Delaware Administrative Code
Title 14 - Education
1100 - Transportation
1101 - Standards for School Bus Chassis and Bodies Placed in Production After March 1, 1998 (Terminology and School Bus Types are described in the National Standards for School Transportation 1995)
Section 1101-2.0 - Bus Body Standards

Universal Citation: 14 DE Admin Code 1101-2.0

Current through Register Vol. 28, No. 3, September 1, 2024

2.1 Aisle

2.1.1 All emergency doors shall be accessible by a 12 inch minimum aisle. Aisle shall be unobstructed at all times by any type of barrier, seat, wheelchair or tiedown.

2.1.2 A two inch white line shall separate the driver compartment from the passenger compartment.

2.1.3 The seat backs shall be slanted sufficiently to give aisle clearance of 15 inches at tops of seat backs.

2.2 Back Up Warning Alarm: An automatic audible alarm shall 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.

2.3 Battery Compartment

2.3.1 When the battery is mounted as described in the chassis section, the body manufacturer shall securely attach the battery 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 an adequate and conveniently operated latch or other type fastener. On all Type A buses, one or both batteries may be mounted in the engine compartment in an accessible location.

2.3.2 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.

2.4 Bumper (Front)

2.4.1 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.

2.4.2 If an optional energy absorbing front bumper is used, it shall meet the strength requirements in the 1995 National Standards.

2.5 Bumper (Rear)

2.5.1 Bumper shall be pressed steel channel or equivalent material, at least 3/16 inch thick, and shall be a minimum of eight inches wide (high) on Type A-II and a minimum of 91/2 inches wide (high) on Types A-I, B, C, and D buses and of sufficient strength to permit being pushed by another vehicle without permanent distortion.

2.5.2 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.

2.5.3 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.

2.5.4 Bumper shall extend at least one inch beyond rear most part of body surface measured at the floor line.

2.5.5 If an optional energy absorbing rear bumper is used, it shall meet the strength requirements of the 1995 National Standards.

2.6 Ceiling: See Insulation and Interior, Body section.

2.7 Certification: Body manufacturer shall, upon request, certify to the Delaware Department of Education, that their product meets state standards on items not covered by certification issued under requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.

2.8 Chains (Tire): See Wheelhousing, Body section.

2.9 Color

2.9.1 The school bus body shall be painted National School Bus Yellow (NSBY).

2.9.2 The body exterior paint trim, bumper, lamp hoods, emergency door arrow, and lettering shall be black.

2.10 Communications: Buses shall be equipped with a radio or telephonic communication device. It will be added by the school district, school, or contractor.

2.11 Construction

2.11.1 Construction shall be of prime commercial quality steel or other metal or material with strength at least equivalent to all steel, as certified by the bus body manufacturer.

2.11.2 Construction shall be reasonably dust proof and watertight.

2.11.3 Body joints present in that portion of the Type A-II school bus body furnished exclusively by the body manufacturer shall conform to the performance requirements of FMVSS 221. This does not include the body joints created when body components are attached to components furnished by the chassis manufacturer.

2.12 Crossing Control Arm

2.12.1 Buses shall be equipped with a crossing control arm mounted on the right side of the front bumper, which shall not open more than 90°.

2.12.2 All components of the crossing control arm and all connections shall be weatherproofed.

2.12.3 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.

2.12.4 The crossing control arm shall meet or exceed SAE Standard J1133.

2.12.5 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).

2.12.6 There shall be no sharp edges or projections that could cause hazard or injury to students.

2.12.7 The crossing control arm shall extend approximately 72 inches from the front bumper when in the extended position.

2.12.8 The crossing control arms shall extend simultaneously with the stop arm by means of the stop arm controls.

2.13 Defrosters

2.13.1 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.

2.13.2 The defrosting system shall conform to SAE Standards J381 and J382.

2.13.3 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 stepwell may be of the recirculating air type.

2.13.4 Auxiliary fans are not considered defrosting or defogging systems and are described under "Ventilation."

2.13.5 Portable heaters shall not be used.

2.14 Doors

2.14.1 Service door shall be in the driver's control, and designed to afford easy release and provide a positive latching device on manual operating doors to prevent accidental opening. When a hand lever is used, no part shall come together that will shear or crush fingers. Manual door controls shall not require more than 25 pounds of force to operate at any point throughout the range of operation. If a power assisted door is used, the actuation switch shall be to the right of the steering wheel (in the same position as the manual handles).

2.14.2 Service door shall be located on the right side of the bus, opposite and within direct view of driver.

2.14.3 Service door shall have a minimum horizontal opening of 24 inches and a minimum vertical opening of 68 inches. Type A-II vehicles shall have a minimum opening area of 1200 square inches.

2.14.4 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.

2.14.5 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 three 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.

2.14.6 Vertical closing edges on split type or folding type entrance doors shall be equipped with flexible material to protect children's fingers. Type A-II vehicles may be equipped with chassis manufacturer's standard entrance door.

2.14.7 There shall be no door to left of driver on Type B, C or D vehicles. All Type A vehicles may be equipped with chassis manufacturer's standard door.

2.14.8 All doors shall be equipped with padding at the top edge of each door opening. Padding shall be at least three inches wide and one inch thick and extend the full width of the door opening.

2.15 Driver Compartment

2.15.1 Driver's seat supplied by the body company shall be a high back 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 FMVSS 208. The driver's seat shall be secured with nuts, bolts, and washers or flanged headed nuts.

2.15.2 Driver seat positioning and range of adjustments shall be designed to accommodate comfortable actuation of the foot control pedals by 95 percent of the male and female adult population.

2.16 Emergency Exits

2.16.1 Emergency doors and other emergency exits shall comply with the requirements of FMVSS 217 and any of the requirements of these standards that exceed FMVSS 217.

2.16.2 Emergency door requirements

2.16.2.1 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-I, B, C, and D vehicles shall be equipped with a minimum of 350 square inches of approved safety glazing.

2.16.2.2 There shall be no steps leading to an emergency door.

2.16.2.3 The words "EMERGENCY DOOR," in letters at least two 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.

2.16.2.4 The emergency doors shall be equipped with padding at top edge of each door opening. Padding shall be at least three inches wide and one inch thick and extend the full width of the door opening.

2.16.2.5 The side emergency door, if installed, must meet the requirements as set forth in FMVSS 217, regardless of its use with any other combination of emergency exits. There shall be a clear aisle leading to it i.e., flip seats shall not be used.

2.16.2.6 There shall be no obstruction higher than 1/4 inch across the bottom of any emergency door opening.

2.16.3 Emergency exit requirements: Types A, B, C, and D vehicles shall be equipped with a total number of emergency exits as follows for the indicated standard seating capacities of vehicles (See below). Exits required by FMVSS 217 may be included to comprise the total number of exits specified.

0 to 42 Passenger = one emergency exit per side and one roof hatch.

43 to 78 Passenger = two emergency exits per side and two roof hatches.

79 to 90 Passenger = three emergency exits per side and two roof hatches.

2.16.4 Each emergency exit above shall comply with FMVSS 217. These emergency exits are in addition to the rear emergency door or exit.

2.16.5 In addition to the audible warning required on emergency doors by FMVSS 217, additional emergency exits shall also be equipped with an audible warning device.

2.17 Emergency Equipment

2.17.1 Fire Extinguisher

2.17.1.1 The bus shall be equipped with at least one UL approved pressurized, dry chemical fire extinguisher complete with hose. Extinguisher shall be mounted in a bracket, located in the driver's 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.

2.17.1.2 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.

2.17.2 First Aid Kit

2.17.2.1 The bus shall have a removable moisture proof and dust proof first aid kit in an accessible place in the driver's compartment. It shall be properly mounted and identified as a first aid kit. The location for the first aid kit shall be marked.

2.17.2.2 Minimum contents include:

Units Quantity per unit

2 12 - one inch by three inch adhesive bandages

1 2 - two inch bandage compresses

1 1 - four inch bandage compress

1 1 - non-sterile triangular bandage

approximately 40 inches by 36 inches by 54 inches with 2 safety pins

1 1-eye kit with two sterile eye pads and one oz. eye wash

1 3- burn ointment, 1/8 oz.

1 5- ammonia inhalants

1 5- PVP antiseptic swabs

1 5- insect sting swabs

2.17.3 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 the following:

2.17.3.1 1- 16 oz. bottle of 70 percent rubbing alcohol or 10 percent solution of bleach.

2.17.3.2 1- plastic trash bag with tie, minimum of 12 inches by 12 inches.

2.17.3.3 2- pairs of medical examination gloves.

2.17.3.4 10- paper towels, approximately 10 1/2 inches by 121/2 inches.

2.17.4 Warning devices: Each school bus shall contain at least three reflectorized triangle road warning devices mounted in an accessible place. These devices must meet requirements in FMVSS 125.

2.17.5 If any emergency equipment is mounted in an enclosed compartment, refer to the 1995 National Standards.

2.18 Floor

2.18.1 Floor in under seat area, including tops of wheelhousing, driver's compartment and toeboard, shall be covered with rubber floor covering or equivalent, having a minimum overall thickness of 1/8 inch. The driver's area on all Type A buses may be manufacturer's standard flooring and floor covering.

2.18.2 Floor covering in aisles shall be of aisle type rubber or equivalent, wear resistant and ribbed. Minimum overall thickness shall be 7/8 inch measured from tops of ribs.

2.18.3 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.

2.18.4 On Types A-I, B, C and D buses a screw down plate that is secured and insulated shall be provided to access the fuel tank sending unit.

2.19 Heaters

2.19.1 Heater shall be a hot water type.

2.19.2 Every bus with a capacity of 36 or more shall have two heaters at the front: one to the left of the driver, and one to the right of the driver near the entrance door, and 1 heater in the rear portion of the bus.

2.19.3 If only one heater is used, it shall be fresh air or combination fresh air and recirculation type.

2.19.4 If more than one heater is used, additional heaters may be recirculating air type.

2.19.5 The heating system shall be capable of maintaining bus interior temperatures as specified in SAE test procedure J2233.

2.19.6 All heaters installed by body manufacturers shall bear a name plate that indicates the heater rating in accordance with SBMI 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.

2.19.7 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 J20c. Heater lines on the interior of bus shall be shielded to prevent scalding of the driver or passengers.

2.19.8 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 Types A and B buses, the valves may be installed in another accessible location.

2.19.9 There shall be a water flow regulating valve installed in the pressure line for convenient operation by the driver while seated.

2.19.10 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.

2.19.11 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's heater.

2.20 Hinges: All exposed metal door hinges subject to corrosion shall be designed to allow lubrication to be channeled to the center 75 percent of each hinge loop.

2.21 Identification

2.21.1 Body shall bear words "SCHOOL BUS" in black letters at least eight 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 its 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. All lettering on NSBY surfaces shall be black, and lettering on black surfaces shall be NSBY or white.

2.21.2 Bus identification number shall be displayed on the sides, on the rear, and on the front.

2.21.3 Other lettering, numbering, or symbols which may be displayed on the exterior of the bus, shall be limited to:

2.21.3.1 District or company name or owner of the bus may be displayed.

2.21.3.2 Bus identification number on the top of the bus, in addition to required numbering on sides, rear, and front.

2.21.3.3 The location of the batteries identified by the word "BATTERY" or "BATTERIES" on the battery compartment door in two inch lettering.

2.21.3.4 Lettering to identify the fuel type at the fuel filler location ( two inch letters maximum).

2.21.3.5 Symbols or letters near the service door displaying information for identification by the students of the bus or route served. Such symbols or lettering, if used, shall not exceed 36 square inches in size.

2.21.3.6 Symbols identifying the bus as equipped for or transporting students with special needs (see Specially Equipped School Bus section).

2.21.3.7 Manufacturer, company name, dealer, or school logo, or U.S. Flag (with no other wording or artwork) decal or plate not to exceed 6 inches x 12 inches may be displayed in the right side plate location on the rear of the bus.

2.22 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. Inside body height of Type A buses shall be 62 inches or more.

2.23 Insulation

2.23.1 Thermal insulation shall be fire resistant, UL approved, and approximately 11/2 inches thick with minimum R value of 5.5. Insulation shall be installed to prevent sagging.

2.23.2 If floor insulation is required, it shall be either five 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. Type A-II buses may be equipped with nominal 1/2 inch thick plywood meeting above requirements.

2.24 Interior

2.24.1 Interior of bus shall be free of all unnecessary projections, which include luggage racks and attendant hand rails, to minimize the potential for injury. 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 tow chains. (See Storage Compartment, Body section)

2.24.2 The driver's area forward of the foremost padded barriers will permit the mounting of required safety equipment and vehicle operation equipment.

2.24.3 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 according to the procedure found in the 1995 National Standards.

2.25 Lamps and Signals

2.25.1 Interior lamps shall be provided which adequately illuminate aisle and stepwell. Stepwell light shall be illuminated by a service door operated switch, to illuminate only when headlights and clearance lights are on and service door is open.

2.25.2 Body instrument panel lights shall be controlled by an independent rheostat switch.

2.25.3 School bus alternately flashing signal lamps:

2.25.3.1 Bus shall be equipped with two red lamps at the rear of vehicle and two red lamps at the front of the vehicle. Lamps may be the sealed beam or halogen type.

2.25.3.2 In addition to the four red lamps described above, four 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 deenergized) 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.

2.25.3.3 Area around lens of each alternately flashing signal lamp and extending outward approximately three 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 three 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 with an appropriate black background to fit the shape of the lights and roofcap are required and shall have a minimum depth of four inches.

2.25.3.4 Red lamps shall flash at any time the stop signal arm is extended.

2.25.3.5 All flashers for alternately flashing red and amber signal lamps shall be enclosed in the body in a readily accessible location.

2.25.4 Turn signal and stop and tail lamps:

2.25.4.1 Bus body shall be equipped with amber rear turn signal lamps that are at least seven inches in diameter 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 eight inches below the rear windows. Type A-II conversion vehicle lamps must be at least 21 square inches in lens area. All turn signal lens shall be amber in color.

2.25.4.2 Buses shall be equipped with amber sidemounted 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.

2.25.4.3 Buses shall be equipped with four combination red stop and tail lamps:

2.25.4.3.1 Two combination lamps with a minimum diameter of seven 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.

2.25.4.3.2 Two combination lamps with a minimum diameter of four 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.

2.25.4.4 All buses shall be equipped with a transistorized monitor which monitors 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.

2.25.4.5 Body markers shall be the armored type.

2.25.4.6 Backup lamps: Bus body shall be equipped with two white rear backup lamp signals that are at least four 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.

2.26 Metal Treatment

2.26.1 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.

2.26.2 All metal parts that will be painted shall be, in addition to above requirements, chemically cleaned, etched, zinc phosphate coated and zinc chromate or epoxy primed or conditioned by equivalent process.

2.26.3 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.

2.26.4 As evidence that above requirements have been met, samples of materials and sections used in construction of the bus body subjected to 1000 hour salt spray test as provided for in latest revision of ASTM Standard B-117 shall not lose more than 10 percent of material by weight.

2.27 Mirrors

2.27.1 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 a 6" x 16" mirror and Types B, C, and D buses shall have a minimum of a 6" x 30" mirror.

2.27.2 Each school bus shall be equipped with exterior mirrors meeting the requirements of FMVSS 111. Mirrors shall be easily adjustable but shall be rigidly braced so as to reduce vibration.

2.28 Mounting

2.28.1 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.

2.28.2 Insulation material shall be placed at all contact points between body and chassis frame on Types A-I, B, C, and D buses, and shall be so attached to the chassis frame or body that it will not move under severe operating conditions.

2.29 Overall Length: Overall length of bus shall not exceed 40 feet, excluding accessories.

2.30 Overall Width: Overall width of bus shall not exceed 96 inches, excluding accessories. Delaware Law (21 Del.C., §4363b) states that the body, excluding mirrors, shall have a minimum width of 75 inches and a minimum height of 79 inches from road surface to top of roof.

2.31 Public Address System: There shall be installed a public address amplifier specifically designed for vehicular applications with a minimum power output of not less than five watts sine wave power. Such system shall consist of an on off switch, volume control, and an inside outside speaker selector switch. Additionally, it shall have an outside speaker completely weather proofed a minimum seven watt power capability and two interior dynamic speakers with a minimum diameter of four inches. These speakers shall be located above the window line, to the rear of the driver, and shall not project more than 1/2 inch from the interlining of the bus. There shall be no sharp edges or corners which could cause injury to a passenger. The front speaker shall be approximately five feet to the rear of the driver, and the rear speaker shall be in the back portion of the bus. The outside speaker shall be located on the front of the cowl under the hood or other suitable location under the hood.

2.32 Reflective Material (see Appendix B of the 1995 National Standards)

2.32.1 Front and rear bumper may be marked diagonally 45 degrees down to centerline of pavement with two inch, plus or minus 1/4 inch, wide strips of non-contrasting reflective material.

2.32.2 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 FMVSS 571.131 Table 1. The perimeter marking of rear emergency exits per FMVSS 217 and the use of reflective "SCHOOL BUS" signs partially accomplish the objective of this requirement. To complete the perimeter marking of the back of the bus, strips of at least 1 3/4 inch 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.

2.32.3 "SCHOOL BUS" signs, if not of lighted design, shall be marked with reflective NSBY material comprising background for lettering of the front and rear "SCHOOL BUS" signs.

2.32.4 Sides of bus body shall be marked with reflective NSBY material at least 13/4 inches in width, extending the length of the bus body and located vertically between the floor line and the beltline.

2.33 Rub Rails

2.33.1 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.

2.33.2 There shall be one rub rail located approximately at floor line which shall cover the same longitudinal area as upper rub rail, except at wheelhousing, and shall extend only to radii of right and left rear corners.

2.33.3 Both rub rails shall be attached at each body post and all other upright structural members.

2.33.4 Both rub rails shall be four inches or more in width in their finished form, shall be of 16 gauge steel or suitable material of equivalent strength, and shall be constructed in corrugated or ribbed fashion.

2.33.5 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 Type A-II vehicles using chassis manufacturer's body, or for Types A-I, B, C and D buses using rear luggage or rear engine compartment, rub rails need not extend around rear corners.

2.33.6 There shall be a rub rail or equivalent bracing located horizontally at the bottom edge of the body side skirts.

2.34 Seat Belt for Driver: A Type 2 lap belt shoulder harness seat belt shall be provided for the driver. 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's seat, the lap portion of the belt shall be guided or anchored to prevent the driver from sliding sideways under it. The lap belt and 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.

2.35 Seat and Crash Barriers

2.35.1 All seats shall have a minimum depth of 15 inches. All seat backs shall be a minimum of 24 inches high and a minimum 20 inches from seating reference point. There shall be a minimum of eight inches clearance between the last seat and the rear of the bus.

2.35.2 In determining seating capacity of bus, allowable average rump width shall be:

2.35.2.1 13 inches where 3-3 seating plan is used.

2.35.2.2 15 inches where 3-2 seating plan is used.

2.35.3 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 (See Appendix B of the 1995 National Standards).

2.35.4 Each seat leg shall be secured to the floor by a minimum of two 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 FMVSS 222. If track seating is installed, the manufacturer shall supply minimum and maximum seat spacing dimensions applicable to the bus, which comply with FMVSS 222. This information shall be on a label permanently affixed to the bus.

2.35.5 All seat frames attached to the seat rail shall be fastened with two bolts, washers and nuts or flange headed nuts.

2.35.6 Type A-II school bus bodies shall be equipped with restraining barriers conforming to FMVSS 222.

2.36 Steps

2.36.1 First step at service door shall be not less than 10 inches and not more than 14 inches from the ground when measured from top surface of the step to the ground, based on standard chassis specifications, except that on Type D vehicles, the first step at the service door shall be 12 inches to 16 inches from the ground.

2.36.2 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.

2.36.3 Steps shall be enclosed to prevent accumulation of ice and snow.

2.36.4 Steps shall not protrude beyond the side body line.

2.36.5 A suitable device (or devices) shall be designed and installed to prevent injury or fatality to passengers from being dragged. At least one such device shall assist passengers during entry or egress and be of such design to eliminate entanglement.

2.37 Step Treads

2.37.1 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.

2.37.2 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.

2.37.3 3/16 inch ribbed step tread shall have a 11/2 inches white nosing as an integral piece without any joint.

2.37.4 Rubber portion of step treads shall have the following characteristics:

2.37.4.1 Special compounding for good abrasion resistance and high coefficient of friction.

2.37.4.2 Flexibility so that it can be bent around a 1/2 inch mandrel both at 130 degrees Fahrenheit and 20 degrees Fahrenheit without breaking, cracking, or crazing.

2.37.4.3 Show a durometer hardness 85 to 95.

2.38 Stirrup Steps: There shall 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 the windshield and lamps except when the windshield and lamps are easily accessible from the ground. Steps are permitted in or on the front bumper, in lieu of the stirrup steps, if the windshield and lamps are easily accessible for cleaning from that position.

2.39 Stop Signal Arm: The stop signal arm(s) shall comply with the requirements of FMVSS 131.

2.40 Storage Compartment: A storage container for tools, tire chains, and 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.

2.41 Strobe Light

2.41.1 A white flashing strobe light shall be installed on the roof of all school buses manufactured after January 1, 2001. It shall be located from 4 to 6 feet from the rear of the roof edge (except air conditioned buses with roof top evaporators), within one foot of centerline, and behind all other roof equipment. The strobe shall extend above the roof between 4 1/2 to 6 3/4 inches, and the light shall be 12 to 16 joules with a clear lens emitting light 360 degrees around its vertical axis.

2.41.2 The light shall be wired to activate when the amber alternately flashing signal lamps are activated, continuing through the full loading or unloading cycle, with an override switch to allow activation of the strobe light during inclement weather.

2.41.3 A pilot light shall be included to indicate when the light is in operation.

2.42 Sun Shield

2.42.1 Interior adjustable transparent sun shield not less than 6 inches x 30 inches for Types B, C, and D vehicles, with a finished edge, shall be installed in a position convenient for use by driver.

2.42.2 On all Type A buses the sun shield shall be manufacturer's standard.

2.43 Traction Assisting Devices

2.43.1 If traction assisting devices are used, sanders shall:

2.43.1.1 Be of hopper cartridge valve type.

2.43.1.2 Have metal hopper with all interior surfaces treated to prevent condensation of moisture.

2.43.1.3 Be of at least 100 pound (grit) capacity.

2.43.1.4 Have cover on filler opening of hopper, which screws into place, sealing unit airtight.

2.43.1.5 Have discharge tubes extending to front of each rear wheel under fender.

2.43.1.6 Have no clogging discharge tubes with slush proof, nonfreezing rubber nozzles.

2.43.1.7 Be operated by an electric switch with telltale pilot light mounted on the instrument panel.

2.43.1.8 Be exclusively driver controlled.

2.43.1.9 Have gauge to indicate that hopper needs refilling when it is down to 1/4 full.

2.43.2 Automatic traction chains may be installed.

2.44 Undercoating

2.44.1 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:

2.44.1.1 Salt spray resistance pass test modified to 5 percent salt and 1000 hours.

2.44.1.2 Abrasion resistance pass.

2.44.1.3 Fire resistance pass.

*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.

2.44.2 Undercoating compound shall be applied with suitable airless or conventional spray equipment to recommended film thickness and shall show no evidence of voids in cured film.

2.45 Ventilation

2.45.1 Auxiliary fans shall meet the following requirements:

2.45.1.1 Fans for left and right sides shall be placed in a location where they can be adjusted for maximum effectiveness and do not obstruct vision to any mirror, the roadway, or students outside the bus. Note: All Type A buses may be equipped with one fan.

2.45.1.2 Fans shall be a nominal 6 inches diameter.

2.45.1.3 Fan blades shall be covered with a protective cage. Each fan shall be controlled by a separate switch.

2.45.2 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.

2.45.3 Static type non-closeable exhaust ventilation shall be installed in low pressure area of roof.

2.45.4 Roof hatches designed to provide ventilation, regardless of the exterior weather conditions, may be provided.

2.46 Wheelhousing

2.46.1 The wheelhousing opening shall allow for easy tire removal and service.

2.46.2 The wheelhousing shall be attached to floor sheets in such a manner as to prevent any dust, water or fumes from entering the body. Wheelhousing shall be constructed of at least 16 gauge steel.

2.46.3 The inside height of the wheelhousing above the floor line shall not exceed 12 inches.

2.46.4 The wheelhousing shall provide clearance for installation and use of tire chains on single and dual (if so equipped) power driving wheels.

2.46.5 No part of a raised wheelhousing shall extend into the emergency door opening.

2.47 Windows

2.47.1 Each full side window, other than emergency exits designated to comply with FMVSS 217, shall provide an unobstructed emergency opening of at least nine 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.

2.47.2 Optional tinted or frost free glazing may be installed in all doors, windows, and windshields consistent with federal, state, and local regulations.

2.48 Windshield Washers: A windshield washer system shall be provided.

2.49 Windshield Wipers

2.49.1 A windshield wiping system, two speed or variable speed, with an intermittent feature, shall be provided.

2.49.2 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.

2.50 Wiring

2.50.1 All wiring shall conform to current SAE standards.

2.50.2 Circuits:

2.50.2.1 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:

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

The color of cables shall correspond to SAE J 1128.

2.50.2.2 Wiring shall be arranged in at least six regular circuits as follows:

2.50.2.2.1 Head, tail, stop (brake) and instrument panel lamps.

2.50.2.2.2 Clearance and stepwell lamps (stepwell lamp shall be actuated when service door is opened).

2.50.2.2.3 Dome lamp.

2.50.2.2.4 Ignition and emergency door signal.

2.50.2.2.5 Turn signal lamps.

2.50.2.2.6 Alternately flashing signal lamps.

2.50.2.3 Any of the above combination circuits may be subdivided into additional independent circuits.

2.50.2.4 Whenever heaters and defrosters are used, at least one additional circuit shall be installed.

2.50.2.5 Whenever possible, all other electrical functions (such as sanders and electric type windshield wipers) shall be provided with independent and properly protected circuits.

2.50.2.6 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.

2.50.3 The entire electrical system of the body shall be designed for the same voltage as the chassis on which the body is mounted.

2.50.4 All wiring shall have an amperage capacity exceeding the design load by at least 25 percent. All wiring splices are to be done at an accessible location and noted as splices on wiring diagram.

2.50.5 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.

2.50.6 The body power wire shall be attached to a special terminal on the chassis.

2.50.7 All wires passing through metal openings shall be protected by a grommet.

2.50.8 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.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Delaware may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.

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