Delaware Administrative Code
Title 14 - Education
1100 - Transportation
1102 - Standards for School Bus Chassis and Bodies Placed in Production on or after March 1, 2002 and on or after March 1, 2003 with Specific Changes for Buses Placed in Production after January 1, 2004 (Terminology and School Bus Types are those described in the National School Transportation Specifications and Procedures (NSTSP), May 2000
Section 1102-1.0 - Bus Chassis Standards

Universal Citation: 14 DE Admin Code 1102-1.0

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

1.1 Air Cleaner

1.1.1 A dry element type air cleaner shall be provided.

1.1.2 All diesel engine air filters shall include a latch type restriction indicator that retains the maximum restriction developed during operation of the engine. The indicator should include a reset control so the indicator can be returned to zero when desired.

1.2 Axles: The front and rear axle and suspension systems shall have a Gross Axle Weight Rating (GVWR) at ground commensurate with the respective front and rear weight loads that will be imposed by the bus.

1.2.1 For bus chassis and bodies produced after March 1, 2003, all buses with a capacity of 66 passengers or greater shall have a 9,000 pound front axle minimum.

1.3 Brakes, General

1.3.1 The chassis brake system shall conform to the provisions of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) 105, 106 and 121 as applicable.

1.3.2 The anti lock brake system (ABS), provided in accordance with FMVSS 105 and 121, shall provide wheel speed sensors for each front wheel and for each wheel on at least one rear axle. The system shall provide anti lock braking performance for each wheel equipped with sensors. (Four Channel System).

1.3.3 All brake systems shall be designed to permit visual inspection of brake lining wear without removal of any chassis component(s).

1.3.4 The brake lines, booster assist lines, and control cables shall be protected from excessive heat, vibration, and corrosion and installed in a manner which prevents chafing.

1.3.5 The parking brake system for either air or hydraulic service brake systems may be of a power assisted design. The power parking brake actuator should be a push pull device located on the instrument panel within a seated reach of a 5th percentile female driver. As an option, the parking brake may be set by placing the automatic transmission shift control mechanism in the "park" position.

1.3.6 The power operated parking brake system may be interlocked to the engine key switch. Once the parking brake has been set and the ignition switch turned to the "off" position, the parking brake cannot be released until the key switch is turned back to the "on" position.

1.4 Brakes, Hydraulic: Buses using a hydraulic assist brake shall be equipped with audible and visible warning signals that provide a continuous warning to the driver of a loss of fluid flow from the primary source and of a failure of the back up pump system.

1.5 Brakes, Air

1.5.1 The air pressure supply system shall include a desiccant type air dryer installed according to the manufacturers' recommendations. The air pressure storage tank system may incorporate an automatic drain valve.

1.5.2 The chassis manufacturer shall provide an accessory outlet for air operated systems installed by the body manufacturer. This outlet shall include a pressure protection valve.

1.5.3 For air brake systems, an air pressure gauge shall be provided in the instrument panel capable of complying with CDL pre trip inspection requirements.

1.5.4 All air brake equipped buses may be equipped with a service brake interlock. The parking brake cannot be released until the brake pedal is depressed.

1.5.5 Air brake systems may include a system for anti compounding of the service brakes and parking brakes.

1.5.6 Air brakes shall have both a visible and audible warning device whenever the air pressure falls below the level where warnings are required under FMVSS 121.

1.6 Bumper Front

1.6.1 School buses shall be equipped with a heavy duty front bumper. The front bumper shall be furnished by the chassis manufacturer for all school bus types unless there is a specific agreement between the chassis manufacturer and body manufacturer.

1.6.2 The front bumper shall be of pressed steel channel or equivalent material (except Type A buses having a GVWR of 14,500 pounds or less which may be Original Equipment Manufacturer supplied) at least 3/16" thick and not less than 8" wide (high). It 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.

1.6.3 The 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.

1.6.4 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.

1.7 Certification: The chassis manufacturer, upon request of the Delaware Department of Education, shall certify that its product meets the state's minimum standards on items not covered by the FMVSS certification requirements of 49 CFR, Part 567.

1.8 Clutch

1.8.1 Clutch torque capacity shall be equal to or greater than the engine torque output.

1.8.2 A starter interlock shall be installed to prevent actuation of the starter if the clutch pedal is not depressed.

1.9 Color

1.9.1 The chassis, including wheels and front bumper, shall be black. Body cowl, hood, and fenders shall be in National School Bus Yellow (NSBY). The flat top surface of the hood may be painted with non reflective NSBY. (See appendix B, 2000 National School Transportation Specifications and Procedures).

1.9.2 Demountable rims, if used, may be, silver, gray or black as received from the wheel manufacturer.

1.9.3 Wheel covers shall not be permitted.

1.9.4 Mud flaps if used shall be completely black.

1.9.4.1 For bus chassis and bodies produced after January 1, 2004, the buses shall be equipped with mud flaps. They shall be black except they may have manufacturer's logo or name in white or yellow.

1.10 Daytime Running Lamps: Head lamps shall be provided with a switch to automatically operate the lamps when the vehicle is placed in gear or the parking brake is released. If this switch is designed to provide reduced illumination under normal operating conditions, a means whereby the head lamps can be engaged at full power shall be provided.

1.11 Drive Shaft: The drive shaft shall be protected by a metal guard or guards around the circumference of the drive shaft to reduce the possibility of its whipping through the floor or dropping to the ground, if broken.

1.12 Electrical System

1.12.1 Battery

1.12.1.1 The storage batteries shall have minimum cold cranking capacity rating (cold cranking amps) equal to the cranking current required for 30 seconds at 0 degrees Fahrenheit 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.

1.12.1.2 Since all batteries are to be secured in a sliding tray in the body, chassis manufacturers shall mount the battery temporarily on the chassis frame, except that van conversion or cutaway front section chassis may be secured in accordance with manufacturer's standard configuration. In these cases, the final location of the battery and the appropriate cable lengths shall be agreed upon mutually by the chassis and body manufacturer. However, in all cases the battery cable provided with the chassis shall have sufficient length to allow some slack.

1.12.2 Alternator

1.12.2.1 All Type A-2 buses and Type B buses with a GVWR of 15,000 lbs. or less shall have a minimum 60 ampere alternator

1.12.2.2 Types A-2 and Type B buses over 15,000 lbs. GVWR and all Type C and Type D buses shall be equipped with a heavy duty truck or bus type alternator meeting SAE J 180, having a minimum output rating of 100 amperes or higher which produce a minimum current output of 50 percent of the rating at engine idle speed.

1.12.2.3 Buses equipped with an electrically powered wheelchair lift shall have a minimum 130 ampere alternator

1.12.2.4 A belt alternator drive shall be capable of handling the rated capacity of the alternator with no detrimental effect on any other driven components. (See School Bus Manufacturers Technical Council (SBMTC), "School Bus Technical Reference," for estimating required alternator capacity.)

1.12.2.5 A direct drive alternator is permissible in lieu of a belt driven alternator.

1.12.3 Wiring

1.12.3.1 All wiring shall conform to current applicable recommended practices of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE).

1.12.3.1.1 All wiring shall use color and at least one other method of identification. The other method shall be either a number code or name code, and each chassis shall be delivered with a wiring diagram that illustrates the wiring of the chassis.

1.12.3.1.2 Body accessories shall be wired through the ignition switch and the clearance lights through a separate switch wired through the body controlled electronic control module.

1.12.3.2 The 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. The strip or plug shall contain the following terminals for the body connections:

1.12.3.2.1 Main 100 amp body circuit;

1.12.3.2.2 Tail lamps;

1.12.3.2.3 Right turn signal;

1.12.3.2.4 Left turn signal;

1.12.3.2.5 Stop lamps;

1.12.3.2.6 Back up lamps; and

1.12.3.2.7 Instrument panel lights (rheostat controlled by headlamp switch)

1.12.4 Circuits

1.12.4.1 An appropriate identifying diagram (color plus a name or number code) for all chassis electrical circuits shall be provided to the body manufacturer for distribution to the end user.

1.12.4.1.1 The headlight system must be wired separately from the body controlled electronic control module.

1.13 Engine: All engines shall have an engine block heater.

1.14 Engine Fire Extinguisher: The chassis manufacturer may provide an automatic fire extinguisher system in the engine compartment.

1.15 Exhaust System

1.15.1 The 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.

1.15.2 The tailpipe shall be constructed of a corrosion resistant tubing material at least equal in strength and durability to 16 gauge steel tubing of equal diameter.

1.15.3 Chassis manufacturers shall furnish an exhaust system with tailpipe of sufficient length to exit the rear of the bus or at the left side of the bus body no more than 18" forward of the front edge of the rear wheel house 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.

1.15.3.1 On Types C and D vehicles, the tailpipe shall not exit beneath a fuel fill or emergency door exit.

1.15.3.2 Types A and B chassis may be furnished with the manufacturer's standard tailpipe configuration.

1.15.3.3 Chassis manufacturers may furnish a tailpipe that exits through the rear bumper.

1.15.4 The exhaust system on a chassis shall be adequately insulated from the fuel system.

1.15.5 The muffler shall be constructed of corrosion resistant material.

1.15.6 The exhaust system on the chassis 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.

1.15.7 The tailpipe may be flush with, but shall not extend out more than two inches beyond, the perimeter of the body for side exit pipe or the bumper for rear exit pipe.

1.15.8 The tailpipe shall exit to the left of the emergency exit door in the rear of the vehicle or to the left side of the bus in front or behind the rear drive axle. The tailpipe exit location on all Types A-1 or B-1 buses may be according to the manufacturer's standard. The tailpipe shall not exit beneath any fuel filler location or beneath any emergency door.

1.15.8.1 For bus chassis and bodies produced after January 1, 2004, the tailpipe shall exit to the left or right of the emergency exit door in the rear of the vehicle. The tailpipe exit location on all Types A-1 or B01 buses may be according to the manufacturers standard. The tailpipe shall not exit beneath any fuel filler location or beneath any emergency door.

1.16 Fenders, Front Type C Vehicles

1.16.1 Total spread of outer edges of front fenders, measured at fender line, shall exceed total spread of front tires when front wheels are in a straight ahead position.

1.16.2 Front fenders shall be properly braced and shall not require attachment to any part of the body.

1.17 Frame

1.17.1 The frame (or equivalent) shall be of such design and strength characteristics as to correspond at least to standard practices for trucks of the same general load characteristics, which are used for highway service.

1.17.2 Any secondary manufacturer that modifies the original chassis frame shall guarantee the performance of workmanship and materials resulting from such modification.

1.17.3 Frames shall not be modified for the purpose of extending the wheel base.

1.17.4 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.

1.17.5 Frame lengths shall be established in accordance with the design criteria for the complete vehicle.

1.18 Fuel Tank

1.18.1 The fuel tank (or tanks) provided by the chassis manufacturer shall have a minimum 60 gallon capacity for school buses with a capacity of 36 passengers and above. School buses less than a capacity of 36 shall have a manufacturer's standard fuel tank. The tank shall be filled and vented to the outside of the body and the fuel filler shall be placed in a location where accidental fuel spillage will not drip or drain on any part of the exhaust system.

1.18.2 Fuel lines shall be mounted to the chassis frame in such a manner that the frame provides the maximum possible protections from damage.

1.18.3 The fuel system shall comply with FMVSS 301.

1.18.4 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.

1.18.5 The actual draw capacity of each fuel tank shall be a minimum of 83% of the tank capacity.

1.18.6 Installation of alternative fuel systems, including fuel tanks and piping from tank to the engine, shall comply with all applicable fire codes in effect on the date of manufacture of the bus.

1.18.7 Installation of LPG tanks shall comply with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 58.

1.18.8 Fuel gauges must be calibrated for size of tank used. If more than one tank is used, there must be a gauge for each tank.

1.19 Governor: When the engine is remotely located from the driver, the governor shall be set to limit engine speed to maximum revolutions per minute as recommended by the engine manufacturer, and a tachometer shall be installed so the engine speed may be known to the driver while seated in a normal driving position.

1.20 Heating System, Provision For: 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 connectors. The engine shall be capable of supplying coolant at a temperature of at least 170 degrees Fahrenheit at the engine cooling thermostat opening temperature. The coolant flow rate shall be 50 pounds per minute at the return end of 30 feet of one inch inside diameter automotive hot water heater hose. (See SBMTC-001.)

1.21 Horn: The bus shall be equipped with dual electrical horns capable of producing a complex sounds in bands of audio frequencies between 250 and 2,000 cycles per second and tested in accordance with SAE J-377.

1.21.1 For bus chassis and bodies produced after January 1, 2004, the bus shall be equipped with a horn(s) 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. Type A buses may be equipped according to the manufacturer's standard.

1.22 Instruments and Instrument Panel

1.22.1 The chassis shall be equipped with the instruments and gauges listed below. (Telltale warning lamps in lieu of gauges are not acceptable, except as noted):

1.22.1.1 Speedometer;

1.22.1.2 Odometer, which will give, accrued mileage (to seven digits), including tenths of miles;

1.22.1.3 Voltmeter: An ammeter with graduated charge and discharge indications is permitted in lieu of a voltmeter; however, when used, the ammeter wiring must be compatible with the current flow of the system;

1.22.1.4 Oil pressure gauge;

1.22.1.5 Water temperature gauge;

1.22.1.6 Fuel gauge;

1.22.1.7 Upper beam headlight indicator;

1.22.1.8 Turn signal indicator; and

1.22.1.9 Glow plug indicator light where appropriate

1.22.2 All instruments shall be easily accessible for maintenance and repair.

1.22.3 The 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.

1.22.4 The instrument panel shall have lamps of sufficient candlepower to illuminate all instruments, gauges and shift selector indicator for the automatic transmission.

1.22.5 Multi function gauge (MFG)

1.22.5.1 The driver must be able to manually select any displayable function of the gauge on a MFG whenever desired.

1.22.5.2 Whenever an out of limits condition that would be displayed on one or more functions of a MFG occurs, the MFG controller should automatically display this condition on the instrument cluster. This should be in the form of an illuminated telltale warning lamp 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 sequence automatically between those functions continuously until the condition(s) are corrected.

1.22.5.3 The use of a MFG does not relieve the need for audible warning devices, where required.

1.23 Oil Filter: An oil filter with a replaceable element shall be provided and connected by flexible oil lines if it is not a built in or an engine mounted design. The oil filter shall have a capacity of at least one (1) quart.

1.24 Openings: All openings in the floorboard or firewall between chassis and passenger compartment (e.g. for gearshift selector and parking brake lever) shall be sealed.

1.25 Passenger Load

1.25.1 The 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. (For purposes of calculation, the driver's weight is 150 pounds and the pupil weight is 120 pounds per pupil.)

1.25.2 Actual 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 Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR).

1.25.3 The manufacturer's GVWR for a particular school bus shall be furnished by manufacturers in duplicate (unless more copies are requested) to the Delaware Department of Education. The Department of Education shall, in turn, transmit such ratings to the Department of Public Safety, Division of Motor Vehicles.

1.26 Power and Grade Ability:

1.26.1 GVWR shall not exceed 185 pounds per published net horsepower of the engine at the manufacturer's recommended maximum number of revolutions per minute.

1.26.2 For school buses with less than 36 passenger capacity, the minimum power plant shall be 160 hp engine or equal.

1.26.3 For school buses with a capacity of 36 passengers or greater, the engine will produce at least 170 hp measured at an RPM not to exceed 2,600 and generate at least 420 foot pounds of torque.

1.26.3.1 For bus chassis and bodies produced after March 1, 2003, all buses with a capacity of 36 passengers or greater, shall have an engine that produces at least 190 hp.

1.27 Retarder System: A retarder system, if used, shall maintain the speed of a fully loaded school bus at 19.0 mph on a 7% grade for 3.6 miles.

1.28 Road Speed Control: The bus shall be equipped with a vehicle speed limiter to accurately control vehicle maximum speed to 65 miles per hour.

1.29 Shock Absorbers: The bus shall be equipped with double action shock absorbers compatible with manufacturer's rated axle capacity at each wheel location.

1.30 Steering Gear

1.30.1 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.

1.30.2 If external adjustments are required, steering mechanism shall be accessible to make adjustments.

1.30.3 No changes shall be made in the steering apparatus, which are not approved by the chassis manufacturer.

1.30.4 There shall be a clearance of at least 2 inches between the steering wheel and cowl, instrument panel, windshield, or any other surface.

1.30.5 Power steering is required and shall be of the integral type with integral valves.

1.30.6 The steering system shall be designed to provide a means for lubrication of all wear points, which are not permanently lubricated.

1.31 Suspension Systems

1.31.1 The capacity of springs or suspension assemblies shall be commensurate with the chassis manufacturer's GVWR.

1.31.2 Rear leaf springs shall be of a progressive rate or multistage design. Front leaf springs shall have a stationary eye at one end and shall be protected by a wrapped leaf, in addition to the main leaf.

1.32 Throttle: The force required to operate the throttle shall not exceed 16 pounds throughout the full range of accelerator pedal travel.

1.33 Tires and Rims

1.33.1 Rims of the proper size and tires of the proper size and load rating commensurate with chassis manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating shall be provided. All wheel rims shall be the same size to allow for interchangeability. The use of multipiece rims and tube type tires shall not be permitted.

1.33.2 Dual rear tires shall be provided on Type A-2, Type B, Type C, and Type D school buses.

1.33.3 All tires on a vehicle shall be tubeless radials and be of the same size, and the load range of the tires shall meet or exceed the GVWR, as required by FMVSS 120.

1.33.4 If the vehicle is equipped with a spare tire and rim assembly, it shall be the same size as those mounted on the vehicle.

1.33.5 If a tire carrier is required, it shall be suitably mounted in an accessible location outside the passenger compartment.

1.34 Tow Eyes or Hooks: Tow eyes or hooks shall be furnished and attached so they do not project beyond the front bumper. Tow eyes or hooks attached to the frame chassis shall be furnished by the chassis manufacturer. This installation shall be in accordance with the chassis manufacturer's specifications. (Note: Type A buses are exempt from this requirement.)

1.35 Transmission

1.35.1 Automatic transmissions (AT-545 or approved equal) shall have no fewer than three forward speeds and one reverse speed. Mechanical shift selectors shall provide a detent between each gear position when the gear selector quadrant and shift selector are not steering column mounted.

1.35.2 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.

1.35.3 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 seated in the driver's seat.

1.36 Turning Radius

1.36.1 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.

1.36.2 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.

1.37 Undercoating: The chassis manufacturers, or their agents, shall coat the undersides of steel or metallic constructed front fenders with a rust proofing compound, for which the compound manufacturer has issued notarized certification of compliance to chassis builder that the compound meets or exceeds all performance and qualitative requirements of paragraph 3.4 of Federal Specification TT-C-520B, using modified tests.

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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