New Jersey Administrative Code
Title 3A - CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
Chapter 52 - MANUAL OF REQUIREMENTS FOR CHILD CARE CENTERS
Subchapter 9 - TRANSPORTATION REQUIREMENTS
Section 3A:52-9.3 - Vehicle requirements

Universal Citation: NJ Admin Code 3A:52-9.3

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 18, September 16, 2024

(a) The center shall ensure that each vehicle used to provide transportation of enrolled children to and from the center, as specified in 3A:52-9.1(a), except private passenger vehicles, is equipped with the following:

1. Three triangular portable red reflector warning devices;

2. A fully charged fire extinguisher, with a gauge and with a minimum underwriters' rating of 2A 10BC, which shall be located at the front and securely mounted to the right of the driver in a way that does not constitute an obstruction or hazard to the passengers;

3. A seat belt cutter;

4. A removable first-aid kit located in an accessible place within the vehicle; and

5. Forward-facing seats, excluding folding seats and jump seats. Each seat exit shall be clear of obstructions.

(b) The center shall ensure that each Type I School Bus has school vehicle Type I, "S1" designated license plates and a valid School Bus inspection sticker issued by the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC).

(c) The center shall ensure that each Type II School Bus has school vehicle Type II, "S2" designated license plates and a valid School Bus inspection sticker issued by the MVC.

(d) The center shall ensure that each Type S School Vehicle:

1. Has school vehicle Type II, "S2" designated license plates and a valid School Bus inspection sticker issued by the MVC;

2. Is equipped with a spare tire and a jack; and

3. Meets the requirements specified by the MVC.

(e) The center shall use a Type I School Bus, Type II School Bus or Type S School Vehicle at all times when transporting children, except as specified in (f) and (g) below.

(f) Any center may authorize staff members or parents of enrolled children to utilize their own private passenger vehicles to transport children from the center to and from scheduled center field trips, outings, or special events (such as visits to the zoo, library, or museum) or to transport children from the center to a hospital, clinic, or office for medical treatment, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:39-20.1. However, staff members and parents may be authorized to do so only if:

1. The vehicle has a capacity of nine or fewer persons;

2. The driver possesses a valid Basic automobile driver's license issued by the MVC or a valid automobile driver's license issued by an approved out-of-State motor vehicle agency for the state in which the driver is a legal resident;

3. The vehicle has a valid motor vehicle inspection sticker issued by the MVC or by an approved out-of-State motor vehicle agency for the state in which the vehicle is legally registered;

4. The vehicle owner possesses vehicle liability insurance at least at the minimum amounts required by New Jersey State insurance law, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 17:28-1.1a, or at least at the minimum amounts required by a state other than New Jersey in which the vehicle is legally registered;

5. The center maintains transportation records on each vehicle, as specified in 3A:52-9.7(b); and

6. The center ensures that the driver and additional adults apply the safety practices, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-9.5(a) through (d) and (g) through (m).

(g) For school-age child care programs, the center may use an autobus under the jurisdiction of the Department of Transportation when chartered for scheduled center field trips, outings, or special events, provided that the driver and each additional adult apply the safety practices, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-9.5(a) through (e), (h), and (j) through (m).

(h) A center that provides or arranges transportation for physically disabled non-ambulatory children shall meet the additional vehicle requirements specified by the MVC.

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