New York Codes, Rules and Regulations
Title 17 - DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Chapter VI - Transportation Regulations
Subchapter D - Motor Carriers Of Passengers
Article 3 - Safety
Part 721 - Bus And Passenger Carrying Vehicle/driver Operational Requirements
Section 721.4 - Safety precautions
Current through Register Vol. 46, No. 39, September 25, 2024
(a) Driver assurance of passenger protection. Prior to or during the transporting of passengers, the driver shall ensure that the following are accomplished:
(b) Protection of standees. In addition to satisfying the aisle and marking requirements of sections 720.4, 720.5 and 720.8 of this Title, every vehicle in which passengers are permitted to stand shall have:
(c) Pre-service brake test. The service and emergency brakes of every vehicle subject to Part 720 of this Title shall be tested before the vehicle is placed in service. If the brakes are not in a safe operating condition, the vehicle shall NOT be operated on a public highway.
(d) Safe operating condition. The body, chassis, engine and all safety related equipment shall be in proper adjustment and safe operating condition at all times the vehicle is driven on the public roadways.
(e) Brakes. All service and emergency brakes shall be maintained in an efficient operating condition and be capable of stopping and holding a vehicle as specified in this section.
(f) Out-of-service vehicles. Operators of vehicles placed "out-of-service" by a department inspector or law enforcement official shall abide by the specific conditions of any such "out-of-service" order issued pursuant to Part 720 of this Title.
(g) School vehicle signs and red signal lamps. The driver of every school vehicle shall keep such red signal lamps lighted whenever passengers are being received or discharged, and shall light all other required signal lamps, as a warning, prior to stopping to receive or discharge passengers in accordance with regulations prescribed by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) pursuant to 15 NYCRR. In the event that any such school vehicle is operated on a public highway during the period between one-half hour after sunset and one-half hour before sunrise, the driver shall keep the school vehicle signs lighted.
(h) Dual driver control vehicles. Passengers shall not be carried in the front seat of a motor vehicle equipped with dual driver controls, unless such controls are disconnected and floor pedals removed.
(i) Trailers. Under no circumstances shall a trailer be attached to a vehicle being used in the transportation of passengers.
(j) Electric wheelchairs. If electric wheelchairs are carried on the vehicle, dry cell or jelly type batteries are recommended to enhance passenger safety. If wet cell type batteries are used, provisions shall be made to contain battery and battery acid in the event of an accident.
(k) Fuel leaks. If gasoline or any other flammable liquid or combustible liquid or gas seeps or leaks from a fuel container or vehicle stopped on a highway, no emergency warning signal producing a flame shall be lighted or placed, except at such a distance from any such liquid or gas as will assure the prevention of a fire or explosion. The reflective triangles required under section 720.7(b) of this Title shall be used in such instances.
(l) Emissions and vapors. The exhaust system of each vehicle shall not emit unnecessary smoke or offensive vapors and shall be maintained in good working order in conformity with standards promulgated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) pursuant to 6 NYCRR. Vehicles which emit unnecessary smoke or offensive vapors shall not be operated on a public highway. DEC may exempt or partially exempt from these provisions any type or class of motor vehicle for which no practical control system has been developed or is necessary.
(m) Tires. No vehicle shall be operated on a tire(s) that has:
Note:For the purpose of defining tread depth and special mileage commercial tires, the following definitions shall apply:
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