Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 12, March 22, 2024
The following components will be inspected during a
nonscheduled inspection. A violation of one component may only necessitate a
warning while other components may require a 3-day notice or cause the vehicle
to be declared out-of-service. Certain components have criteria listed in more
than one penalty category, depending on the degree of the specific violation.
If any criteria listed in this Section exists, the corresponding penalty will
be issued.
a) Air Cleaner:
WARNING - not properly attached or is missing.
b) Aisle:
1) OUT-OF-SERVICE - obstructed.
2) WARNING - at least 12 inches (305 mm) of
clearance (at seat cushion level) from service door to emergency door (or back
of bus) is not present.
c) Alternator (Generator):
3-DAY - belts are torn, broken or slipping; does not meet
capacity rating or electrical requirements; not functioning.
d) Axles:
1)
OUT OF SERVICE - not firmly attached; cracked; broken; wheel seals leaking
grease or fluids.
2) WARNING -
pinion seal is leaking.
e) Barrier, Guard:
1) OUT OF SERVICE - missing; not solidly
attached.
2) WARNING - padding or
covering is missing or shows wear and tear; barrier is not the same height as
the seat back directly behind the barrier.
f) Battery or Batteries:
1) OUT-OF-SERVICE - battery housing is
cracked or hole is present (except vent hole or holes made by
manufacturer).
2) WARNING -
excessive corrosion; not secured; insufficient capacity (per manufacturer's
specifications); missing cap.
g) Battery Cables:
1) OUT-OF-SERVICE - cables are rubbing
through the insulation; wrong type cable is being used (e.g., top post cable is
being used with side post battery); connectors or wires are bare.
2) WARNING - broken; corroded; not securely
attached.
h) Battery
Carrier/Compartment:
WARNING - when battery is mounted outside of engine
compartment, it is not properly attached in weather-tight vented compartment;
compartment door does not latch.
i) Brakes:
1) OUT-OF-SERVICE - any problem found with
service brake system (includes the anti-lock braking (ABS) indicator lamp); any
defect in emergency/parking brake system (other than indicator
light).
2) WARNING -
emergency/parking brake indicator light not functioning.
j) Bumper, Front:
1) OUT-OF-SERVICE - missing; bumper damage
that interferes with tire condition or movement; loose; broken; protruding
parts.
2) WARNING - if vehicle's
GVWR is over 10,000 lbs., bumper is not made of rolled steel approximately 3/16
(.18) inch thick or not energy absorbing type; if vehicle's GVWR is 10,000 lbs.
or less, bumper is not metal construction or not energy absorbing type; for
type I-A MFSAB, the bumper may meet manufacturer's specifications when the
MFSAB is equipped with a driver side air bag.
k) Bumper, Rear:
1) OUT-OF-SERVICE - missing; loose; broken;
protruding parts.
2) WARNING -
hitchable; if vehicle's GVWR is over 10,000 lbs., bumper is not made of
channel-type steel approximately 3/16 (.18) inch thick; if vehicle's GVWR is
10,000 lbs. or less, bumper is not metal construction or not energy absorbing
type.
l) Certificate of
Safety:
OUT-OF-SERVICE - missing; expired; voided; incorrect type of
Certificate of Safety.
m)
Certification Label (Federal):
WARNING - missing; defaced; destroyed; illegible; not
permanently affixed; required information is missing (refer to 92 Ill. Adm.
Code 436.Appendix C(b)).
n)
Child Check System:
WARNING - a mechanical or electronic child check system is
installed but the interior lights are not illuminated when the ignition is
either turned off or to the "accessories" position; mechanical or electronic
system is not functioning and no company policy is evident that a manual child
check system is used.
o)
Cleanliness:
WARNING - excessive rubbish or trash; excessive dirt; spilled
fluids; decorations.
p)
Communication Device:
WARNING - two-way radio or cell phone does not operate; two-way
radio or cell phone is not present and no documentation is provided indicating
the communication device requirement is being met by the use of a cell
phone.
q) Crossing Control
Arm:
1) OUT-OF-SERVICE - missing; does not
work or function properly; illegal on/off switch; does not meet minimum length
of 5 feet from the front face of the bumper.
2) 3-DAY - red light or red reflector is
present.
r) Dash:
1) OUT-OF-SERVICE - attached
equipment.
2) WARNING - clutter on
dash.
s) Defrosters:
1) OUT-OF-SERVICE - does not function
properly between October 2 and April 14; blades are not protected.
2) WARNING - does not function properly
between April 15 and October 1; auxiliary fans are not securely
mounted.
t) Drive Shaft
Guard:
1) OUT-OF-SERVICE - missing on any
segment of the drive shaft.
2)
WARNING - not solid; not firmly attached.
u) Emergency Exits:
1) OUT-OF-SERVICE - illegal locks (refer to
92 Ill. Adm. Code 436.Appendix D(b)(4)); no engine cutoff; obstructed; latch
broken; exit does not operate; both audible and visible alarms on emergency
exit doors do not operate; no audible alarm on emergency window exits; audible
alarm is not continuous; child passenger restraint system (i.e., car seat) is
located on the bench seat next to a designated emergency exit window (does not
include a factory-installed built-in child restraint system).
2) WARNING - binding; no guard; exterior
handle is hitchable; door does not seal properly; either audible or visible
alarms on emergency exit doors do not operate; stop bracket on door that allows
the door to stay open is missing or does not function.
v) Engine Compartment:
1) 3-DAY - excessive oil in engine
compartment.
2) WARNING - minor oil
in engine compartment; does not start or run properly (except when the bus is
in the process of being repaired).
w) Entrance (Service) Door/Driver's
Door/Additional Doors:
1) OUT-OF-SERVICE -
fails to close; view is obstructed; illegal locks; does not operate properly;
manual override is missing or not functioning on power operated
doors.
2) WARNING - rubber seals
are missing or torn; holes are present; not sealing properly; minor
binding
x) Exhaust
System:
1) OUT-OF-SERVICE - any leaks in the
exhaust system; broken; disconnected; discharge is located beneath fuel filler
location or beneath emergency exit door; improper size reduction.
2) WARNING - shield is not present if
required (refer to 92 Ill. Adm. Code 436.Appendix D(d)(2)); extends more than
one inch past the body; not securely attached or supported.
y) Fenders:
OUT-OF-SERVICE - protruding components; not securely attached;
missing; excessive collision damage that is detrimental to the safe operation
of the vehicle.
z) Fire
Extinguisher:
1) OUT-OF-SERVICE - not fully
charged; missing.
2) WARNING - seal
is broken; improper rating; overcharged; not mounted in readily accessible
location; not labeled if in compartment.
aa) First Aid Kit:
1) OUT-OF-SERVICE - missing; empty.
2) WARNING - kit does not contain (at a
minimum) 2 packages of 4" bandage compresses (one per package), 2 packages of
2" bandage compresses (4 per package), one package of 1" bandage or adhesive
compresses (16 per package), 40" triangle bandage with 2 safety pins, one
splint (wire or wood); medicine or tourniquet is present; not mounted in
readily accessible location; defective container.
bb) Floor, Floor Covering, Firewall, Occupant
Compartment and Engine Cover:
1)
OUT-OF-SERVICE - holes are present; sagging so that the integrity of the frame
is jeopardized; broken; not firmly attached.
2) WARNING - sagging except when the
integrity of the frame is jeopardized; torn, loose or missing covering; missing
or damaged floor stripping; defective boots; engine cover does not latch or
seal properly; loose carpeting or floor mat in driver's area.
cc) Frame and Body:
1) Frame
OUT-OF-SERVICE - broken, cracked; improper welds; rusted
through; structurally unsafe; sagging.
2) Body (Exterior and Interior)
A) OUT-OF-SERVICE - collision damage that is
detrimental to the safe operation of the vehicle; not properly attached to the
frame; body tie downs are loose or missing; holes penetrating the interior of
the vehicle.
B) WARNING - holes
present but are not penetrating the interior of the vehicle; any other
component is loose, missing or broken.
dd) Fuel Storage and Delivery System:
1) OUT-OF-SERVICE - fuel tank is leaking or
loose; no fuel tank guard; fuel lines are loose, sagging, rubbing, chaffing,
leaking, cracked or broken; fuel cap is missing.
2) 3-DAY - alternate fuel system not removed
after conversion to gasoline or diesel (alternate fuel is no longer
used).
3) WARNING - no metal heat
shield is present if any flammable material, insulated wire, brake hose/line,
or fuel system component containing fuel is located within 12 inches (300 mm)
(4 inches for diesel powered engines) of a component containing exhaust
gas.
ee) Grab Handles
(Interior):
1) OUT-OF-SERVICE - missing;
hitchable; snagable.
2) WARNING -
handles are loose.
ff)
Heaters:
1) OUT-OF-SERVICE - heaters are not
working between October 2 and April 14 (except stepwell heater).
2) WARNING - poor working condition;
defective, damaged, unsecured hoses, supports or baffles; not firmly attached;
rear heater is not protected by a seat or is not padded; defective or missing
switches; not working between April 15 and October 1; stepwell heater is not
working (if present).
gg) Hood:
OUT-OF-SERVICE - does not open; broken, missing or defective
latches or hinges.
hh) Horn
(Interior):
1) OUT-OF-SERVICE - missing horn
or horn component; not audible for 200 feet; cannot be controlled from driver's
seat.
2) WARNING - not readily
accessible to driver; unsecured wiring; not labeled if location is other than
steering column.
ii)
Instruments and Instrument Panel:
1)
OUT-OF-SERVICE - brake failure indicator gauges or devices do not operate
properly or are missing; headlight switch defective; odometer not working; turn
signal lever not functioning properly.
2) 3-DAY - 8-light flasher or high beam
indicator lights do not operate properly or are missing; switches (other than
headlight) are defective or missing; speedometer not functioning.
3) Warning - instruments or instrument panel
obstructed by unauthorized material (e.g., books, radios, trash, food, etc.);
emergency brake indicator light does not function.
jj) Lettering (Interior and Exterior):
WARNING - signs or words "SCHOOL BUS" are present; emergency
exits are not labeled; operating instructions are not present on emergency
exits; vehicle empty weight and maximum passenger capacity to the left of the
service door are missing; name of the owner or the entity for which the MFSAB
is operated on both sides, centered as high as practicable below the window
line, is missing; identification number on both the front and rear is missing;
the decal "TO COMMENT ON MY DRIVING CALL" or "TO REPORT ERRATIC DRIVING CALL"
followed by the area code and phone number of the owner located either on the
rear window glazing below the rear seat back, on the body below the rear window
line, or on the rear bumper is missing; window stop lines are missing; required
lettering does not contrast with its background.
kk) Lights/Lamps (Exterior and Interior)
(Refer to 92 Ill. Adm. Code 436.Appendix G(d) for proper colors.):
1) Backup:
A) 3-DAY - both lights do not
function.
B) WARNING - one light
does not function; improper color; broken lens or other component.
2) Clearance:
WARNING - do not function; improper color; broken lens or other
component.
3) Flashing
8-light System (not applicable):
WARNING - MFSAB is equipped with a flashing 8-light signal
system.
4) Headlights:
A) OUT-OF-SERVICE - do not function; improper
color; dimmer switch defective; not securely attached.
B) WARNING - cracked lens; water accumulated
in headlight.
5)
Identification (Cluster)
WARNING - do not function; improper color; broken lens or other
component.
6) Interior:
WARNING - do not function; improper color; broken lens or other
component; missing or broken switches.
7) License Plate:
WARNING - does not function; missing; improper color; broken
lens or other component.
8)
Parking:
WARNING - missing; do not function; improper color; broken lens
or other component.
9)
Sidemarker:
WARNING - missing; do not function; improper color; broken lens
or other component.
10)
Stepwell (Required when headlights are ON.):
WARNING - does not function; improper color; broken lens or
other component.
11)
Stop/Brake:
A) OUT-OF-SERVICE - does not
function; does not release; improper color; broken lens.
B) WARNING - cracked lens.
12) Strobe:
A) OUT-OF-SERVICE - missing; not visible from
any direction.
B) 3-Day - not
operating properly.
C) WARNING -
location is incorrect (see AGENCY NOTE).
13) Tail:
A) OUT-OF-SERVICE - missing; do not function;
improper color; broken lens.
B)
3-DAY - cracked lens.
14) Turn Signal (Front and Rear):
A) OUT-OF-SERVICE - missing; do not function;
broken lens; driver activation lever is defective or missing.
B) WARNING - improper color; cracked
lens.
15) Turn Signal
(Left and Right Armored) (if vehicle's GVWR is over 10,000 lbs.):
WARNING - side armored turn signal or signals are missing; do
not function; cracked lens; "armor" is missing.
ll) Mirrors (Exterior and Interior):
1) OUT-OF-SERVICE - missing; not functioning
as required; broken mirror or mount; mirror is cracked, pitted or clouded to
obstruct driver's view; size or type not approved.
2) WARNING - cracked, clouded or pitted but
not obstructing driver's view; stickers or unauthorized materials are present;
loose or broken mounting.
mm) Paint Requirements:
1) OUT-OF-SERVICE - MFSAB is painted national
school bus glossy yellow.
2)
WARNING - reflective tape outlining emergency exits is missing, defective,
improperly located, poor condition.
nn) Pedals (Accelerator, Service Brake,
Clutch, Emergency/Parking Brake):
1)
OUT-OF-SERVICE - missing; damaged; pedal extensions are not from a
manufacturer.
2) 3-DAY - rubber
cover or non-skid material is missing.
oo) Projections:
1) Exterior:
A) OUT-OF-SERVICE - dangerous to pedestrians
or other vehicles.
B) WARNING -
hitchable.
2) Interior:
WARNING - not padded (if required); interferes with entering or
exiting the bus or with head impact zone (e.g., cameras, air conditioners,
brooms, etc.).
pp) Radio Speakers:
WARNING - located within restricted area and not disconnected
(includes portable radio speakers). (Two-way radio speakers are exempt.)
qq) Reflectors/Reflective Tape
(also see Paint Requirements):
WARNING - missing; damaged; not properly located.
rr) Rub Rails:
WARNING - missing; damaged; not securely attached.
ss) Seat Belt (Driver's):
1) OUT-OF-SERVICE - missing; broken; improper
mounting; buckle does not operate properly.
2) WARNING - driver's retractor does not
operate properly; driver's seat belt is on the floor.
tt) Seat Belts (Passenger):
OUT-OF-SERVICE - missing (if required, see AGENCY NOTE);
broken; improper mounting; buckle does not operate properly.
AGENCY NOTE: Each MFSAB shall be equipped with a rectractable
lap belt assembly for the driver's seat. A shoulder harness is optional. FMVSS
require passenger safety belts on any MFSAB that has a GVWR of more than 10,000
lbs. (i.e., a type I MFSAB). Passenger safety belts are optional on any MFSAB
that has a GVWR of more than 10,000 lbs. (i.e., a type I MFSAB). However,
optional safety belts installed on any type I MFSAB manufactured on or after
October 21, 2011 are required to meet the same FMVSS that are required for type
II MFSABs. (See
49 CFR
571.210 (October 1, 2013).)
uu) Seat, Driver's:
1) OUT-OF-SERVICE - broken; loose;
missing.
2) WARNING - damaged
covering; not adjustable.
vv) Seats, Passenger:
1) OUT-OF-SERVICE - loose; broken frame or
components.
2) WARNING - incorrect
height or center-to-center seat spacing; damaged covering; loose seat cushion;
metal seat frame not protected by padding.
ww) Steering System:
1) Exterior:
A) Linkage Components:
OUT-OF-SERVICE - broken; bent; welded repairs; loose;
insecurely mounted; missing.
B) Steering Components:
OUT-OF-SERVICE - broken; loose; leaking; binding; belts and
hoses frayed or cracked; power or power-assist unit inoperative or missing;
reservoir low or empty; incorrect fluid.
2) Interior:
OUT-OF-SERVICE - column support bracket is broken, loose or
missing; excessive up and down movement in steering shaft; excessive damage to
steering wheel; spokes are missing; lash exceeds acceptable limits.
xx) Steps, Entrance:
1) OUT-OF-SERVICE - broken; rusted
through.
2) WARNING - sagging;
damaged ribbing; defective or missing white nosing; obstructed (i.e., any item
that is blocking or partially blocking the steps).
yy) Stop Signal Arm Panel (not applicable):
WARNING - MFSAB is equipped with a stop signal arm
panel.
zz) Storage
Compartment (Interior):
1) 3-DAY - not
readily accessible to driver; alarm does not function when compartment is
locked and engine is running (only when fire extinguisher, warning devices, or
first aid kit are located in storage compartment).
2) WARNING - lettering (i.e., FIRE
EXTINGUISHER, FIRST AID KIT, and/or WARNING DEVICES) is missing (only when fire
extinguisher, warning devices, or first aid kit are located in storage
compartment). Red Cross formed of 5 equal squares is missing (if first aid kit
is located in storage compartment).
aaa) Sun Visor
WARNING - broken; damaged; missing; not adjustable; measures
less than 5 inches by 16 inches; not installed above windshield; interferes
with view of interior rear view mirror.
bbb) Suspension:
1) Shocks:
A) OUT-OF-SERVICE - broken; missing; broken
mounts.
B) WARNING - leakage;
loose; loose mounting.
2) Springs and Spring Assembly Components:
OUT-OF-SERVICE - broken; cracked; damaged; loose; missing
spring or spring assembly component.
3) Air:
OUT-OF-SERVICE - leaking; damaged; leaning excessively; rubbing
on frame or body.
ccc) Tow Hooks (optional):
WARNING - extend beyond bumper; not securely attached.
ddd) Trash Container (optional):
WARNING - if present, not secure; obstructs aisle or exits;
overflowing with trash; poses a tripping hazard. (Trash container, if present,
is not required to be attached to the school bus.)
eee) Warning Devices:
1) OUT-OF-SERVICE - missing.
2) WARNING - incomplete set; reflectors are
cracked or broken; flags are ripped or torn; emergency triangles are not
operational; not securely stored; not readily accessible.
fff) Wheels:
1) Wheel Housing:
OUT-OF-SERVICE - tire rubs against any portion of chassis, body
or bumper; housing does not allow for unimpeded wheel and tire service or
removal; housing does not provide clearance for installation and use of tire
chains; not firmly secured; holes are present.
2) Rim:
OUT-OF-SERVICE - cracked; broken; elongated holes; missing or
broken lug nuts; lock ring damaged; bent; improper welds.
3) Tires:
A) Steering axle:
i) OUT-OF-SERVICE - regrooved, recapped,
retreaded; restricting markings are present; insufficient tread depth at any
measured point of a major tread groove (less than 4/32); broken or cut cord;
any sign of carcass failure; tires are not same construction; regular and
mud/snow tread are mixed; radial and bias ply tires are used incorrectly; bias
tube installed on radial; valve stem is damaged; improper inflation; tire does
not meet what federal certification label requires for vehicle; tire size
(i.e., diameter and/or width) exceeds size of other tires on same
axle.
ii) WARNING signs of
excessive dry rot.
B)
Drive axle:
i) OUT-OF-SERVICE - missing;
regrooved or recut on tire not labeled "regroovable"; restricting markings are
present; insufficient tread depth at any measured point of a major tread groove
(less than 2/32); broken or cut cord; any sign of carcass failure; tires are
not same construction; placement of mud/snow tread tire and regular tread tire
on same axle is not the same on each side of the axle; radial and bias ply
tires are used incorrectly; bias tube installed on radial; valve stem is
damaged; improper inflation; tire does not meet what federal certification
label requires for vehicle; tire size (i.e., diameter and/or width) exceeds
size of other tires on same axle.
ii) WARNING - signs of excessive dry
rot.
ggg) Window Glazing:
1) Emergency Exit Windows:
A) OUT-OF-SERVICE - missing; shattered; any
sharp edge that could inflict cuts to the skin.
B) WARNING - improper "AS" rating; incorrect
glazing material; any crack to glazing; visibility obstructed.
2) Service Door Windows:
A) OUT-OF-SERVICE - missing; shattered; any
sharp edge that could inflict cuts to the skin; visibility
obstructed.
B) WARNING - improper
"AS" rating; incorrect glazing material; any crack to glazing.
3) Side Windows:
A) OUT-OF-SERVICE - missing; shattered; any
sharp edge that could inflict cuts to the skin; visibility obstructed in
driver's side window.
B) WARNING -
improper "AS" rating; incorrect glazing material; any crack to glazing;
visibility obstructed other than to driver's side window.
4) Windshield:
A) OUT-OF-SERVICE - missing; shattered; not
firmly sealed or attached; any crack more than 6 inches in length in the area
swept by the windshield wiper blade; any "starchip" measuring more than 1 inch
in diameter in the area swept by the windshield wiper blade; driver's
visibility obstructed; any sharp edge that could inflict cuts to the
skin.
B) WARNING - any crack more
than 6 inches in length outside the area swept by the windshield wiper blade;
any "starchip" more than 1 inch in diameter outside the area swept by the
windshield wiper blade; discoloration more than 3 inches up from the bottom or
more than 1 inch down from the top or in more than 1 inch from the left or
right side (except tinting that is allowed by Section 12-503 of the
Code).
hhh)
Windshield Washer:
WARNING - does not operate properly; no fluid; broken; missing
components.
iii) Windshield
Wipers:
1) OUT-OF-SERVICE - wipers do not
operate; broken blades or arms; driver activation knob is defective or
missing.
2) WARNING - does not
cover entire cleaning area; rubber blades are damaged; does not park properly;
scratches windshield; wipers operate on only one speed.
jjj) Wiring (Interior, Exterior and Engine
Compartment) and Insulation:
1)
OUT-OF-SERVICE - noise suppression switch is missing or does not turn off noise
producing accessories, including, but not limited to, heater blowers, defroster
fans, auxiliary fans and radios. (Two-way radio and emergency exit alarms are
exempt from noise suppression switch.)
2) WARNING - insulation is broken, frayed or
missing; circuit breaker is missing (only applicable to electrical systems that
utilize circuit breakers) or 2 extra fuses for each fuse used are not
conveniently mounted for easy access (only applicable to electrical systems
that utilize fuses); not securely attached; not on proper circuit.