New Mexico Administrative Code
Title 6 - PRIMARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION
Chapter 41 - TRANSPORTATION - SCHOOL BUS SAFETY
Part 4 - STANDARD FOR PROVIDING TRANSPORTATION FOR ELIGIBLE STUDENTS
Section 6.41.4.12 - SCHOOL BUS SAFETY AND EQUIPMENT
Current through Register Vol. 35, No. 18, September 24, 2024
All school buses used to transport students on school bus routes and LEA-sponsored activities shall meet requirements pursuant to 6.40.2 NMAC and the state of New Mexico guide for school bus maintenance and safety audit program, school bus inspection guide.
A. Each school bus shall be equipped with an operable seat belt for the driver that shall be used when the school bus is in motion.
B. Each school bus shall have seat belts or a seat harness as required on school buses when required in a student's IEP.
C. Each school bus shall have at least one seat belt cutter properly secured in a location within reach of the driver while the driver is belted into the driver's seat pursuant to Paragraph (1) of Subsection YY of 6.40.2.10 NMAC. The seat belt cutter shall be durable and designed to eliminate the possibility of the operator or others being cut during use.
D. Each school bus shall carry a first aid kit with contents pursuant to Paragraph (2) of Subsection P of 6.40.2.10 NMAC.
E. Each school bus shall carry a body fluid clean-up kit pursuant to Paragraph (3) Subsection P of 6.40.2.10 NMAC.
F. Each school bus shall be equipped with at least one UL-approved pressurized dry-chemical fire extinguisher complete with hose. The fire extinguisher shall have a total rating of 2A10BC or greater and meet the requirements of Paragraph (1) of Subsection P of 6.40.2.10 NMAC. The extinguisher shall be securely mounted in the driver's compartment, fully charged and in working condition.
G. Each school bus shall be equipped with a minimum of three triangular warning reflectors pursuant to Paragraph (4) of Subsection P of 6.40.2.10 NMAC, and the driver shall be knowledgeable as to their proper placement. Drivers shall use reflectors in the event of prolonged stops on the roadway.
H. The hazard warning lights shall be used only when it is necessary to stop the bus on the shoulder of the roadway or on the roadway. The hazard warning lights shall also be used when the speed of the school bus is less than one-half of the posted speed limit.
I. The emergency door(s), windows, and roof hatches shall not be fastened or wired so as to prevent opening from the inside or outside.
J. Loose items shall be properly stowed underneath in equipment compartments or securely fastened if carried inside the school bus.
K. Trailers shall not be attached to a school bus.
L. Trailers shall not be hitched to school-owned vehicles while the vehicle is transporting students.