Illinois Administrative Code
Title 92 - TRANSPORTATION
Part 436 - INSPECTION PROCEDURES FOR MULTIFUNCTION SCHOOL ACTIVITY BUSES
Appendix G - Instruments and Instrument Panel through Locked Compartment (optional)
a) INSTRUMENTS AND INSTRUMENT PANEL
PROCEDURES/SPECIFICATIONS:
Shall be equipped with the following nonglare illuminated instruments and gauges mounted for easy maintenance and repair and in such a manner that each is clearly visible to the seated driver. An indicator light instead of a pressure or temperature gauge is permissible. (See 49 CFR 571.101.)
1) Speedometer;
2) Odometer;
3) Fuel gauge;
4) Oil pressure gauge;
5) Water temperature gauge;
6) Ampere meter or volt meter with graduated charge and discharge indications;
7) High beam headlight indicator;
8) Directional signal indicator;
9) Air pressure or vacuum gauge (when air or vacuum brakes are used);
10) Emergency/service brake indicator (includes anti-lock brake system (ABS)).
REJECT VEHICLE IF:
Instruments or instrument panel do not operate properly; instruments are missing; inaccurate readings.
b) INSULATION
PROCEDURES/SPECIFICATIONS:
The ceiling and sidewalls shall be thermally insulated with a fire-resistant material that shall reduce the noise level and vibrations.
REJECT VEHICLE IF:
Insulation does not meet requirements.
c) LETTERING
1) Exterior
PROCEDURES/SPECIFICATIONS:
The body and chassis manufacturer's name, emblem, or other identification may be displayed (colorless or any color) on any unglazed surface of the MFSAB.
A vehicle identification number may be displayed on the exterior surface of the MFSAB roof.
A) Front
PROCEDURES/SPECIFICATIONS:
Vehicle number assigned for identification shall be a minimum of four inches (10.16 cm) high and located as high as practicable. Decals are permissible. (See Section 12-802 of the Illinois Vehicle Equipment Law.)
REJECT VEHICLE IF:
Lettering does not meet requirements. Required lettering is obstructed or not distinct.
B) Left
PROCEDURES/SPECIFICATIONS:
The name of the owner or the entity for which the MFSAB is operated or both shall be painted in a contrasting color on both sides, centered as high as practicable below the window line, in letters at least four inches (10.16 cm) high. (See Section 12-802(b) of the Illinois Vehicle Equipment Law.)
"EMERGENCY DOOR" in letters at least 1.95 inches (5 cm) high must be located at the top of, or directly above, any emergency exit door. For any emergency window exit, "EMERGENCY EXIT" must be located at the top of, or directly above, or at the bottom of, the emergency window exit in letters at least 1.95 inches (5 cm) high.
An arrow, at least 5.9 inches (14.99 cm) in length and 3/4 inch (1.91 cm) in width, indicating the direction each release mechanism should be turned to open the door or window must be located within 5.9 inches (14.99 cm) of the release handle.
Decals are permissible. All required lettering and labeling must be a color that contrasts with its background. (See 49 CFR 571.217.)
Optional: Vehicle number assigned for identification may be displayed at a minimum height of four inches (10.16 cm).
Decals are permissible.
REJECT VEHICLE IF:
Lettering does not meet requirements. Required lettering is obstructed or not distinct.
C) Rear
PROCEDURES/SPECIFICATIONS:
"EMERGENCY DOOR" in letters at least 1.95 inches (5 cm) high must be located at the top of, or directly above, any emergency exit door.
For any emergency window exit, "EMERGENCY EXIT" must be located at the top of, or directly above, or at the bottom of, the emergency window exit in letters at least 1.95 inches (5 cm) high.
An arrow, at least 5.9 inches (14.99 cm) in length and 3/4 inch (1.91 cm) in width, indicating the direction each release mechanism should be turned to open the door or window must be located within 5.9 inches (14.99 cm) of the release handle.
Vehicle number assigned for identification shall be a minimum four inches (10.16 cm) high. Decals are permissible.
All required lettering and labeling must be a color that contrasts with its background. (See 49 CFR 571.217.)
If MFSAB uses alternate fuel (e.g., propane, CNG), vehicle must be marked with identifying decal. The decal shall be diamond shaped with white or silver scotchlite letters one inch in height and a stroke of the brush at least 1/4 inch (.64 cm) wide on a black background with a white or silver scotchlite border bearing either the words or letters:
"PROPANE" = If propelled by liquefied petroleum gas other than liquefied natural gas; or
"CNG" = If propelled by compressed natural gas. The sign or decal shall be maintained in good legible condition.
The alternate fuel decal shall be displayed near the rear bumper and visible from the rear of vehicle. (See Section 12-704.3 of the Illinois Vehicle Equipment Law.)
A white decal with black lettering and numerals that measure one inch (2.54 cm) high must be displayed on the rear of the MFSAB. The decal must display either the words TO REPORT ERRATIC DRIVING or TO COMMENT ON MY DRIVING CALL followed by the area code and telephone number of the MFSAB owner. The decal shall be located on the rear window glazing below the rear seat back, on the MFSAB body below the window line, or on the rear bumper. The decal must be visible to the motoring public from the rear of the MFSAB and cannot obstruct any required lettering or numerals. The decal cannot be located on any emergency door glazing or any emergency window glazing. Magnetic signs are prohibited. (See Section 12-821 of the Illinois Vehicle Equipment Law.)
Exception: If the MFSAB is being presented for inspection by a dealer or a manufacturer prior to delivery to the owner, the TO REPORT ERRATIC DRIVING or TO COMMENT ON MY DRIVING CALL decal is optional. The decal may be applied by the MFSAB owner after the MFSAB is purchased.
REJECT VEHICLE IF:
Lettering does not meet requirements. Required lettering is obstructed or not distinct.
MFSAB using alternate fuels are not properly marked with decal. Decal is in wrong location.
D) Right
PROCEDURES/SPECIFICATIONS:
The name of the owner or the entity or both for which the MFSAB is operated shall be painted in a contrasting color on both sides, centered as high as practicable below the window line, in letters at least four inches (10.16 cm) high. (See Section 12-802 of the Illinois Vehicle Equipment Law.)
The following lettering must be at least two inches (5.08 cm) high:
i) The word "CAPACITY", or abbreviation "CAP.", plus numerals showing rated passenger capacity followed by the word "PASSENGERS", or the abbreviation "PASS.", shall be displayed on the outside of the body near the rear edge of the service entrance.
ii) Empty weight in pounds must be shown. Empty weight is indicated by "EW". (See Section 12-802 of the Illinois Vehicle Equipment Law.)
Manufacturer's identification name or emblem may be displayed, but not on service door glazing. Manufacturer's name or emblem must not interfere with required lettering. Decals are permissible.
"EMERGENCY DOOR" in letters at least 1.95 inches (5 cm) high must be located at the top of, or directly above, any emergency exit door.
For any emergency window exit "EMERGENCY EXIT" must be located at the top of, or directly above, or at the bottom of the emergency window exit in letters at least 1.95 inches (5 cm) high.
An arrow, at least 5.9 inches (14.99 cm) in length and 3/4 inch (1.91 cm) in width, indicating the direction each release mechanism should be turned to open the door or window must be located within 5.9 inches (14.99 cm) of the release handle.
Decals are permissible. All required lettering and labeling must be a color that contrasts with its background. (See 49 CFR 571.217.)
Optional: If audio and/or visual recording devices are present on the MFSAB, one white decal with black lettering measuring one inch (2.54 cm) high shall be displayed on the exterior of the service (i.e., entrance) door, or on the MFSAB body adjacent to the service door if the door is not adequate to accommodate the decal. The decal shall serve as a notice of audio and/or visual recordings. The decal must not be located on any service door glazing. Magnetic signs are prohibited. (See Section 14-3(m) of the Illinois Criminal Code.)
Lettering does not meet requirements. Required lettering is obstructed or not distinct.
2) Interior
A) Front
PROCEDURES/SPECIFICATIONS:
Each letter or numeral must be at least two inches (5.08 cm) high and contrasting sharply with its background. A colorless background strip (such as white, aluminum or silver) may be used. Decals are permitted.
On right side: Either "CAPACITY" or "CAP." plus numerals showing rated passenger capacity, followed by either "PASSENGER" or "PASS."
As nearly as practicable opposite the center of aisle, but to right of inside mirror, either "NO STANDEES" or "NO STANDEES PERMITTED."
The vehicle's length (rounded up to next whole foot) shall be displayed on the bulkhead clearly within the driver's view. (For example: vehicle length of 39.1 feet will be displayed as 40 feet.)
A red cross formed of five equal squares with words "FIRST-AID KIT" shall be displayed on the compartment door, or cover, if the first-aid kit is to be carried in the locked compartment.
The words "FIRE EXTINGUISHER" shall be displayed on the compartment door, or cover, if the fire extinguisher is to be carried in the locked compartment.
Optional: If audio and/or visual recording devices are present on the MFSAB, one white decal with black lettering measuring one inch (2.54 cm) high shall be displayed on the front interior bulkhead. The decal shall serve as a notice of audio and/or visual recordings. The decal must not obstruct any other required lettering on the bulkhead. Magnetic signs are prohibited. (See Section 14-3(m) of the Illinois Criminal Code.)
Optional: A "No Smoking" sign may be posted on the interior surface of an MFSAB.
REJECT VEHICLE IF:
Lettering does not meet requirements. Required lettering is obstructed or not distinct. Vehicle length is not displayed properly or is absent.
B) Left
PROCEDURES/SPECIFICATIONS:
"EMERGENCY DOOR" in letters at least 1.95 inches (5 cm) high must be located at the top of, or directly above, any emergency exit door. For any emergency window exit, "EMERGENCY EXIT" must be located at the top of, or directly above, or at the bottom of the emergency window exit in letters at least 1.95 inches (5 cm) high. The labeling must be of a color that contrasts with its background. Concise operating instructions describing the motions necessary to unlatch and open the exit must be located within 5.85 inches (15 cm) of the release mechanism on the inside surface of the MFSAB. These operating instructions shall be in letters at least .39 inches (1 cm) high and of a color that contrasts with its background. (See 49 CFR 571.217.)
REJECT VEHICLE IF:
Lettering does not meet requirements. Required lettering is obstructed or not distinct.
C) Rear
PROCEDURES/SPECIFICATIONS:
"EMERGENCY DOOR" in letters at least 1.95 inches (5 cm) high must be located at the top of, or directly above, any emergency exit door.
For any emergency window exit, "EMERGENCY EXIT" must be located at the top of, or directly above, or at the bottom of the emergency window exit in letters at least 1.95 inches (5 cm) high. The labeling must be of a color that contrasts with its background.
Concise operating instructions describing the motions necessary to unlatch and open the door must be located within 5.85 inches (15 cm) of the release mechanism on the inside surface of the MFSAB. These operating instructions shall be in letters at least .39 inches (1 cm) high and of a color that contrasts with its background. (See 49 CFR 571.217.)
REJECT VEHICLE IF:
Lettering does not meet requirements. Required lettering is obstructed or not distinct.
D) Right
PROCEDURES/SPECIFICATIONS:
"EMERGENCY DOOR" in letters at least 1.95 inches (5 cm) high must be located at the top of, or directly above, any side emergency door. For any emergency window exit, "EMERGENCY EXIT" in letters at least 1.95 inches (5 cm) high must be located at the top of, or directly above, or at the bottom of the emergency window exit. The labeling must be of a color that contrasts with its background. Concise operating instructions describing the motions necessary to unlatch and open the exit must be located within 5.85 inches (15 cm) of the release mechanism on the inside surface of the MFSAB. These instructions shall be in letters at least .39 inches (1 cm) high and of a color that contrasts with its background. (See 49 CFR 571.217.)
REJECT VEHICLE IF:
Right interior lettering does not meet requirements. Required lettering is obstructed or not distinct.
E) Ceiling
PROCEDURES/SPECIFICATIONS
Roof exit must be labeled "EMERGENCY EXIT" in letters at least 1.95 inches (5 cm) high, of a color that contrasts with its background. The labeling must be located on an inside surface of the exit, or within 11.7 inches (30 cm) of the roof exit opening. Concise operating instructions describing the motions necessary to unlatch and open the emergency exit shall be located within 5.85 inches (15 cm) of the release mechanism. These instructions shall be in letters at least .39 inches (1 cm) high and of a color that contrasts with its background. (See 49 CFR 571.217.)
REJECT VEHICLE IF:
Lettering does not meet requirements. Required lettering is obstructed or not distinct.
d) LIGHTS
Light Emitting Diode (LED) lamps that meet applicable FMVSS or SAE Standards/Recommended Practices are acceptable. Two or more lamps or reflectors may be combined if the requirements for each lamp or reflector are met. However, no clearance lamp shall be combined with a tail lamp. (See 49 CFR 571.108 -S 6.3.)
1) Back Up
PROCEDURES/SPECIFICATIONS:
Two white lights shall be provided. Must meet federal standards ( 49 CFR 571.108) .
REJECT VEHICLE IF:
Back-up lights do not function; illegal color; broken lens.
2) Clearance, Front
PROCEDURES/SPECIFICATIONS:
Two clearance lights (amber) visible from the front at highest and widest portions of the body. Must conform to federal standards ( 49 CFR 571.108) . May be combined with sidemarker lamp provided the requirements for both lights are met.
Exception: MFSAB that measure less than 80 inches (203.2 cm) wide are exempt. (See 49 CFR 571.108.)
REJECT VEHICLE IF:
Front clearance lights do not function; improper color; broken lens.
3) Clearance, Rear
PROCEDURES/SPECIFICATIONS:
Two clearance lights (red) mounted at highest and widest parts of body. Must conform to federal standards ( 49 CFR 571.108) .
Exception: MFSAB that measure less than 80 inches (203.2 cm) wide are exempt. (See 49 CFR 571.108.)
REJECT VEHICLE IF:
Rear clearance lights do not function; improper color; broken lens.
4) Identification, Front
PROCEDURES/SPECIFICATIONS:
Three amber lights mounted at center front near top of body. Must conform to federal standards ( 49 CFR 571.108) .
Exception: MFSAB that measure less than 80 inches (203.2 cm) wide are exempt. (See 49 CFR 571.108.)
REJECT VEHICLE IF:
Front cluster lights do not function properly; improper color; broken lens.
5) Identification, Rear
PROCEDURES/SPECIFICATIONS:
Three red lights mounted at center rear near top of body. Must conform to federal standards ( 49 CFR 571.108) .
Exception: MFSAB that measure less than 80 inches (203.2 cm) wide are exempt. (See 49 CFR 571.108.)
REJECT VEHICLE IF:
Rear cluster lights do not function properly; improper color; broken lens.
6) Flashing Signal System (not applicable)
PROCEDURES/SPECIFICATIONS:
MFSAB cannot be equipped with a flashing signal system.
REJECT VEHICLE IF:
MFSAB is equipped with a flashing signal system.
7) Headlights
PROCEDURES/SPECIFICATIONS:
Shall have at least two headlamps with at least one mounted on each side of the front of the MFSAB. Lamp body must be securely attached. Lenses, reflectors, bulbs, etc., must be in good condition, properly aimed and fill required intensity. Check for bulb burn out. Verify high and low beams are functioning. Shall conform to federal standards ( 49 CFR 571.108) .
REJECT VEHICLE IF:
Headlights do not meet requirements. High/low beams do not function.
8) Interior
PROCEDURES/SPECIFICATIONS:
Adequate to illuminate aisles, step well, and emergency passageways.
REJECT VEHICLE IF:
Interior lights do not provide adequate lighting; have cracked or broken lenses; are improper color.
9) License Plate
PROCEDURES/SPECIFICATIONS:
Adequate white light to illuminate license plate. (See 49 CFR 571.108.) May be combined with one of the tail lights.
REJECT VEHICLE IF:
License plate light does not provide adequate lighting; has cracked or broken lenses; is improper color.
10) Parking Lights
PROCEDURES/SPECIFICATIONS:
Shall be one lamp on each side; white or amber color. (See 49 CFR 571.108.)
All MFSAB 80 or more inches (203.2 cm) in overall width that are equipped with side marker lamps, clearance lamps, and intermediate side marker lamps are exempt from having parking lights. However, if the vehicle is equipped with parking lights, they must be operational. (See 49 CFR 571.108.)
REJECT VEHICLE IF:
Parking lights do not meet requirements; do not function properly; are improper color; have cracked or broken lenses.
11) Sidemarker, Left
PROCEDURES/SPECIFICATIONS:
Two lamps: one amber at front and one red at rear, mounted as high as practicable and located on the side of the MFSAB. Shall conform to federal standards ( 49 CFR 571.108) .
REJECT VEHICLE IF:
Left marker lights do not meet requirements; do not function properly; are improper color; have cracked or broken lenses.
12) Sidemarker, Right
PROCEDURES/SPECIFICATIONS:
Two lamps: one amber at front and one red at rear, mounted as high as practicable and located on the side of the MFSAB. Shall conform to federal standards ( 49 CFR 571.108) .
REJECT VEHICLE IF:
Right marker lights do not meet requirements; do not function properly; are improper color; have cracked or broken lenses.
13) Step Well
PROCEDURES/SPECIFICATIONS:
At least the nosings of the service entrance steps and the floor around the step well shall be automatically illuminated with white light when the ignition is on and the service entrance door is open.
No lamp shall be installed so as to shine directly into the eyes of a pupil moving through the service entrance and looking at the service steps.
REJECT VEHICLE IF:
Step well light does not meet requirements; does not function properly; is improper color; has cracked or broken lenses.
14) Stop
PROCEDURES/SPECIFICATIONS:
Two red lights mounted at same height and as high as practicable below window line. Seven inch (17.78 cm) minimum diameter or 19 square inches. Not less than 36 inches (91.44 cm) apart laterally. Must conform to federal standards ( 49 CFR 571.108) .
For MFSAB with an overall width of less than 80 inches (203.2 cm), a high mounted stop lamp is required (may be two lamps).
REJECT VEHICLE IF:
Stop lights do not meet requirements; are improper color; have cracked or broken lenses; do not function properly.
15) Strobe
PROCEDURES/SPECIFICATIONS:
Lamp must comply with following requirements:
A) One per MFSAB;
B) Shall emit white or bluish/white light;
C) Shall be visible from any direction;
D) Shall flash 60 to 120 times per minute;
E) Shall be visible in normal sunlight;
F) Mounted at or behind center of rooftop and equal distance from each side.
Distance from rear will be calculated by measuring height of filament (in inches) and multiplying same by 30 inches. (Filament height x 30 = distance from rear of MFSAB where lamp is to be located.)
If a roof exit, air conditioner or the size of the MFSAB interferes with the placement of a strobe as required in this subsection (d)(15)(F), the strobe can be placed to the rear of the roof exit or air conditioner as near as practicable above the rear axle, horizontally centered between the rear tires.
REJECT VEHICLE IF:
Strobe light does not meet installation requirements; does not function properly; is improper color; has cracked or broken lenses.
Shielding is present.
16) Tail
PROCEDURES/SPECIFICATIONS:
Two red lights mounted with centers not less than 40 inches (101.6 cm) nor more than 50 inches (127 cm) from surface on which vehicle stands. Must conform to federal standards ( 49 CFR 571.108) .
REJECT VEHICLE IF:
Tail lights do not meet requirements; do not function properly; are improper color; have cracked or broken lenses.
17) Turn Signal, Front
PROCEDURES/SPECIFICATIONS:
One amber lamp located on each side at or near the front. They shall be located at the same height and as far apart as practicable. Lamps must conform to federal standards ( 49 CFR 571.108) . The lamps may be located on the fender or the cowl, if practicable.
Operate turn signals and four-way warning hazards to check performance of front and rear lights.
REJECT VEHICLE IF:
Front turn signal lights do not meet requirements; do not function properly; are improper color; have cracked or broken lenses.
Four-way warning hazards do not operate properly.
18) Turn Signal, Rear
PROCEDURES/SPECIFICATIONS:
One red or amber lens on each side at the same height and as far apart as practicable below window. Must meet federal standard 49 CFR 571.108.
REJECT VEHICLE IF:
Rear turn signal does not meet requirements; is improper color; does not function properly; has cracked or broken lenses.
e) LOCKED COMPARTMENT (optional)
PROCEDURES/SPECIFICATIONS:
Fire extinguisher, first-aid kit, and warning devices may be stored either in a closed, unlocked compartment or under lock and key, provided the locking device is connected with an automatic warning signal that will alert driver when compartment is locked. The automatic alarm shall be both audible and visible to the seated driver. The alarm shall alert the driver when the engine is running and the compartment is locked and cannot be readily opened without using a tool, key, or combination. An alarm cut-off or "squelch" control is prohibited.
Each safety item inside the compartment shall be named on the outside of the compartment cover or door. In addition, a RED CROSS formed of five equal squares shall be displayed on the cover when the first aid kit is inside the compartment.
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REJECT VEHICLE IF:
If present, locked compartment is not readily accessible to driver; lettering or identification missing; alarm does not function properly when compartment is locked and vehicle is running.
