California Code of Regulations
Title 13 - Motor Vehicles
Division 2 - Department of the California Highway Patrol
Chapter 6.5 - Motor Carrier Safety
Article 9 - Additional Equipment Requirements for School Buses
Section 1280 - Steps
Current through Register 2024 Notice Reg. No. 38, September 20, 2024
Steps of Type 1 school buses constructed after January 1, 1950, and of Type 2 school buses constructed after January 1, 1970, shall meet the following requirements:
(a) First Step. The first step to the entrance door in a Type 1 school bus shall be not more than 17 in. high, and on a Type 2 school bus not more than 20 in. high, measured from the ground when the bus is unloaded.
(b) Risers. When more than one step issued, risers of the upper steps shall be not more than 13 in. high.
(c) Covering. Steps shall be covered with a nonslip material.
(d) Foot Space. The space for passengers' feet shall not be decreased by any object (except wheelhousings) placed upon or protruding through the floor behind a line drawn across the bus in back of the driver's seat. "Foot space" does not include that part of the floor directly under a seat cushion or within 6 1/2 in. of the sidewall.
(e) Ramps. No floor ramp is permitted on school buses if it makes walking in the aisles hazardous. No such ramp that is less than 6 ft long or has a rise of more than 5 in. is permitted.
1. Amendment of subsection (d) filed 4-9-79; designated effective 6-1-79 (Register 79, No. 15). For prior history, see Register 78, No. 33.
Note: Authority cited and Reference: Sections 34501.5 and 34508, Vehicle Code, and 39831, Education Code.
