Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 38, September 20, 2024
Except for mirrors, which may project 153 mm (6") beyond each
side of the bus, a school bus shall not exceed 2.44 m (8 feet) in width, 4.12 m
(13 feet 6 inches) in height, nor 12.81 m (42 feet) in length. (Sections
15-102, 15-103 and 15-107 of the Code) Each bus body shall be constructed so as
to preclude road splash, road dust, or the bus engine's fumes or gas entering
either the driver, passenger, or service entrance space through any joint,
crack, hole, or opening other than an opened door or window. In addition,
various portions of the bus body shall conform to the requirements set forth
under the following subsections.
a)
Aisle. An aisle, easily negotiated ("easily negotiated" means that an aisle
meets the dimension requirements set forth in this subsection from front of bus
to back of bus) and free of tripping hazards ("tripping hazards" are tears,
wrinkles and other imperfections in the floor covering material, or the floor
itself causing the walking surface to be uneven), shall extend from the forward
edge of the service entrance stairway to the emergency door in the rear of the
bus or, when such door is absent, to the forward edge of the rearmost seat.
This aisle shall be no less than 305 mm (12") wide at every location between
floor covering and the top of each seat cushion and, in a bus manufactured in
July 1987 or later, shall be no less than 380 mm (15") wide at and above a
level 50 mm (2") below the top of any seat back. At least
1.75 m
(68.9 ") floor-to-ceiling height shall be provided above the entire required
width of this aisle between the forward edge of the rearmost seat and the
forward edge of the service entrance stairway. A dedicated aisle that conforms
to
49
CFR 571.217 may be adjacent to any side
emergency door.
b) Barriers, Guard.
A restraining guard barrier shall be installed in front of the right and left
front passenger seats. (See 92 Ill. Adm. Code 444 for exceptions for special
education school buses.)
1) Barriers shall be
constructed to guard passengers from being thrown into the stairwell, dash,
windshield or driver's compartment. Barriers shall be padded to give knee and
head impact protection. Barriers shall conform to S5.2 through S5.2.3 of FMVSS
222.
2) The vertical distance from
the floor covering to the top of a barrier positioned in front of a student's
seat shall measure not less than the vertical distance from the floor covering
to the top of the seat back on the seat back installed behind that
barrier.
c) Battery.
Either one battery or two or more suitably connected batteries may be
installed.
1) When rated in conformance with
SAE Standard J537 (September 2000) the batteries shall provide a current flow
for engine cranking no less than the engine manufacturer's recommended Cold
Cranking Current (amperes for 30 seconds) at -18° C (0° F) or, at the
purchaser's option, at -29° C (-20° F).
2) When rated in conformance with SAE
Standard J537 (September 2000) the batteries shall provide a Reserve Capacity
(duration of 25 ampere current flow) at 27° C (80° F) no less than 135
minutes.
d) Battery
Carrier. When the battery is mounted outside the engine compartment it shall be
attached securely in a closed, weather-tight, and vented compartment that is
located and arranged so as to provide for convenient routine servicing. The
battery compartment door, or cover, shall be secured by an adequate manually
operated latches or other fasteners. Each electrical cable connecting the
batteries in this carrier to the body or chassis shall be one-piece between the
battery terminal connector and the first body or chassis terminal
connector.
e) Bumper, Rear. The
rear bumper shall be of channel type cross section with the top edge at least
225 mm (8.9") above the bottom edge, shall be formed from rolled steel at least
4.55 mm (.18") thick, and shall wrap around the rear corners of the body to a
point at least 300 mm (11.8 ") forward of the rearmost point of the body at
floor line. The rear bumper shall be attached to the chassis frame with
provisions for removal by means of commonly available hand tools and the
prevention of hitching-to or riding thereon. The rear bumper shall be of
sufficient strength to permit the bus being pushed by another vehicle without
permanent distortion.
f) Capacity,
Passenger. The vehicle maximum passenger capacity recommended by the
manufacturer of the bus shall be based upon a provision for 13 inches of
seating space for each passenger, exclusive of the driver. (Section 12-802 of
the Code) Examples: A seat 990 mm (39") in width provides 3 passenger spaces; A
seat 985 mm (38.8 ") in width provides 2 passenger spaces; A device resembling
a seat but less than 330 mm (13") in width would not provide a passenger space.
Neither a space not conforming to FMVSS 222 nor the driver's space shall be
counted as a passenger space. However, any space used for transporting an
orthopedically challenged passenger shall be counted as a passenger space when
computing passenger capacity to be displayed on the exterior of the bus as
required in subsection (v)(7).
g)
Certificate and Registration Card Holder. At least 1 card holder with a
transparent face no less than 150 mm by 100 mm (5.9 " by 3.9 ") shall be
securely affixed to the interior header panel out of the students' easy
reach.
h) Child Check System
(Optional). If a mechanical or electronic child check system is installed, the
system must illuminate the interior lights on the bus when the ignition is
turned off. (See P.A. 95-0260, effective August 17, 2007.)
i) Color and Paint, Exterior. The exterior of
each school bus shall be national school bus glossy yellow except as indicated
in subsections (i)(1)-(6):
1) The rooftop may
be white. Optional white roof shall terminate at any point from top of drip
rail to 6" above drip rail. The front and rear roof caps shall remain national
school bus glossy yellow.
2) Body
trim, rub rails, lettering other than on a stop signal arm and bumpers shall be
glossy black (Federal Standard No. 595a, glossy black enamel No.
170381).
3) Lettering on a stop
signal arm shall be white on a red background.
4) The hood and upper cowl may be lusterless
black (595a, 37038) or lusterless school bus yellow.
5) Grilles on the front, lamp trim and
hubcaps may be a bright finish. Wheels and rims may be black or gray.
6) The name or emblem of a manufacturer may
be colorless or any color.
7) The
exterior paint of any school bus shall match the central value, hue and chroma
set forth in this Part. (Section 12-801 of the Code)
8) Each opening for a required emergency exit
window or door must be outlined around its exterior perimeter with, at a
minimum, 1 inch (2.54 cm) wide yellow retroreflective tape. All retroreflective
tape must be on the exterior surface of the bus and conform to all requirements
of
49
CFR 571.217. Emergency roof exits may be
outlined in either yellow or white retroreflective tape.
9) Yellow retroreflective tape can be located
on the rear bumper or rub rail provided the space under the emergency exit door
or emergency exit window is not adequate to accommodate the tape, or, provided
rivets are present that prohibit the tape from being applied
properly.
AGENCY NOTE: To be certain of glare reduction, a purchaser
should specify a lusterless paint.
j)
Crossing Control Arm:
1) Must meet or exceed
the wiring requirements of SAE Recommended Practice J1133 (November
2004).
2) Must be capable of full
operation between, and including, the temperatures -40° F and 160°
F.
3) The arm, when activated, must
extend a minimum of five feet from the front face of the bumper.
4) The arm must be mounted on the far right
side (entry side) of the front bumper.
5) Appropriate brackets shall be used to
attach the arm to the front bumper for proper operation and storage.
6) All component parts must meet or exceed
any applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards in effect at the time of
manufacture.
7) The arm must extend
at the same time the stop arm panel extends. An independent "on/off" switch is
prohibited.
8) If the driver can
stop the arm from extending with the use of an optional override switch, the
arm sequence must automatically reset once the service door is
closed.
9) Red lights and/or red
reflectors are prohibited.
k) Defrosters. Defrosting equipment shall be
installed so as to help keep the window to the left of the driver and the glass
in the service door clear of fog or frost. This defrosting equipment shall
conform to those FMVSS 103 (
49
CFR 571.103) performance requirements that
are applicable to school bus windshields.
l) Emergency Exits. All emergency exits shall
conform to the applicable requirements of FMVSS 217 (
49
CFR 571.217) .
1) Each emergency exit shall be equipped with
an interior opening device that may be quickly released but that is designed to
offer protection against accidental release. Each exterior release handle must
be nonhitchable.
AGENCY NOTE: "Nonhitchable" is defined as the rear of the bus
being designed and maintained to prevent or discourage riding or grasping rear
of bus so as to "hitch" rides.
2) Each opening for a required emergency exit
window or door must be outlined around its exterior perimeter with, at a
minimum, 1 inch (2.54 cm) wide yellow retroreflective tape. All retroreflective
tape must be on the exterior surface of the bus and conform to all requirements
of
49
CFR 571.217. Yellow retroreflective tape can
be located on the rear bumper or rub rail provided the space under the
emergency exit door or emergency exit window is not adequate to accommodate the
tape, or, provided rivets are present that prohibit the tape from being applied
properly. Emergency roof exits may be outlined in either yellow or white
retroreflective tape.
3) Both
audible and visible alarms shall alert the driver when the engine is running
and any emergency exit door either:
A) Is not
fully latched, or
B) Is locked and
not readily operated manually.
4) An audible alarm shall alert the driver
when the engine is running and any emergency exit window either:
A) Is not fully latched, or
B) Is locked and not readily operated
manually.
5) The engine
starting system shall not operate while any emergency exit door or window
(optional or required) is locked from either inside or outside the bus.
"Locked" means that the release mechanism cannot be activated and the exit
cannot be opened by a person at the exit without a special device such as a key
or special information such as a combination.
6) An alarm cut-off or "squelch" control is
prohibited.
7) Exception: No alarm
is required for roof hatches.
m) Fire Extinguisher.
AGENCY NOTE: A fire extinguisher is required to be carried on
each school bus transporting pupils. The manufacturer may elect to install the
fire extinguisher at the time the school bus is manufactured; however, a fire
extinguisher can also be installed by the owner after the school bus is
purchased.
The fire extinguisher shall be of the dry chemical type, with
pressure gauge, mounted in a quick-release bracket of automotive type located
in view of and readily accessible to the driver, except when carried in the
locked compartment authorized under subsection (w). The fire extinguisher shall
be of a type approved by the Underwriters' Laboratories, Inc., with a rating
not less than 10-BC. The operating mechanism shall be sealed with a type of
seal that will not interfere with the use of the fire extinguisher. Halon fire
extinguishers (10-BC) are approved.
n) First-Aid Kit.
AGENCY NOTE: A first aid kit is required to be carried on
each school bus transporting pupils. The manufacturer may elect to install the
first aid kit at the time the school bus is manufactured; however, a first aid
kit can also be installed by the owner after the school bus is purchased.
1) The first aid kit must be readily
identifiable and readily accessible to the driver. The kit must be dust tight
and substantially constructed of durable material. If the kit is not carried in
the locked compartment as authorized in subsection (w)(2), it must be in view
of the driver.
2) The first aid kit
must include, but is not limited to, the following:
A) 4" bandage compress - 2 packages
B) 2" bandage compress - 2 packages
C) 1" bandage or adhesive compress - 1
package
D) 40" triangle bandage
with two safety pins - 1
E) Splint,
wire or wood - 1
3) A
tourniquet or any type of ointment, antiseptic or other medicine cannot be
included.
o) Floor
Covering.
1) All portions of the floor that
come in contact with passengers' or driver's footwear shall be covered with a
waterproof material. This floor covering shall not crack when subjected to
sudden temperature change and shall be bonded securely to the floor with a
waterproof substance. All seams and openings shall be filled with a waterproof
sealer.
2) The floor covering in
the aisles and entrance area shall be of non-skid, wear-resistance type
material commonly used in commercial passenger transportation
vehicles.
p) Fuel
System. The fuel system shall conform to all applicable provisions of FMVSS 301
(
49 CFR
571.301) .
q) Glazing Materials.
1) The following applies to glazing on Type I
school buses:
A) Laminated safety glass is
optional on Type I school buses. All applicable provisions of FMVSS 205 (
49 CFR
571.205) apply to the optional laminated
safety glass and also to any plastic material used in multiple-glazed unit,
including meeting the pertinent tests indicated below, that are specified in
ANSI Standard Z26.1 -1996, Z26.1a-1996, and are grouped in Table No. 1 of that
Standard. Glazing shall be identified as shown below.
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Glazing installed in:
|
Shall meet tests grouped in Z26.1 Table No. 1
under:
|
Shall bear one of the following identification
markings:
|
|
Windshield
|
Item 1, either laminated glass or multiple glazed
unit.
|
AS 1 Glass;
|
|
Window or door forward of rearmost location of
driver's seat back
|
AS 1 Glass; or AS 2 Glass
|
|
All Other locations
|
AS 1 Glass, or AS 2 Glass, or AS 3 Glass
|
B)
In addition, any exposed plastic layer of a multiple glazed unit shall be
identified in conformance with FMVSS 205 (
49 CFR
571.205) .
2) All glazing shall be installed so the
identification markings are legible.
3) All glazing in the rear of the bus, except
a rear emergency exit window, shall be the fixed type.
r) Heaters.
1) An interior temperature of not less than
10° Celsius (50° F) shall be maintained throughout the bus while the
bus is moving at 75 kilometers per hour (46.6 miles per hour) in calm air at
the average minimum January temperature, as established by the Weather Bureau,
U.S. Department of Commerce, for the area in which the bus is to be
operated.
2) Each heater shall bear
a nameplate that shall identify the heater manufacturer and state the heater
capacity rating when tested as recommended in SAE Recommended Practice J638
(November 1998), or when tested in accordance with other nationally recognized
standard or code. The recommended practice, standard, or code under which the
heater is rated shall be identified on the nameplate. Such nameplate shall
constitute certification by the heater manufacturer that the heater performance
is as shown on the plate.
3) Heater
hoses shall be supported so as to prevent wear due to vibration. The hoses
shall not dangle or rub against the chassis or sharp edges and shall neither
interfere with nor restrict the operation of any engine function (such as an
emission or ignition control mechanism). Heater hoses shall be protected or
baffled between the point at which they enter the passenger compartment and the
point of attachment to the heater so that, in the event of hose rupture or
disconnection, passengers and/or driver will not be subject to hot water
burns.
4) Auxiliary fuel-fired
heating systems are permitted, provided they comply with the following:
A) The auxiliary heating system fuel shall
utilize the same type of fuel as specified for the vehicle engine;
B) The heater or heaters may be direct hot
air or connected to the engine's coolant system;
C) An auxiliary heating system, when
connected to the engine's coolant system, may be used to preheat the engine
coolant or preheat and add supplementary heat to the bus's heating
system;
D) Auxiliary heating
systems must be installed pursuant to the manufacturer's recommendations and
shall not direct exhaust in such a manner that will endanger bus passengers.
The auxiliary heating system must not direct exhaust into any portion of the
prohibited zone as shown in Illustration C of this Part;
E) Auxiliary heating systems that operate on
diesel fuel shall be capable of operating on:
i) a hot water and/or combustion type heater;
or
ii) if only one heater is used,
a fresh-air or combination fresh-air and recirculation type heater;
or
iii) blended diesel fuel without
the need for system adjustment; and
F) The auxiliary heating system shall be low
voltage.
s)
Heater Hose Connections at Engine. Each heater hose connection to the engine
shall include a shutoff valve located as close to the engine as practical. Such
connection and valve shall not interfere with any engine function whether
closed, partially open, or fully open, with heater hoses installed
properly.
t) Interior.
1) Thermal and acoustic materials shall be
installed in the ceiling and the sides of the body to reduce heat transfer and
the interior noise level.
2) The
passenger compartment of the bus, including the ceiling, shall be free of any
visible or concealed projections likely to cause injury. Exposed lapped joints
shall be connected and/or treated to reduce likelihood of injury from exposed
edges. Materials or components in the passenger compartment located within 59
inches from the floor shall be free of any sharp corner or projections or shall
be padded so as to make injury unlikely.
u) Lamps and Signals. Light Emitting Diode
(LED) lamps that meet applicable FMVSS or SAE Standards or SAE Recommended
Practices are acceptable.
1) Alternately
Flashing Signal Lamps. Each bus shall be equipped with an eight lamp
alternately flashing signal system that conforms to S5.1.4(b) of FMVSS 108 (
49
CFR 571.108) and Section 12-805 of the Code.
A separate circuit breaker and a master switch shall be provided for this
signal system. When in its "off" position, this master switch shall prevent
operation of the eight lamp system; shall prevent operation of any lamps
mounted on the stop signal arm panel required under subsection (hh); and shall
prevent operation of any electrically controlled mechanism that would cause the
stop signal arm panel to extend. The controls for the eight lamp flashing
signals, the stop signal arm panel, and the service entrance door shall be
arranged so as to provide for the following sequence of operations while the
engine is running:
A) Place the alternately
flashing signal system master switch in its "off" position. Close and secure
the service entrance door. Actuate the alternately flashing signal system hand
or foot control. The alternately flashing signal lamps of either yellow (amber)
or red color shall not go on.
B)
With the master switch "off" and the hand or foot control actuated, open the
service door. The alternately flashing signals of either color shall not go on
and the stop signal arm panel shall not extend.
C) Deactivate the hand or foot control. Place
the alternately flashing signal system master switch in its "on" position.
Close and secure the service door. Then open the service door. The alternately
flashing signal lamps of either color shall not go on and the stop signal arm
panel shall not extend.
D) Close
and secure the service door. Actuate the alternately flashing signal system by
hand or foot control. A yellow pilot lamp in the view of the driver and the
yellow alternately flashing signals shall go on.
E) Desecure but do not open the service door.
The yellow pilot and the yellow alternately flashing signals shall go off. A
red pilot lamp in the view of the driver and the red alternately flashing
signals shall go on. The stop signal arm panel shall extend.
F) Fully open the service door. The red pilot
and red signals shall remain on and the stop arm shall remain
extended.
G) Close but do not
secure the service door. The red pilot and red signals shall remain on and the
stop arm shall remain extended.
H)
Open the service door. The red pilot and red signals shall remain on and the
stop arm shall remain extended.
I)
Close and secure the service door. The red pilot and red signals shall go off
and the stop arm shall retract.
J)
Open the service door. Alternately flashing signals of either color shall not
go on and the stop arm shall not extend.
2) Interior Lighting. At least the white
nosings of the service entrance steps (subsection (gg)(3)), the floor around
the stepwell, the entire aisle, and each emergency door and emergency exit
shall be illuminated by lamps emitting a white light. For buses designed to
transport 33 or more passengers, at least two interior illumination lamps shall
be installed. At least the nosings of the service entrance steps and the floor
around the stepwell shall be illuminated automatically by opening of the
service door. No lamp shall be installed at or near the eye level of a pupil
moving through the service entranceway to the aisle unless such lamp does not
shine directly into the eyes of any such pupil.
3) Rear Turn Signals. Yellow turn signal
lamps shall be mounted on the rear as far apart as practical and as high as
practical but below the rear window. The effective projected illuminated area
of these turn signal lamps shall be no less than required for the yellow
alternately flashing signal lamps required under subsection (u)(1); i.e., .0122
m2 (19 in2).
4) Side Turn Signals. Two yellow side turn
signal lamps conforming to SAE Standard J914 (July 2003) shall be installed on
each bus designed to transport 33 or more passengers. Except as provided in
this subsection, this SAE Standard shall be read as setting forth mandatory
requirements. The lamps shall be "armored" and mounted on the body between the
rub rails required under subsection (dd). The right lamp shall be within 1 m
(39.4 ") of the rear of the service entrance but, on a forward control bus, not
forward of the front axle. The left lamp shall be approximately the same
distance from the front bumper as the right lamp.
5) Stop Signals. Red stop lamps shall be
mounted on the rear as far apart as practical but closer to the vertical
centerline of the bus than the rear turn signal lamps required under subsection
(u)(3), and at the same height as those turn signal lamps. The effective
projected illuminated area of these stop lamps shall be no less than required
for the red alternately flashing signal lamps required under subsection (u)(1);
i.e., .0122 m2 (19
in2).
6)
Strobe.
A) One per bus;
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 and
multiplying same by 30 inches (i.e., filament height measured from the base of
the strobe x 30 = distance from rear of bus where lamp is to be located).
(Section 12-815 of the Code)
G) If
a roof exit, air conditioner, or the size of the bus interferes with the
placement of a strobe as required by (u)(6)(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.
v) Lettering.
1) General. Except where otherwise required
or allowed, lettering on the exterior of the body shall be black against a
national school bus glossy yellow background. All required letters and numerals
shall conform to Series "B", or heavier series, of the Standard Alphabets for
Highway Signs issued by the Federal Highway Administration, Washington, D.C.
20591. Decals may be used instead of paint. Signs, numbers, or letterings,
other than those either required by Section 12-802 of the Code or required or
permitted by this Part shall not be affixed permanently on either the exterior
or the interior of the bus. Interior lettering shall contrast with its
background.
2) The words "SCHOOL
BUS" shall be displayed against a national school bus glossy yellow background
as high as practical and approximately centered on the front and rear of the
bus body, in letters at least 200 mm (8") high (see Section 12-802 of the
Code). These words may be painted on or applied to the bus body or displayed on
a sign firmly attached to or built into the body. The background of an
illuminated sign shall approximate the national school bus glossy yellow color
as closely as feasible.
3) A school
bus identification number, supplied by the purchaser, shall be displayed as
high as practical on the front and rear of the bus in numerals not less than
100 mm (4") high. Such number may be displayed on the sides of the bus as
specified by the purchaser. As an option, identification numbers may also be
located on the rooftop.
4) Either
the owner's name or the school district number or both must be displayed on
both sides of the bus at least four inches high, approximately centered and as
high as practicable below the window line. (Section 12-802 of the Code) The
lettering must be located on one line.
5) The body and/or chassis manufacturer's
name, emblem, or other identification may be displayed, colorless or in any
color, on any unglazed surface of the bus so as not to be mistaken for the name
required in subsection (v)(4), and so as not to interfere with any required
letters or numerals.
6) The words
"EMPTY WEIGHT", or the abbreviation "EMPTY WT.", or the letters "E.W.",
followed by the empty weight of the bus, as defined in Section
440.220, stated in
pounds, shall be displayed on the exterior of the body near the rear edge of
the service entrance in numerals and letters at least 50 mm (2") high (see
Section 12-802 of the Code).
|
Examples: EMPTY WEIGHT
|
16,800 lb
|
E.W. 16,800 lb
|
7)
The word "CAPACITY", or the abbreviation "CAP.", and the rated passenger
capacity (see subsection (f) of this Section) followed by the word
"PASSENGERS", or the abbreviation "PASS.", shall be displayed on the exterior
of the body near the rear edge of the service entranceway, and on the interior
above the right portion of the windshield, in numerals and letters at least 50
mm (2") high (see Section 12-802 of the Code).
8) The words "NO STANDEES" shall be displayed
only on the interior above the windshield, approximately opposite the aisle but
to the right of the mirror and sun visor, in letters at least 50 mm (2")
high.
9) The words "EMERGENCY DOOR"
or "EMERGENCY EXIT" in letters at least 5 cm high must be displayed on the
interior and exterior of the bus. "EMERGENCY DOOR" must be displayed at the top
of, or directly above, any emergency exit door. "EMERGENCY EXIT" must be
displayed at the top of, or directly above, or at the bottom of, any emergency
exit window. They may be displayed on a separate colorless background (such as
white, aluminum, or silver) that extends no more than 15 mm (.6") above or
below the words and no more than 25 mm (1") to the right or left of the
words.
10) A black arrow, curved or
straight, at least 150 mm (5.9") in length and 15 mm (.6") in width, showing
the direction each exterior emergency exit release mechanism is to be moved to
open the emergency exit, shall be painted or permanently affixed on the
exterior yellow portion of the bus within 150 mm (5.9") of each release
mechanism.
11) An arrow showing the
direction each interior emergency exit release mechanism is to be moved to open
the emergency exit shall be painted or permanently affixed on the interior of
the bus within 150 mm (5.9") of each emergency exit release mechanism. Each
interior arrow shall contrast with its background and, where suitable space is
limited, may be smaller than the exterior arrows but must be
conspicuous.
12) Alternate Fuel
A) If the bus uses alternate fuel (e.g.,
propane, CNG), the vehicle must be marked with an identifying decal. Such 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 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.
B) The alternate fuel decal shall be
displayed near the rear bumper and visible from the rear of the vehicle.
(Section 12-704.3 of the Code)
13) The vehicle's length (rounded up to
nearest whole foot) must be displayed on or adjacent to the interior bulkhead
clearly within the driver's view. (For example: vehicle length of 39.1 feet
will be displayed as 40 feet.) Each letter or numeral must be at least two
inches high and black in color. The measurement must be taken from the front
bumper to the rear bumper.
14) A
"Stop Line" in contrasting color is required between 5.9 and 6.1 inches below
the top of each side window opening. The line shall be located between each
window that slides downward.
15)
The decal described in this subsection (v)(15) is required to be displayed on
every school bus registered in Illinois. The school bus manufacturer may elect
to apply the decal at the time the school bus is manufactured or the decal may
be applied by the school bus owner after the school bus is purchased. A white
decal with black lettering and numerals that measure one inch high must be
displayed on the rear of the bus. The decal must display the words TO REPORT
ERRATIC DRIVING followed by the area code and phone number of the bus owner.
The decal shall be located on the rear window glazing below the rear seat back,
on the bus body below the window line, or on the rear bumper. The decal must be
visible to the motoring public from the rear of the bus 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 not allowed.
(See P.A. 95-0176, effective January 1, 2008.)
16) The decals described in this subsection
(v)(16) are required to be displayed on every school bus registered in Illinois
if an audio and/or visual recording will be made of the interior of the school
bus. The school bus manufacturer may elect to apply the decals at the time the
school bus is manufactured or the decals may be applied by the school bus owner
after the school bus is purchased. Two white decals with black lettering
measuring one inch high shall be displayed, one on the exterior of the service
(e.g., entrance) door or on the bus body adjacent to the service door if the
door is not adequate to accommodate the decal and a second on the front
interior bulkhead. The decals shall serve as a notice of audio and/or visual
recordings. The exterior decal must not be located on any service door glazing
and the interior decal must not obstruct any other required lettering on the
bulkhead. Magnetic signs are not allowed. (See P.A. 95-0352, effective August
23, 2007.)
w) Locked
Compartment (Optional). If specified by the purchaser, a lockable compartment
may be installed for storage of fire extinguisher, first-aid kit, warning
devices, wheel chocks, or other items.
1) The
compartment locking device shall be connected with an automatic audible and
visible alarm that will alert the driver when the engine is running and the
compartment is locked. No alarm disconnect, "squelch control", or other alarm
defeating mechanism shall be installed.
2) A red cross, formed of five equal squares,
and the 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.
3) 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.
x) Metal Treatment.
1) Unless excluded below, all steel or iron
used in construction of the bus body and attached equipment shall be either
resistant to atmospheric corrosion, or zinc coated, or treated by equivalent
process. Particular attention shall be given to each fastener or attaching
device, lapped surface, welded connection or fastening, cut edge, punched or
drilled hole, surface subjected to abrasion, closed or box section, and any
unvented or undrained area or space. The number of unvented or undrained areas
or spaces is to be minimized. Excluded are door handles, grab handles, and
interior decorative parts.
2) As
evidence that above requirements have been met, a sample of fastener, material,
or section of body, coated or finished as installed in the bus, when subjected
to a 1,000-hour salt spray test in accordance with American Society for Testing
and Materials (ASTM) Standard B-117-1997 "Method of Salt Spray (Fog) Testing"
shall not exhibit more than 10 percent reduction in weight after all adherent
corrosion products are removed.
y) Mirrors.
1) Interior Mirror - A mirror that measures
at least 6 inches x 30 inches overall shall be located inside the bus. The
mirror shall afford the operator a good view of the bus interior and portions
of the roadway to the rear. It shall be firmly supported, constructed of
clear-view safety glass and securely backed and framed. It shall have rounded
corners. Edges shall be padded to reduce danger of injury upon impact.
Exception: For buses that meet the definition of a Type I-A school bus, as
defined in Section 440.220, the interior mirror may meet manufacturer's
specifications.
2) All exterior
mirror systems shall conform to the applicable requirements of FMVSS 111 (
49 CFR
571.111) .
3) More convex mirrors than required above
may be installed, if specified by the purchaser.
4) The reflecting surface on the backside of
each mirror glass shall be protected from abrasion, scratching, and atmospheric
corrosion.
z) Mounting
of Body. This subsection does not apply to an integral type bus.
1) After the date of manufacture of the
incomplete vehicle, the chassis frame shall not be altered so as to extend the
wheelbase. Other extensions of the chassis frame may be accomplished only by
the incomplete vehicle, intermediate, or final-stage manufacturer or by an
agent of such manufacturer properly instructed and authorized by such
manufacturer to make such extensions.
2) Insulating material shall be placed at all
mounting points between the body and chassis frame. This material shall be at
least 5 mm (.2") thick, may have the quality of the sidewall of an automobile
tire, and shall be so secured that it will not move, vibrate, or "crawl" out of
place during normal operations.
3)
The body front shall be attached and sealed to the chassis cowl so as to
prevent the entry of water, dust, or fumes through the joint between the
chassis cowl and the body.
aa) Radio Noise. Radio/stereo speakers must
be located at least four feet behind the rearmost position of the driver's
seat.
AGENCY NOTE: Two-way communication radios are allowed.
bb) Rack, Book. Not
permissible.
cc) Reflectors.
1) Front
A)
Two yellow rigid or sheet type (tape) front reflex reflectors shall be attached
securely and as far forward as practicable. (Section 12-202 of the Code) They
shall be located between 15 and 60 inches above the roadway at either fender,
cowl, or body and installed so as to mark the outer edge of the maximum width
of the bus. No part of the required reflecting material may be obscured by a
lamp, mirror, bracket, or any other portion of the bus. No part of the required
reflecting material may be more than 11.8 inches (300 mm) inboard of the outer
edge of the nearest rub rail. The reflector may be any shape (e.g., square,
rectangle, circle, oval, etc.). A rigid type reflex reflector may be any size
if permanently marked either DOT, SAE A, or SAE J 594; otherwise, it shall
display at least seven square inches of reflecting material (about three inch
diameter if a solid circle).
B) A
sheet type (tape) reflex reflector which conforms to FMVSS 108 (
49
CFR 571.108 (S5.7.1.2)) may be used but its
forward projected reflecting area shall be at least eight square
inches.
2) Left Side.
One amberno more than 12 inches fromthe front and one redno more than 12 inches
fromthe rear. Mounted at a height not less than 15 inches and not more than 60
inches above the surface of the road. (Section 12-202 of the Code) On buses 20
feet or more in length, one amber reflector as near center as practicable must
also be provided. The reflector must measure a minimum of three inches in
diameter.
3) Right Side. One
amberno more than 12 inches fromthe front and one redno more than 12 inches
fromthe rear. Mounted at a height not less than 15 inches and not more than 60
inches above the surface of the road. (Section 12-202 of the Code) On buses 20
feet or more in length, one amber reflector as near center as practicable must
also be provided. The reflector must measure a minimum of three inches in
diameter.
4) Rear. Two red
reflectors on rear body within 12 inches of lower right and lower left corners.
(Section 12-202 of the Code) The reflectors must measure a minimum of three
inches in diameter.
dd)
Rub Rails.
1) Each rub rail shall be 4" or
more in width in its finished form, shall be constructed of 16-gauge steel or
suitable material of equivalent strength and shall be constructed in corrugated
or ribbed fashion.
2) There shall
be one rub rail located approximately at seat level that shall extend from the
rear of the service entrance completely around the exterior of the bus body
without interruption, except at a rear emergency door or a rear compartment, to
a point of curvature near the front of the body on the left side.
3) There shall be one rub rail on each side
located approximately at floor line that shall extend over the same
longitudinal distance as the rub rail required under subsection (dd)(2),
except:
A) This rub rail need not extend
across a wheel housing, and
B) This
rub rail may terminate at the radii of the right and left rear corners of the
body.
4) More than two
rub rails may be installed on a side and/or the rear of a bus.
ee) Seating. Each seat and each
barrier are required to conform to FMVSS 222 (
49
CFR 571.222) .
1) Seat, Driver's. The driver's seat shall be
rigidly positioned, and shall afford both vertical and fore-and-aft adjustments
of not less than 100 mm (3.9"), without the use of a tool or other non-attached
device. The shortest distance between the steering wheel and the back rest of
the operator's seat shall be no less than 280 mm (11").
2) Seats, Students'.
A) Each seat (except as provided in
subsection (ee)(2)(E)) shall be constructed so that the shortest straight-line
distance from the top of the seat back to the empty seat cushion is 28" when
measured near the transverse center of the seat at the front of the seat back
and along the angle of rearward inclination of the seat back. Since the height
of a seat back is difficult to measure precisely on a repeated basis, a
measurement of 27.5 " or more is deemed acceptable.
B) Each seat shall be forward facing (except
as provided in subsection (ee)(2)(E)).
C) A flip-up seat may be located only
immediately adjacent to any side emergency door. The flip-up seat must conform
to the following:
i) The seat must be
designed so that, when in the folded position, the seat cushion is flat against
the seat back to prevent a child's limb from becoming lodged between the seat
cushion and seat back.
ii) The seat
must be designed to discourage a child from standing on the seat cushion when
in the folded position.
iii) The
working mechanism under the seat must be covered to eliminate any tripping
hazard.
iv) All sharp metal edges
on the seat must be padded to prevent any snagging hazard.
v) No portion of the door latch mechanism can
be obstructed by a seat.
vi) There
must be at least 11.7 inches (30 cm) measured from the door opening to the seat
back in front.
D)
Optional seat safety belts must be installed according to specifications
provided by the bus body manufacturer. This may include reinforced seats and
seat frames.
E) In the case of a
seat to be occupied by a student with special needs, seating requirements shall
be changed only as necessary to meet the needs of the student with special
needs (e.g., seat missing to accommodate wheelchair, hard surfaced stretcher
installed to accommodate child who is not capable of sitting in an upright
position) (see 92 Ill. Adm. Code 444).
ff) Safety Belt, Driver's.
1) Each driver's safety belt assembly shall
be arranged so that all portions of the assembly remain above the floor when
not in use. If retractors are installed, they shall be the emergency locking
type.
2) Buses must be equipped
with a lap belt/shoulder harness design for the driver.
gg) Service Entrance and Door.
1) The service entrance shall be located on
the right side near the front, in unobstructed and convenient view of the
driver. The service entrance shall have a minimum vertical opening of 1.7 m
(67") and a minimum horizontal opening of 610 mm (24").
2) A steel grab handle not less than 250 mm
(9.8 ") in length shall be firmly attached in an unobstructed location on the
left side of the entranceway as a person enters the bus. An optional grab
handle can also be located on the right side of the entranceway.
3) The bottom step in the entranceway shall
not extend beyond the exterior of the body. With all seats empty, the bottom
step shall be not less than 300 mm (11.8") and not more than 400 mm (15.7 ")
from the roadway. At least two steps shall be provided. The steps shall be
enclosed. Risers shall be approximately equal. Each step, including the floor
at the top riser, shall be surfaced with a nonskid material with a 40 mm (1.6
") to 80 mm (3.1 ") white nosing as an integral piece.
4) The service door shall be either manually
or power operated by the seated driver. When in the closed and secured
position, the door operating mechanism shall prevent accidental opening but
shall afford prompt release and opening by the driver. No exposed parts of a
door operating mechanism shall come together so as to shear or crush fingers.
The vertical closing edges of a service door shall be padded to lessen chance
of injury.
5) A power operated door
shall be equipped for emergency manual operation in case of power failure.
Instructions for emergency operation of a power operated door shall be affixed
permanently on the interior of the door in letters at least 12 mm (.5")
high.
6) A single-section service
door shall be hinged at the front of the service entrance.
7) Glazed panels shall be installed in the
service door to afford the driver a view of small children outside the door,
traffic signs, and intersecting roadways. The bottom of each lower glass panel
shall not be more than 10 inches from the top surface of the bottom step. The
top of each upper glass panel when viewed from the interior shall be not more
than 3 inches below the interior door control cover or header pad.
8) Service Door Lock (Optional). If ordered
by the purchaser, a lock may be installed on or at the service door. Any type
service door locking system installed in the bus shall conform to at least one
of the following requirements.
A) Requirement
1: A locking system shall not be capable of preventing the driver from easily
and quickly opening the service door; or
B) Requirement 2: A locking system that is
capable of preventing the driver from easily and quickly opening the service
door shall include an audible and visible alarm to alert the driver when the
engine is running and the service door is locked. No alarm disconnect, "squelch
control", or other alarm defeating or attenuating device shall be installed;
or
C) Requirement 3: A locking
system shall not be capable of preventing the driver from easily and quickly
opening the service door except when, and only when, a person outside the bus
uses a key that is not capable of locking more than one of at least 1000 of the
door manufacturer's key locking systems.
hh) Steering Wheel Clearance. The rim grip of
the steering wheel shall have at least 50 mm (2") clearance in all directions,
except at the spokes.
ii) Steps,
Body Front. On each side at the front of the body at least one grab handle and
recessed foothold or folding stirrup step shall be installed so as to provide
easy access to the windshield for cleaning purposes. Exception: Type I-A school
buses are exempt.
jj) Stop Signal
Arm Panel.
1) A stop signal arm panel must be
installed on the left side of the bus that conforms to
49 CFR
571.131. Decals may be used in lieu of
painting. Strobe lamps are acceptable on stop signal arm panels.
2) Section 440.Illustration B depicts the
octagon shaped semaphore required in subsection (jj)(1).
3) Additional stop signal arm panels may be
added at the purchaser's request. Additional panels must be located on the left
side of the bus. Additional panels must operate in conjunction with the
required panel and meet all stop arm panel requirements except as follows. The
additional panel must not contain any marking or reflective material on the
front side of the panel. The additional panel must be located in the rear half
of the bus adjacent to the rearmost window.
kk) Storage Compartments (Optional).
1) If installed, the storage compartments
shall be fire-resistant and of adequate strength and capacity for the storage
of the items to be carried, such as tire chains, tow chains, tools for roadside
or minor repairs, school activity equipment, etc. The compartments shall
provide reasonable security for the contents and shall be constructed and
installed so as to preclude passenger injury due to the compartments or the
contents becoming dislodged when the bus is subjected to the maximum possible
braking force and to minimize chances of such injury when the bus is subjected
to a collision impact.
2) If a
relatively small storage compartment is located inside the passenger
compartment, seat cushions alone may not serve as the cover for the
compartment.
ll) Sun
Visor. An interior, adjustable, transparent, tinted sun visor not less than 150
mm (5.9") high by 760 mm (29.9 ") wide shall be so installed that it can be
turned up and will remain up when not in use. It may be supported so that it
can be moved for use on the driver's left, but when used in front of the driver
and in a position approximately parallel to the windshield it shall be
supported at or near each of its ends so as to minimize its vibration.
Exception: For school buses that meet the definition of a Type I-A school bus,
as defined in Section 440.220, the sun visor may meet manufacturer's
specifications.
mm) Tow Hook, Rear
(Optional). Any tow hooks installed on the rear shall be attached or braced to
the chassis frame, or to an equivalent structural member of an integral type
bus. A tow hook may not extend beyond the rear face of the rear
bumper.
nn) Undercoating. The
underside of the body, including floor members and the side panels below the
floor, shall be coated with a fire-resistant undercoating material applied by
the spray method so as to seal, insulate, reduce corrosion, and reduce interior
noise. Non-metallic components need not be coated.
oo) Ventilation. The body shall be equipped
with a controlled ventilation system of sufficient capacity to maintain a
satisfactory ratio of outside to inside air under cool and cold operating
conditions without opening of windows. With a powered ventilation system, air
outlet openings shall be located, sized, and manufactured so that, with doors
and windows closed, a positive pressure is maintained in the driver and
passenger spaces, to lessen chances of dangerous gas entering such spaces.
Fresh air inlets shall be located so as to minimize entrance of either
dangerous engine gas or obnoxious engine fumes.
pp) Warning Devices.
AGENCY NOTE: Warning devices are required to be carried on
each school bus transporting pupils. The manufacturer may elect to install the
warning devices at the time the school bus is manufactured; however, warning
devices can also be installed by the owner after the school bus is
purchased.
1) Emergency warning
devices are required to be carried on school buses weighing more than 8,000
pounds and operated upon any highway outside an urban district. The warning
devices must be securely stored. The warning devices required for use when
lighted lamps are required (see Section 12-201(b) of the Code) shall consist
of:
A) At least three liquid-burning flares
and three red-burning 15-minute fusees; or
B) Three red electric lanterns; or
C) Three portable red emergency reflectors
that meet FMVSS No. 125.
2) In addition, the following warning devices
are also required for use when lighted lamps are not required (see Section
12-201(b) of the Code):
A) Two red cloth
flags (not less than 12 inches square with standards to support flags);
or
B) Two portable emergency
reflectors that meet FMVSS No. 125. (The reflectors in subsection (pp)(1)(c)
qualify for this option.) (See Section 12-702(a) and (c) of the
Code.)
qq)
Weight Distribution and Gross Weight. Storage or cargo spaces, if installed,
and seats shall be located so that when the bus is fully loaded as specified or
advertised by the manufacturer the loads exerted on the roadway will exceed
neither a tire load rating, nor a gross axle weight rating, nor the gross
vehicle weight rating indicated by the data displayed on the label permanently
affixed in compliance with Section
440.310.
rr) Wheel Housings.
1) Each wheel housing opening shall allow for
unimpeded wheel and tire service or removal.
2) Each rear wheel housing shall provide the
clearance recommended in SAE Information Report J683 (August 1985) for
installation and use of tire chains on the dual or single tires installed on
the rear wheels.
ss)
Windows or Glazed Panels, Rear. Glazed panels, or windows, shall be installed
in the rear of the bus so as to afford the seated driver a reflected view
through the rear of the bus as wide and as high as practical without unduly
weakening or increasing the cost of the body structure. Such view shall be as
low as allowed by the backs of the rear seats except that, when the aisle
required under subsection (a), extends to a rear emergency door, an additional
lower glazed panel shall be installed to afford the driver an additional view
through such panel at least the width of the required aisle and as low and high
as practical.
tt) Window Openings,
Side. This subsection does not apply to a window or glazed panel installed
forward of a front passenger seat, and is optional for a window installed
either beside a rear passenger seat, special service door, or in a side
emergency exit.
1) All side windows shall
open from the top only and shall operate freely.
2) There shall be one vertical opening side
window for each seat.
3) Each side
window shall provide an unobstructed emergency egress opening at least 9" high
and 22" wide. The opening may extend to 18" above the unoccupied passenger seat
cushion but no closer (to the seat cushion).
4) A stop line for the window opening shall
be applied 6" from the top of the window opening.
5) The side windows may be split
sash.
6) The window latches shall
be recessed.
AGENCY NOTE: See Section
440.420(q)
for glazing material requirements.
uu)
Windshield.
1) The windshield shall be large
enough to permit the operator to see the highway clearly, and shall be curved
or slanted to reduce glare. The front cornerposts and other supports shall be
shaped and located so as to cause as little obstruction to the driver's view of
the highway as practical.
2) The
windshield shall have a graduated glazing shade band across the top. The
definition and boundary of this shade band shall be as recommended in SAE
Recommended Practice J100 (November 1999).
vv) Windshield Wipers. See the FMVSS for
requirements (
49 CFR
571.104) .
ww) Windshield Washer. See the FMVSS for
requirements (
49 CFR
571.104) .
xx) Wiring.
1) All wiring for lamps and other electrical
devices shall be as recommended for automobiles, motor coaches, and heavy duty
starting motor circuits in SAE Recommended Practices J1292 (October 1981) and
J541a (October 1996) and in other practices or standards referenced therein,
unless preempted by FMVSS. (See the FMVSS ( 49 CFR 571) for
requirements.)
2) All circuits,
except those for the alternately flashing signal lamps and the stop signal arm
lamps, may be divided into independent circuits. Whenever feasible, all other
electrical functions (sanders, windshield wipers, heaters, defrosters, etc.)
shall be provided with independent and properly protected circuits.
3) Each body circuit shall be coded either by
numerals and/or letters at approximately 100 mm (3.9") intervals, or by color
and numerals and/or letters, or by colors only. The codes shall appear on a
diagram of the circuits in a readily accessible location.
4) A separate fuse, circuit breaker, or
electronic circuit protection shall be provided for all circuits, except that
components of the engine starter and ignition circuits may be protected by
other means.
5) Wires not enclosed
within the body shall be fastened securely at intervals of not more than 460 mm
(18.1 ").
6) All terminals and
splice clips shall be accessible.
7) The chassis manufacturer shall install a
readily accessible electrical terminal so that the net body and chassis
electrical current flow can be indicated through a chassis ammeter without
dismantling or disassembling the chassis component. The chassis wiring to this
terminal shall have a current carrying capacity at least equal to the maximum
generator output.
8) All school
buses manufactured on or after January 1, 2006 must be manufactured with a
noise suppression switch that is capable of turning off noise producing
accessories, including, but not limited to, heater blowers, defroster fans,
auxiliary fans and radios. (See Section 12-815.2 of the Code.)
