall be designed to allow
lubrication to be channeled to the center 75% of each hinge loop without
disassembly.
V. IDENTIFICATION
(1) Body shall bear words "SCHOOL BUS" in black letters at least
8-inches high on both front and rear of body or on signs attached thereto. Lettering shall be placed as high as possible
without impairment of visibility.
Letters shall conform to "Series B" of standard alphabets for
highway signs. "SCHOOL BUS"
lettering shall have a reflective background, or as an option, may be
illuminated by backlighting.
(2) The name of the school district shall be displayed in the belt line.
(3) Optional lettering may be displayed
as follows:
(a)
The name of the owner or operator identification may be displayed on the
side of the bus but cannot be more than 10X10 inches.
(b)
The location of the battery(ies) may be identified by the word "BATTERY" or "BATTERIES" on the battery
compartment door in 2-inch lettering.
(c) Manufacturer, dealer or school identification or logos. Team logos of team colors may be painted on the sides of the school bus, not to interfere with driver(s) visibility.
(d)
Symbols identifying the bus as equipped for or transporting students
with special needs may display (on the front and/or side of the bus as close to
the special service entrance where it is visible when the door is in it's open
position) the international symbol of accessibly. Such emblems shall be white on blue
background, shall not exceed 12-inches in size, and shall be of a
high-intensity reflectorized material meeting U.S. department of transportation
FHA FP-85 standards.
(e) Lettering on the rear of the bus relating to school bus flashing signal
lamps, railroad stop procedures and no right turn.
(f) Identification of fuel type shall be in 2-inch lettering adjacent to
the fuel filler opening.
(4) A school bus numbering system is required.
(a)
Location: Side-on the panel immediately below the first passenger window
on each side; or on the first passenger window if there is a need for changing
numbers; or placed above the service door on the right side and above the
driver window on the left side. Front and rear - on each bumper or other
location that would be readily visible; or in the right-hand corner of the
windshield and right-hand rear window so as not to obstruct driver vision, if
there is need for changing numbers.
(b)
Size: Numbers a minimum of five inches (5") in height.
(c)
Color: Black on national school bus yellow background or national school
bus yellow on black background. In addition the operator may have a vehicle
control # displayed on the front and/or back of the bus, but not larger than
1-inch black lettering. Buses purchased exclusively for activities may be of a
team color and have school district logo on the side or the roofline of the
bus. A school bus identified as an "activity bus" may have a lighted
front sign, which may allow for a "logo" or team name in lieu of
school bus. These buses are prohibited from use for to and from school. Logos
may be school district team colors.
W. INSIDE HEIGHT: Inside
body height shall be 72-inches or more, measured metal to metal, at any point
on longitudinal center line from front vertical bow to rear vertical bow.
X. INSULATION
(1) Ceiling and walls shall be insulated with the proper material to deaden
sound and to reduce vibration to a minimum. If thermal insulation is specified,
it shall be fire-resistant, UL approved, and approximately 1-1/2-inch thick
with minimum R-value of 5.5. Insulation
shall be installed to prevent sagging and shall not be of an animal origin.
(2) Floor insulation is required and shall be
either 5 ply nominal 5/8-inch thick plywood, or a material of equal or greater
strength and insulation R value, and it shall equal or exceed properties of the
exterior-type softwood plywood, C-D grade as specified in standard issued by
U.S. department of commerce. When
plywood is used, all exposed edges shall be sealed.
Y. INTERIOR
(1) Interior of bus shall be free of all unnecessary projections, which
include luggage racks and attendant handrails, to minimize the potential for
injury. (Attendant rails may be
permitted in wheelchair lift equipped buses) This standard requires inner
lining on ceilings and walls. If ceiling
is constructed to contain lapped joints, forward panel shall be lapped by rear
panel and exposed edges shall be beaded, hemmed, flanged, or otherwise treated
to minimize sharp edges. Buses may be
equipped with a storage compartment for tools, tire chains, and/or tow chains
(See storage compartment section WW).
(2) Interior overhead storage compartments may be provided on an activity
school bus if they meet the following criteria:
(a)
meet head protection requirements of 49 CFR 571.222 (FMVSS), where
applicable;
(b) have a maximum rated capacity displayed for each compartment;
(c)
have all corners and edges rounded with a minimum radius of 1-inch or
padded equivalent to door header padding;
(d) must be attached to the
bus sufficiently to withstand a force equal to twenty (20) times the maximum
rated capacity;
(e) shall have no protrusions greater than 1/4-inch.
(3) The driver area forward of the foremost padded barriers will permit the
mounting of required safety equipment and vehicle operation equipment.
(4) Every school bus shall be constructed so that the noise level taken at
the ear of the occupant nearest to the primary vehicle noise source shall not
exceed 85 dBA when tested.
Z. LAMPS AND SIGNALS
(1) Interior lamps shall be provided which adequately illuminate aisle and
step well. Step well light shall be illuminated by a service door operated
switch, to illuminate only when headlights and/or clearance lights are on and
service door is open.
(2) Body instrument panel lights shall be controlled by an independent
rheostat switch.
(3) School bus alternately flashing signal lamps:
(a)
Bus shall be equipped with two light emitting diodes (LED) red lamps at
the rear of vehicle and two LED red lamps at the front of the vehicle.
(b) In
addition to the four red lamps described above, four LED amber lamps shall be
installed so that one amber lamp is located near each red signal lamp, at same
level, but closer to vertical centerline of bus. The system of red and amber
signal lamps shall be wired so that amber lamps are energized manually, and red
lamps are automatically energized (with amber lamps being automatically
de-energized) when stop signal arm is extended or when bus service door is
opened. An amber pilot light and a red
pilot light shall be installed adjacent to the driver controls for the flashing
signal lamp to indicate to the driver which lamp system is activated.
(c)
Area around lens of each alternately flashing signal lamp and extending
outward approximately 3-inches shall be black in color. In installations where there is no flat vertical
portion of body immediately surrounding entire lens of lamp, a circular or
square band of black approximately 3-inches wide, immediately below and to both
sides of the lens, shall be black in color on body or roof area against which
signal lamp is seen (from distance of 500 feet along axis of vehicle). Visors
or hoods, black in color, with a minimum depth of 4-inches shall be provided.
(d) Red lamps shall flash at any time the stop signal arm is extended. An optional headlight wig-wag warning system may be installed to operate only when the red lamps are flashing.
(e)
All flashers for alternately flashing red and amber signal lamps shall
be enclosed in the body in a readily accessible location.
(4) Turn signal and stop/tail lamps:
(a)
Bus body shall be equipped with amber rear turn signal LED lamps that
are at least 7-inches in diameter or if a shape other than round, a minimum 38 square
inches of illuminated area and meet SAE specifications. These signal lamps must
be connected to the chassis hazard warning switch to cause simultaneous
flashing of turn signal lamps when needed as vehicular traffic hazard warning. Turn signal lamps are to be placed as wide
apart as practical and their centerline shall be approximately 8 inches below
the rear window.
(b) Buses shall be equipped with amber side-mounted turn signal
lights. The turn signal lamp on the left
side shall be mounted rearward of the stop signal arm and the turn signal lamp
on the right side shall be mounted rearward of the service door.
(c) Buses shall be equipped with four combination red stop/tail lamps: Two
combination lamps with a minimum diameter of 7-inches, or if a shape other than
round, a minimum 38 square inches of illuminated area shall be mounted on the
rear of the bus just inside the turn signal lamps. Two combination lamps with a
minimum diameter of 4-inches, or if a shape other than round, a minimum 12
square inches of illuminated area shall be placed on the rear of the body
between the beltline and the floor line. Rear license plate lamp may be
combined with one lower tail lamp. Stop
lamps shall be activated by the service brakes and shall emit a steady light
when illuminated. Type A-II buses with
bodies supplied by chassis manufacturer may have manufacturer's standard stop
and tail lamps.
(5) On buses equipped with a monitor for the front and rear lamps of the
school bus, the monitor shall be mounted in full view of the driver. If the full circuit current passes through
the monitor, each circuit shall be protected by a fuse or circuit breaker
against any short circuit or intermittent shorts.
(6) An optional white flashing strobe light may be installed on the roof of
a school bus, not to exceed 1/3 the body length forward from the rear of the
roof edge. Light shall have a single
clear lens emitting light 360 degrees around its vertical axis and may not
extend above the roof more than maximum legal height. A manual switch and a
pilot light shall be included to indicate when light is in operation. Optionally, the strobe light may be mounted
on the roof in the area directly over the driver side crash barrier, and may be
wired to activate with the amber alternately flashing signal lamps, continuing
through the full loading or unloading cycle, with an override switch to allow
activation of the strobe at any time for use in inclement weather.
(7) Backup lamps: Bus body shall be equipped with two white rear backup
lamp signals that are at least 4-inches in diameter or, if a shape other than
round, a minimum of 13 square inches of illuminated area, meeting SAE
specifications. If backup lamps are placed on the same line as the brake lamps
and turn signal lamps, they shall be to the inside.
AA. METAL TREATMENT
(1) All metal used in construction of bus body shall be zinc-coated or
aluminum-coated or treated by equivalent process before bus is
constructed. Included are such items as
structural members, inside and outside panels, door panels and floor sills. Excluded are such items as door handles, grab
handles, interior decorative parts and other interior plated parts.
(2) All metal parts that will be painted shall be, in addition to above
requirements, chemically cleaned, etched, zinc-phosphate-coat and zinc-chromate
or epoxy primed or conditioned by equivalent process.
(3) In providing for these requirements, particular attention shall be
given lapped surfaces, welded connections of structural members, cut edges
punched or drilled hole areas in sheet metal, closed or box sections, unvented
or undrained areas and surfaces subjected to abrasion during vehicle operation.
(4) As evidence that above requirements have been met, samples of materials
and sections used in construction of the bus body subjected to 1,000-hour salt
spray test and shall not lose more than 10 percent of material by weight.
BB. MIRRORS
(1) 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. All type A
buses shall have a minimum of 6-inches x 16-inches mirror and types C and D
buses shall have a minimum of 6-inches x 30-inches mirror.
(2) Each school bus shall be equipped with
exterior mirrors meeting the requirements of 49 CFR 571.111 (FMVSS) Exterior
rearview mirrors shall be mounted to the school bus body. Mirrors shall be electrical
remote, but shall be braced with up to one (1”) inch mounting brace so as to
reduce vibration. The mirror system
shall be an independent system consisting of one (1) flat glass mirror assembly
and one (1) convex mirror assembly separated by a minimum of two inches per side of the vehicle.
(3) The cross view mirror, reflective surface
shall be of a type for maximum, low light, visibility. The lens shall present the driver with a
flat, horizontal top surface, which limits the upward view of the sky and solar
glare and shall provide for lateral adjustment only.
(4) Heated external mirrors may be used.
CC. MOUNTING
(1) Chassis frame shall support rear body cross member. Bus body shall be attached to chassis frame
at each main floor sill, except where chassis components interfere, in such
manner as to prevent shifting or separation of the body from the chassis under
severe operating conditions.
(2) Insulation material shall be placed at all contact points between body
and chassis frame on types A-II, C, and D buses, and shall be so attached to
the chassis frame or body that it will not move under severe operating
conditions.
DD. OVERALL LENGTH: Overall
length of bus shall not exceed 45 feet, excluding accessories.
EE. OVERALL
WIDTH: Overall width of bus shall be a
minimum of 95 inches and shall not exceed 102-inches excluding accessories.
FF. PASSENGER CAPACITY RATING: In determining the passenger capacity of a school bus for purposes other
than actual passenger load (i.e., vehicle classification, or various
billing/reimbursement models), any location in a school bus intended for
securement of an occupied wheelchair/mobility aid during vehicle operations may
be regarded as four designated seating positions. Similarly, each lift area may be regarded as
four designated seating positions.
GG. POWER LIFTS AND RAMPS: Power lift shall be located on the right rear side of the bus body and
shall comply with the requirements of the implementing regulation to the Americans
with Disability Act (ADA) as found in 36 CFR 1192.23. Exception: Buses
exclusively used for special education may place lift on front side of the
bus. The lift may be located on the left
side of the bus if, and only if, the bus is primarily used to deliver students
to the left side of the one way streets.
(1) A
ramp device may be used in lieu of a mechanical lift if the ramp meets all the
requirements of the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) as found in 36 CFR
1192.23 (c) Vehicle ramp.
(2) A
ramp device which does not meet the specifications of ADA but does meet the
specifications of paragraph C3 of this section may be installed and used, when,
and only when a power lift system is not adequate to load and unload students
having special and unique needs. A
readily accessible ramp my also be installed for emergency exit use. If stowed in the passenger compartment, the
ramp must be properly secured and located away from general passenger
contact. It must not obstruct or
restrict any aisle or exit while in its stowed or deployed position.
(3) All vehicles covered by this specification shall provide a level-change
mechanism or boarding device (e.g., lift or ramp) complying with (b) or (c) of
36 CFR 1192.23 and sufficient clearances to permit a wheelchair or other
mobility aid user to reach a securement location.
HH. PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEM (optional
equipment)
(1) Buses may be equipped with an AM/FM/Audio and/or public address system
having interior and exterior speakers.
(2) No internal speakers, other than
driver’s communication systems may be installed within four feet of the
driver’s seat back in its rearmost upright position.
II. REFLECTIVE MATERIAL
(1) Front and/or rear bumper may be marked diagonally 45 degrees down to
centerline of pavement with 2-inches "1/4-inch wide strips of
non-contrasting reflective material.
(2) Rear of bus body shall be marked with strips of reflective NSBY
material to outline the perimeter of the back of the bus using material which
conforms with the requirements of 49 CFR 571.571 (FMVSS). The perimeter marking of rear emergency exits
per 49 CFR 571.217 (FMVSS) and/or the use of reflective “SCHOOL BUS” signs
below partially accomplishes the objective of this requirement. To complete the
perimeter marking of the back of the bus, strips of at least 1 3/4-inches
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; and vertical
strips shall be applied at the corners connecting these horizontal strips.
(3) "SCHOOL BUS" signs, if not of lighted design, shall be marked
with reflective NSBY material comprising background for lettering of the front
and/or rear "SCHOOL BUS" signs.
(4) Sides of bus body shall be marked with reflective NSBY material at
least 1 3/4-inches in width, extending the length of the bus body and located
(vertically) between the floor line and the beltline. Reflectivity of stop
signal arm is to be addressed under stop signal arm section. Signs, if used, placed on the rear of the bus
relating to school bus flashing signal lamps or railroad stop procedure may be
of reflective material.
JJ. REGULAR SERVICE ENTRANCE: On power-lift equipped vehicles, step shall be full width of the step
well, excluding the thickness of doors in open position.
KK. RESTRAINING DEVICES
(1) Seat frames may be equipped with attachments or devices to which belts,
restraining harnesses or other devices may be attached. Attachment framework or anchorage devices, if
installed, shall conform with 49 CFR 571.210 (FMVSS).
(2) Seat belt assemblies, if installed, shall conform to 49 CFR 571.209
(FMVSS).
(3) Child restraint systems, which are used to facilitate the
transportation of children who in other modes of transportation would be
required to use a child, infant, or booster seat, shall conform to 49 CFR
571.213 (FMVSS).
(4) School buses designated for transporting children weighing less than 50
pounds shall be equipped with the appropriate number of child safety restraint
system (CSRS) anchorage’s in accordance with applicable federal motor vehicle
safety standards (FMVSS).
(a) School bus seats designated for child safety restraint systems shall be
located at the front of the bus. If
seats are shared with a child safety restraint system the child safety
restraint system shall be placed in the window seating position.
(b) The
maximum spacing specified under FMVSS No. 222, school bus passenger seating and
crash protection is recommended for seats designated for child safety restraint
systems.
(c) Instructions shall be provided by the school bus or seat manufacturer
on how to install the restraint systems.
(5) (Optional equipment). Integrated child restraint seats may be provided which are rated for children 20 - 85 lbs and must contain; two separate shoulder belt adjustment slots to allow shoulder belt to be adjusted higher for taller children and lower for shorter children; a two piece fold under insert pad for "booster seat" style cushion; a seat back maximum width of 3.5 inches; and an insert and complete three or four point belt assembly that is easily removable for maintenance or replacement by removing a maximum of 4 anchors in the front of the insert without having to unfasten or remove the cover or foam.
LL. RUB RAILS
(1) There shall be one rub rail located on each side of bus approximately
at seat level which shall extend from rear side of entrance door completely
around bus body (except emergency door or any maintenance access door) to point
of curvature near outside cowl on left side.
(2) There shall be one rub rail located approximately at floor line which
shall cover the same longitudinal area as upper rub rail, except at wheel
housing, and shall extend only to radii of right and left rear corners.
(3) Both rub rails shall be attached at each body post and all other
upright structural members.
(4) Both rub rails shall be 4-inches or more in width in their finished
form, shall be of 16-gauge steel or suitable material of equivalent strength.
(5) Both rub rails shall be applied outside body or outside body
posts. Pressed-in or snap-on rub rails
do not satisfy this requirement. For
types A-II, C and D buses using rear luggage or rear engine compartment, rub
rails need not extend around rear corners.
(6) There shall be a rub rail or equivalent bracing located horizontally at
the bottom edge of the body side skirts.
MM. SEATING ARRANGEMENTS: Flexibility in seat spacing to accommodate special devices shall be
permitted to meet passenger requirements. All seating shall be forward-facing.
No seating position shall be placed within an aisle and no seating position
shall be placed in front of an emergency door.
NN. SEAT AND
CRASH BARRIERS
(1) All seat frames shall be of the type and construction adaptable for
seat belts and other adaptive assistive equipment.
(2) All seats shall have a minimum depth of 15-inches. All seat backs shall
be a minimum of 28 inches high and a minimum 20-inches from seating reference
point.
(3) In determining seating capacity of bus, allowable average rump width
shall be:
(a) 13-inches where 3-3 seating plan is used.
(b)
15-inches where 3-2 seating plan is used.
(4) All restraining barriers and passenger seats shall be constructed with
materials that enable them to meet the criteria contained in the school bus
seats upholstery fire block test.
(5) Each seat leg shall be secured to the floor by a minimum of two (2)
bolts, washers, and nuts. Flange-head nuts may be used in lieu of nuts and
washers, or seats may be track-mounted in conformance with 49 CFR 571.222
(FMVSS). If track seating is installed,
the manufacturer shall supply minimum and maximum seat spacing dimensions
applicable to the bus, which comply with 49 CFR 571.222 (FMVSS). This information shall be on a label
permanently affixed to the bus.
(6) All seat frames attached to the seat rail shall be fastened with two
(2) bolts, washers and nuts or flange-headed nuts.
(7) Type A-II school bus bodies shall be equipped with restraining barriers
conforming to 49 CFR 571.222 (FMVSS).
(8) A flip seat is not permitted, with the exception of the activity vehicle.
OO. SECUREMENT AND RESTRAINT SYSTEM FOR
WHEELCHAIR/MOBILITY AID AND OCCUPANT: Track seating is required. 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 in 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 of the
wheelchair/mobility aid and the occupant.
(1) Securement and restraint system--general
(a)
The wheelchair/mobility aid securement and occupant restraint system
shall be designed, installed, and operated to accommodate passengers in a
forward-facing orientation within the bus and shall comply with all applicable
requirements of 49 CFR 571.222 (FMVSS).
Gurney type devices shall be secured parallel to the side of each bus.
(b)
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.
(c)
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.
(d)
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 49 CFR 571.209 (FMVSS).
(e)
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.
(f)
The occupant restraint system shall be designed to be attached to the
bus body either directly or in combination with the wheelchair/mobility aid
securement system, by a method which prohibits the transfer of weight or force
form the wheelchair/mobility aid to the occupant in the event of an impact.
(g) When an occupied wheelchair/mobility aid is secured in accordance with
the manufacturer's instructions, the securement and restraint system shall
limit the movement of the occupied wheelchair/mobility aid to no more than
2-inches in any direction under normal driving conditions.
(h)
The securement and restraint system shall incorporate an identification
scheme, which will allow for the easy identification of the various components
and their functions. It shall consist of
one of the following, or combination thereof:
(i) The wheelchair/mobility
aid securement (webbing or strap assemblies) and the occupant restraint belt
assemblies shall be of contrasting color or color shade when available.
(ii) The wheelchair/mobility
aid securement device (webbing or strap assemblies) and 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.
(i)
All attachment or coupling devices designed to be connected or
disconnected frequently shall be accessible and operable without the use of
tools or other mechanical assistance.
(j) All securement and restraint system hardware and components shall be
free of sharp or jagged areas and shall be a non-corrosive material or treated
to resist corrosion in accordance with 49 CFR 571.209 (FMVSS).
(k)
The securement and restraint system shall be located and installed such
that when an occupied wheelchair/mobility aid is secured, it does not block
access to the lift door.
(l) A device for storage of the securement and restraint system shall be
provided. When the system is not in use,
the storage device shall allow for clean storage of the system, shall keep the
system securely contained within the passenger compartment, shall provide
reasonable protection from vandalism, and shall enable the system to be readily
accessed for use.
(m)
The entire securement and restraint system, including the storage
device, shall meet the flammability standards established in 49 CFR 571.302
(FMVSS).
(n)
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 49 CFR 571 (FMVSS)
requirements, as well as the current national recommendations for school
buses. In addition, the system
manufacturer, or an authorized representative, upon request by the original
titled purchaser, shall provide a notarized certificate of conformance, either
original or photocopied, which states that the wheelchair/mobility aid
securement and occupant restraint system meets all of the requirements as
specified in 49 CFR 571.222 (FMVSS).
(o)
The following information shall be provide with each vehicle equipped
with a securement and restraint system:
(i) 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.
(ii) 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.
(p)
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.
(2) Wheelchair/mobility aid securement system
(a)
Each securement system location shall consist of a minimum of four
anchorage points. A minimum of two anchorage points shall be located in front
of the wheelchair/mobility aid and a minimum of two anchorage points shall be
located in the rear. The securement
anchorages shall be attached to the floor of the vehicle and shall not
interfere with passenger movement or present any hazardous condition.
(b) Each securement system location shall have a minimum clear floor area
of 30-inches by 48-inches. Additional
floor area may be required for some applications. Consultation between the user and the
manufacturer is recommended to ensure adequate area is provided.
(c) The securement system shall secure common wheelchair/mobility aids and
shall be able to be attached easily by a person having average dexterity and
who is familiar with the system and wheelchair/mobility aid.
(d) As installed, each securement anchorage shall be capable of
withstanding a minimum force of 3,000 pounds (13.344 Newtons) when applied as
specified in 49 CFR 571.222 (FMVSS).
When more than one securement device share a common anchorage, the
anchorage shall be capable of withstanding the force indicated above,
multiplied by the number of securement devices sharing that anchorage.
(e)
Each securement device, if incorporating webbing or a strop assembly,
shall comply with the requirements for type 1 safety belt systems, in
accordance with 49 CFR 571.209 (FMVSS).
(f) 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).
(g) Each securement device (webbing or strap assembly) shall be capable of
withstanding a minimum force of 2,500 pounds when tested in accordance with 49 CFR
571.209 (FMVSS).
(h)
Each securement device (webbing or strap assembly) shall provide a means
of adjustment, of manufacturer's design, to remove slack from the device or
assembly.
(3) Occupant restraint system
(a)
A type 2A occupant restraint system which meets all applicable
requirements of 49 CFR 571.209 and 571.210 (FMVSS) shall provide for restraint
of the occupant.
(b)
The occupant restraint system shall be made of materials, which do not
stain, soil, or tear an occupant's clothing, and which are resistant to water
damage and fraying.
(c)
Each restraint system location shall have not less than one anchorage,
of manufacturer's design, for the upper end of the upper torso restraint. Each
anchorage for each occupant's upper torso restraint shall be capable of
withstanding a minimum force of 1,500 pounds (6,672 Newtons) when applied as
specified in 49 CFR 571.222 (FMVSS).
(d)
Each wheelchair/mobility aid location shall have not less than two floor
anchorages for the occupant pelvic and the connected upper torso restraint.
(i) Each floor anchorage shall be capable of
withstanding a minimum force of 3,000 pounds (13,344 Newtons) when applied as
specified in 49 CFR 571.222 (FMVSS).
(ii) When more than one
occupant restraint share a common anchorage, the anchorage shall be capable of
withstanding a minimum force of 3,000 pounds (13,344 Newtons) multiplied by the
number of occupant restraints sharing the common anchorage in accordance with
49 CFR 571.222 (FMVSS).
(e) Each floor and wall anchorage which secures the occupant restraint to
the vehicle and which is not permanently attached, shall be of a "positive
latch" design, and shall not allow for any accidental disconnection.
PP. SPECIAL
LIGHT: Doorways in which lifts are installed, shall
have, when lift is to be used, at least 2 foot-candles of illumination measured
on the floor of the bus immediately adjacent to the lift, and on the lift, when
deployed at the vehicle floor level.
QQ. SPECIAL
SERVICE ENTRANCE
(1) Power lift equipped bodies shall have a special service entrance to
accommodate the power lift. Exception: If the lift is designed to operate
within the regular service entrance, and is capable of stowing such that the regular
service entrance is not blocked in any way, and that persons entering or
exiting the bus are not impeded in any way, a special service entrance shall
not be required.
(2) The special service entrance and door shall be located on the right
side of the bus and shall be designed not to obstruct the regular service
entrance. Exception: A special service entrance and door may be located on the
left side of the bus if, and only if, the bus is primarily used to deliver
students to the left side of one way streets and its limited to that function.
(3) The opening may extend below the floor through the bottom of the body
skirt. If such an opening is used,
reinforcements shall be installed at the front and rear of the floor opening to
support the floor and give the same strength as other floor openings.
(4) A drip molding shall be installed above the opening to effectively
divert water from entrance.
(5) 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 entrance.
RR. SPECIAL SERVICE ENTRANCE DOORS
(1) A single door shall be
used for the special service entrance.
(2) A single door shall be hinged to the forward side of the entrance
unless doing so would obstruct the regular service entrance. If, due to the above condition, the door is
hinged to the rearward side of the doorway, the door shall utilize a safety
mechanism which will prevent the door from swinging open should the primary
door latch fail.
(3) All doors shall have positive fastening devices to hold doors in the
open position.
(4) All doors shall be weather sealed.
(5) 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.
(6) Each door shall have windows set in rubber
which are visually similar in size an location to adjacent non-door
windows. Glazing shall be of same type
and tinting (if applicable) as standard fixed glass in other body locations.
(7) Door(s) shall be equipped with a device that
will actuate an audible or flashing signal located in the driver's compartment
when door(s) is not securely closed and ignition is in "on" position.
(8) A switch shall be installed so that the
lifting mechanism will not operate when the lift platform door(s) is closed.
(9) Special service entrance doors shall be
equipped with padding at the top edge of the door opening. Pad shall be at
least three inches wide and one inch thick and extend the full width of the
door opening.
SS. STEPS
(1) First step at service door shall be not less than 10" and not more
than 14" from the ground when measured from top surface of the step to the
ground, based on standard chassis specifications, except on type D vehicles,
the first step at the service door shall be 12" to 16” from the ground.
(2) Step risers shall not exceed a height of 10-inches. When plywood is used on a steel floor or
step, the riser height may be increased by the thickness of the plywood.
(3) Steps shall be enclosed to prevent accumulation of ice and snow.
(4) Steps shall not protrude beyond the side body line.
TT. STEP TREADS
(1) All steps, including floor line platform area, shall be covered with
3/16-inch rubber floor covering or other materials equal in wear and abrasion
resistance to top grade rubber.
(2) Metal back of tread, minimum 24-gauge cold roll steel, shall be
permanently bonded to ribbed rubber; grooved design shall be such that said
grooves run at 90-degree angles to long dimension of step tread.
(3) 3/16 inch ribbed step tread shall have a 1 1/2-inches white nosing as
an integral piece without any joint.
(4) Rubber portion of step treads shall have the following characteristics:
(a)
Special compounding for good abrasion resistance and high coefficient of
friction.
(b)
Flexibility so that it can be bent around a 2-inch mandrel both at 130
degrees fahrenheit and 20 degrees fahrenheit without breaking, cracking, or
crazing.
(c) Show adurometer
hardness 85 to 95.
UU. STIRRUP
STEPS: Unless the windshield and lamps are not
easily accessible from the ground, there may be at 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. 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.
VV. STOP SIGNAL ARM:
All stop signal arm(s) shall comply with the requirements of 49 CFR 571.131
(FMVSS) and shall be double faced except for the rear stop arm. Stop arm signals shall be equipped with red
flashing LED lamps connected to the alternating red flashing signal lamp
circuits and visible to the front and rear.
WW. STORAGE
COMPARTMENT: A storage container for tools, tire chains,
and/or tow chains may be located either inside or outside the passenger
compartment but, if inside, it shall have a cover (seat cushion may not serve
this purpose) capable of being securely latched and fastened to the floor,
convenient to either the service or emergency door.
XX. SUN
SHIELD
(1) Interior adjustable transparent sun shield not less than 6-inches X
30-inches for types C, and D vehicles, with a finished edge, shall be installed
in a position convenient for use by driver.
(2) On all type A buses the sun shield shall be manufacturer's standard.
YY. SUPPORT EQUIPMENT AND ACCESSORIES
(1) Each bus shall contain at least one belt cutter properly secured in a
location within reach of the driver while belted into his/her driver's
seat. The belt cutter shall be durable
and designed to eliminate the possibility of the operator or others being cut
during use.
(2) Special equipment or supplies which are used on the bus for mobility
assistance, health support, or safety purposes shall meet all local, federal,
or engineering standards which may apply, including proper identification. Equipment which may be used for these
purposes includes, but is not limited to:
(a)
wheelchairs and other mobile seating devices (see section on securement
system for mobile seating devices/occupant);
(b)
crutches, walkers, canes, and other ambulating devices;
(c)
medical support equipment; this may include respiratory devices such as
oxygen bottles (which should be no larger than 22 cubic feet for liquid oxygen
and 38 cubic feet for compressed gas), or ventilators; tanks and valves should
be located and positioned to protect them from direct sunlight, bus heater
vents, or other heat sources; other equipment may include intravenous, and
fluid drainage apparatus.
(3) All portable equipment and special accessory items, including the
equipment listed above, shall be secured at the mounting location to withstand
a pulling force of five times the weight of the item, or shall be retained in
an enclosed, latched compartment. The
compartment shall be capable of withstanding forces applied to its interior
equal to five times the weight of its contents without failure to the box's
integrity and securement to the bus.
Exception: If these standards provide specific requirements for
securement of a particular type of equipment, the specific standard shall
prevail (i.e., wheelchairs).
ZZ. TAILPIPE
(1) Tailpipe shall extend out to but not more than 1-inch beyond perimeter of the body or the bumper.
(2) Tailpipe shall exit to the left of the emergency exit door in the rear
of vehicle or to the left side of the bus.
Tailpipe shall not exit beneath any fuel filler location or beneath any
emergency door. All type A buses may be manufacturer's standard.
AAA. TECHNOLOGY AND NEW EQUIPMENT: It is the intent of these standards to accommodate new technologies and
equipment, which will better facilitate the transportation of students. When a new technology, piece of equipment, or
component is desired to be applied to the school bus, and it meets the
following criteria, it may be acceptable.
(1) The technology, equipment or component shall not compromise the
effectiveness or integrity of any major safety system, unless it completely
replaces the system. (Examples of safety
systems include, but are not limited to, compartmentalization, the eight light
warning system, emergency exit opportunity, and the uncluttered yellow color
scheme.)
(2) The technology, equipment or component shall not diminish the safe
environment of the interior of the bus.
(3) The technology, equipment or component shall not create additional risk
to students who are boarding or exiting the bus or are in or about the school
bus loading zone.
(4) The technology, equipment or component shall not create undue
additional activity and/or responsibility for the driver.
(5) The technology, equipment or component shall generally increase
efficiency and/or safety of the bus, or generally provide for a safer or more
pleasant experience for the occupants and pedestrians in the vicinity of the
bus, or generally assist the driver or make his/her many tasks easier to
perform.
(6) The inspection
technology sensory equipment including the GPS and emergency notification systems shall be
provided which meets the standard established by previous state
procurement.
(7) An electronic child check system shall be provided which will provide for notification when a school bus is not inspected for any students being left unattended inside the school bus at the end of the school bus route.
(8) All doors shall be equipped when manufacturing technology becomes available with a keyless remote locking device, to include primarily the emergency and service doors.
BBB. TOW EYES OR HOOKS:
Optional tow eyes or hooks may be furnished on the rear and attached so they do
not project beyond the rear bumper. Tow
eyes or hooks attached to the chassis frame may be furnished by either the
chassis or body manufacturer. The
installation shall be in accordance with the chassis manufacturer's
specifications.
CCC. TRACTION ASSISTING
DEVICES (optional equipment)
(1) Where required or used, sanders shall:
(a) be
of hopper cartridge-valve type;
(b)
have metal hopper with all interior surfaces treated to prevent
condensation of moisture;
(c) be of at least 100 pound (grit) capacity;
(d) have cover on filler opening of hopper, which screws into place, sealing
unit airtight;
(e) have discharge tubes extending to front of each rear wheel under fender;
(f)
have no-clogging discharge tubes with slush-proof, non-freezing rubber
nozzles;
(g) be
operated by an electric switch with telltale pilot light mounted on the
instrument panel;
(h) be
exclusively driver controlled;
(i)
have gauge to indicate that hopper needs refilling when it is down to
one-quarter full.
(2) Automatic traction chains may be installed.
DDD. TRASH
CONTAINER AND HOLDING DEVICE: A trash container shall be
required that meets the following requirements:
(1) be no greater than
14-quart capacity;
(2) be secured by a
holding device that is designed to prevent movement and to allow easy removal
and replacement;
(3) be installed in an
accessible location in the driver compartment, not obstructing passenger use of
the service door.
EEE. UNDERCOATING
(1) Entire underside of bus body, including floor sections, cross member
and below floor line side panels, shall be coated with rust-proofing compound
for which compound manufacturer has issued notarized certification of
compliance to the bus body builder that compound meets or exceeds all
performance and qualitative requirements of paragraph 3.4 of Federal
Specification TT-C-520b using modified test procedures* for following
requirements:
(a)
salt spray resistance-pass test modified to 5% salt and 1000 hours;
(b)
abrasion resistance-pass;
(c) fire resistance-pass.
(2)
*Test panels to be prepared in accordance with paragraph 4.6.12 of
TT-C-520b with modified procedure requiring that test be made on a 48-hour air
cured film at thickness recommended by compound manufacturer.
(3) Undercoating compound shall be applied with suitable airless or
conventional spray equipment to recommend film thickness and shall show no
evidence of voids in cured film.
FFF. VENTILATION
(1) Auxiliary fans shall meet the following requirements.
(a)
All fans shall be placed in a location where they can be adjusted for
maximum effectiveness and do not obstruct vision to any mirror.
(b)
Fans shall be a nominal 6-inches diameter.
(c)
Fan blades shall be covered with a protective cage; each fan shall be
controlled by a separate switch.
(2) Body shall be equipped with a suitably controlled ventilating system of
sufficient capacity to maintain proper quantity of air under operating conditions,
without having to open windows except in extremely warm weather.
(3) Static-type non-closeable exhaust ventilation shall be installed in
low-pressure area of roof.
(4) Roof hatches designed to provide ventilation shall be provided with an
escape hatch/roof ventilator with a minimum 10 year warranty.
GGG. WHEELHOUSING
(1) The wheel housing opening shall allow for easy tire removal and
service.
(2) The wheel housing shall be attached to floor sheets in such a manner as
to prevent any dust, water or fumes from entering the vehicle body. Wheel housing shall be constructed of at
least 16-gauge steel.
(3) The inside height of the wheel housing above the floor line shall not
exceed 12-inches.
(4) The wheel housing shall provide clearance for installation and use of
tire chains on single and dual (if so equipped) power-driving wheels.
(5) No part of a raised wheel housing shall extend into the emergency door
opening.
HHH. WINDOWS
(1) Each full side window, other than emergency exits designated to comply
with 49 CFR 571.217 (FMVSS), shall provide an unobstructed emergency opening of
at least 9-inches but not more than 13-inches high and 22-inches wide, obtained
by lowering window. One side window on
each side of the bus may be less than 22-inches wide.
(2) Glazing shall be installed in all doors, windows, and windshields
consistent with federal and state motor vehicle code.
(3) The driver’s side windows shall consists of transition glass when manufacturing technology becomes available that darkens in daylight conditions and clears in dark conditions consistent with the glazing standard.
III. WINDSHIELD: Option - A multi-piece windshield shall be
provided.
JJJ. WINDSHIELD
WIPERS
(1) A windshield wiping system, two-speed or variable speed, with an intermittent
feature, shall be provided. A
windshield washer system shall be provided.
(2) 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 to allow for full visibility of the driver view and outside mirrors.
KKK. WIRING
(1) All wiring shall conform to current SAE requirements.
(2) Circuits: Two (2) additional circuits shall be provided for a two-way
radio communication system and video camera surveillance equipment.
(a)
Wiring shall be arranged in circuits, as required, with each circuit
protected by a fuse or circuit breaker.
A system of color and number coding shall be used and an appropriate
identifying diagram shall be provided to the end user along with the wiring
diagram provided by the chassis manufacturer. The wiring diagrams shall be
specific to the bus model supplied and include any changes to wiring made by
the body manufacturer. Chassis wiring
diagrams shall also be supplied to the end user. A system of color and number
coding shall be used on buses. The
following body interconnecting circuits shall be color coded as noted: The
color of cables shall correspond to SAE J 1128.
|
FUNCTION |
COLOR |
|
Left Rear
Directional Light |
Yellow |
|
Right Rear
Directional Light |
Dark Green |
|
Stoplights |
Red |
|
Back-up Lights |
Blue |
|
Taillights |
Brown |
|
Ground |
White |
|
Ignition Feed, Primary
Feed |
Black |
(b) Wiring shall be arranged in at least six regular circuits as follows:
(i) head, tail, stop (brake) and instrument
panel lamps;
(ii) clearance and step well lamps (step well
lamp shall be actuated when service door is opened);
(iii) dome lamp;
(iv) ignition and emergency
door signal;
(v) turn signal lamps;
(vi) alternately flashing
signal lamps.
(c)
Any of the above combination circuits may be subdivided into additional
independent circuits.
(d)
Whenever heaters and defrosters are used, at least one additional
circuit shall be installed.
(e)
Whenever possible, all other electrical functions (such as sanders and
electric-type windshield wipers) shall be provided with independent and
properly protected circuits.
(f)
Each body circuit shall be coded by number or letter on a diagram of
circuits and shall be attached to the body in a readily accessible location.
(3) The entire electrical system of the body shall be designed for the same
voltage as the chassis on which the body is mounted.
(4) All wiring shall have an amperage capacity exceeding the design load by
at least 25%. All wiring splices are to
be done at an accessible location and noted as splices on wiring diagram.
(5) A body wiring diagram, of a size which can be easily read, shall be
furnished with each bus body or affixed in an area convenient to the electrical
accessory control panel.
(6) The body power wire shall be attached to a special terminal on the
chassis.
(7) All wires passing through metal openings shall be protected by a
grommet.
(8) Wires not enclosed within body shall be fastened securely at intervals
of not more than 18-inches. All joints
shall be soldered or joined by equally effective connectors, which shall be
water-resistant and corrosion-resistant.
[7-01-96; 6.40.2.10
NMAC - Rn, 6 NMAC 9.2.11 & A, 7-31-2000; A, 07-15-2003; A, 11-15-2005; A,
12-30-2010]
6.40.2.11 SCHOOL
BUS ADVERTISEMENTS
A. SCHOOL
BUS ADVERTISEMENT ADMINISTRATION
(1) The right to sell advertising space on school buses shall be within the
sole discretion of the local school board, except as required by Paragraph (4)
of Subsection A of 6.40.2.11 NMAC.
(2) Local school boards may sell advertising space on the interior and
exterior of school buses. The local board shall develop guidelines for the type
of advertisements that will be permitted.
(3) No advertisement shall involve obscenity, sexual material, gambling,
tobacco, alcohol, political campaigns or causes, religion or promoting the use
of drugs; or general content that is harmful or inappropriate for school buses
as determined by the local board of education.
(4) All school bus private owners that have legal title to school buses
used and operated pursuant to an existing bus service contract with a school
district may lease space on their buses to the school district for the purpose
of selling commercial advertisements. In
exchange for leasing the space, the school bus owner‑operators shall
receive ten percent of the total value of the amount of the contract between
the school district and the commercial advertiser.
(5) A school district shall be permitted to solicit offers from commercial
advertisers for the use of space on the school buses that services its school
district. The school district may enter
into a lease agreement with a commercial advertiser for the use of any designated
advertising space on a school bus that services the school district.
(6) The contract must include the time schedule permitted for placement and
removal of the advertisement, the term of the agreement, the rental amount and
the signatures of authorized parties.
These agreements must be filed and maintained for a period of five years
from the expiration date of the advertisement contract.
B. ADVERTISEMENT TERM
(1) In a lease agreement with a commercial advertiser, the school district
shall establish the rental amount, schedule and term. The term of any lease agreement shall not be
for a period longer than the time remaining on the school district's bus
service contract with a school bus operator who owns the bus that is the
subject of the lease agreement.
(2) A school district shall not enter into a lease agreement with a
commercial advertiser that seeks to display an advertisement that is prohibited
by local school board guidelines or by Paragraph (3) of Subsection A of
6.40.2.11 of this regulation.
C. EXTERIOR ADVERTISEMENT SPACE
REQUIREMENTS AND RESTRICTIONS
(1) All school bus advertisements shall be painted or affixed by decal on
the bus in a manner that does not interfere with national and state
requirements for school bus markings, lights and signs. The commercial
advertiser that contracts with the school district for the use of the space for
advertisements shall be required to pay the cost of painting or affixing a
decal for the advertisements on the bus and shall pay for its removal after the
term of the contract has expired.
(2) No advertisements shall be displayed on the front, rear or left
(driver) side of the school bus.
(3) No advertisement shall interfere with national and state requirements
for school bus markings, lights, signs, emergency exits, service doors, windows
and ventilation area of rear engines.
(4) The amount of space that will be permitted for commercial advertisements
on the exterior portion of a school bus will be limited to 18-inches from the
rear most portion of the bus and 6-inches from the window base line, service
door(s), wheel well opening, required lettering or bus body reflectors. Advertisements will be permitted above the
window drip rail leading toward the roof of the school bus.
D. INTERIOR
ADVERTISEMENT SPACE REQUIREMENTS AND
RESTRICTIONS
(1) The amount of space that will be permitted for commercial
advertisements on the interior portion of school buses will be limited to the
area above every other window not to exceed 24-inches wide by 12-inches in
height.
(2) No advertisement shall interfere with national and state requirements
for school bus markings, lights, signs, emergency exits, service doors and
windows.
(3) No advertisements shall be displayed on the front or rear of the school
bus.
(4) Advertisements shall be limited to health and safety related messages.
E. DISTRIBUTION OF FUNDS
(1) Funds raised from commercial advertisement shall be distributed from
the school bus advertising fund after the required payment is made to school
bus private owners.
(2) Sixty percent of the proceeds raised shall be distributed to each
school district to use in accordance with the school district's technology plan
in amounts proportionate to the amount that each school district contributed to
the school bus advertising fund.
(3)
Forty percent of the proceeds raised shall be distributed on a per
membership basis of middle and junior high schools by the secretary of
education to school districts for extracurricular activities. If a school district
does not expend money from the school bus advertising fund for extracurricular
activities, it shall revert to the fund.
F. REPORTING
AND ACCOUNTABILITY
(1) Funds raised by a school district from lease agreements relating to the
use of advertising space on school buses by commercial advertisers shall be
remitted to the public education department, accounted for and subject to
review and examination.
(2) School districts shall report to the public education department on how
the funds were used in the technology plans and for extracurricular activities.
[7-01-96, 7-31-97;
6.40.2.11 NMAC - Rn, 6 NMAC 9.2.12 & A, 7-31-2000; A, 11-15-2005]
HISTORY OF 6.40.2 NMAC:
Pre-NMAC HISTORY:
Material in this part was derived from that previously filed with the
Commission of Public Records - State Records Center and Archives:
Regulations filed
prior to 1967 were filed with the Supreme Court Law Library
SDE 67-1, Minimum
Standards for School Buses 1967 Revised Edition, 4-21-67
SDE 71-7, Minimum
Standards for School Buses 1971 Revised Edition, 8-31-71
SDE 78-1, Minimum
Standards for School Buses 1978 Revised Edition, 2-6-78
SBE 81-1, Minimum
Standards for School Buses, 3-17-81
SBE 86-1, New Mexico
Minimum Standards for School Buses, 2-5-86
6 NMAC 9.2
Transportation of Students - New Mexico School Bus Standards and School Bus
Phase-Out, 5-17-96