[35 Pa.B. 3039]
[Continued from previous Web Page] § 171.55. Identification.
(a) Required. Every school bus body shall bear the words ''SCHOOL BUS'' in black letters at least 8 inches high on both the front and the rear of the body, or on signs attached thereto. Lettering shall be placed as high as possible without impairment of its visibility. Lettering shall conform to ''Series B'' of Standard Alphabets for Highway Signs.
(b) Identification number. A school bus shall display an identification number consisting of no more than 4 black numbers, letters or a combination of numbers and letters. The numbers or letters shall be a minimum 5 inches in height and shall be displayed in a prominent location on the front, rear and on both sides of the bus. On a school bus with a rounded front, the identification number displayed on the front of the bus may be displayed on the black front bumper in yellow numbers, letters, or a combination of numbers and letters, in lieu of black numbers, letters, or a combination of numbers and letters on the front of the yellow bus body.
(c) School, bus company and manufacturer markings. School buses shall have the name of the school district, private or parochial school, school bus contractor, or school bus owner clearly visible, lettered on each side of the school bus body in the upper body belt band area as close as practical to the bottom ledge of the bottom window sash in letters of not less than 4 inches in height. Lettering shall be in black or National School Bus Yellow, depending on the contrasting background color. See Appendix B. A paper or vinyl route identification number or symbols may be placed in the rear of the first right or left passenger window, or both. The bus contractor may have his name or the name of the company in letters no larger than 3 inches in height. The dealer identification insignia may be displayed, in an area not to exceed 6 inches in height by 12 inches in width. The manufacturer's insignias may be displayed. Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission certification number and the U.S. DOT identification number, and any other required commercial vehicle markings may be displayed.
(d) Roof-top identification. School buses may display the first eight digits of the title number on the roof in numbers of at least 12.75 inches and not more than 15 inches in height. Lettering shall be in black reflective material and placed in a longitudinal column with the first digit beginning at the front and the last digit ending towards the rear of the school bus as illustrated as follows:
* * * * * (e) Additional markings. Except as set forth in this section, signs or lettering are not permitted.
§ 171.58. Interior.
The requirements for the interior of school buses are as follows:
(1) The interior of every school bus shall be free of unnecessary projections likely to cause injury. This standard requires inner lining on ceilings and walls. If the ceiling is constructed so as to contain lapped joints, the forward panel shall be lapped by the rear panel, and exposed edges shall be beaded, hemmed, flanged or otherwise treated to minimize sharp edges.
(2) Every school bus shall meet the requirements of FMVSS No. 302, as to the flammability of interior materials. See Appendix A.
(3) Book racks or luggage racks are not permitted.
(4) Interior radio/stereo speakers shall be of the flush mounted type. Exposed parts shall be treated to minimize sharp edges.
(5) The driver's area forward of the foremost padded barriers shall permit the mounting of required safety equipment and vehicle operating equipment.
(6) The requirements for air-conditioning units are as follows:
(i) Persons installing air-conditioning units in school buses after the vehicle's original manufacture date shall install the equipment in accordance with manufacturer's specification and applicable FMVSS.
(ii) Interior ceiling-mounted air-conditioning units, mounted above the seats within the head protection zone or at the rear of the bus, shall be padded with materials meeting FMVSS No. 302 to an extent to insure compliance with the head impact test requirements of FMVSS No. 222. See Appendix A.
(iii) This paragraph does not prohibit the installation of air-conditioning units in locations other than those described in subparagraph (ii). Air-conditioning units may be installed in other locations if labeled as described in subparagraph (i).
§ 171.59. Lamps and signals.
(a) General rule. All lamps, signals, reflectors and their installation must be in conformance with applicable FMVSS and SAE standards.
(b) Exterior lamps. Exterior lamps shall meet the requirements of FMVSS No. 108.
(c) Flashing signal lamps and stop signal arm devices. The requirements for flashing signal lamps and stop signal arm devices are as follows:
(1) Signal lamps. Every school bus shall be equipped with 8-way warning lamps consisting of two red and two amber alternately flashing signal lamps at the rear of the vehicle and two red and two amber alternately flashing signal lamps at the front of the vehicle.
(i) Each amber signal lamp shall be located near each red signal lamp, at the same level, but closer to the vertical centerline of the school bus.
(ii) The system shall be wired so that the amber signal lamps are activated manually, and if activated, are automatically deactivated and the red signal lamps automatically activated when the school bus service door is opened.
(iii) Amber and red warning lamps must alternate between left and right at a minimum rate of 60 flashes per minute.
(iv) LED and/or strobe lights may be used in the 8-way warning lamps system.
(v) If strobe lights are used, the strobe effect must appear as a flash of varying intensity and not separate flashes. All amber and red warning lamps must strobe in the same pattern. The same pattern is the same number of flashes per lamp before the system alternates to the other side.
(vi) The area around the lens of each alternately flashing signal lamp shall be of a black contrasting color. The use of visors or hoods with an appropriate black background to fit the shape of the visors or hoods and the roofcap is permitted.
(vii) Flashers for alternately flashing red and amber signal lamps shall be enclosed in the school bus body in a readily accessible location.
(2) Stop signal arm devices. A school bus may be equipped with strobe or LED flashing stop signal, or both. The signal may be equipped with two flashing strobe or LED lights, or both, at least 4 inches in diameter, red in color and double faced. Stop signal arm devices on school buses shall comply with FMVSS No. 131--See Appendix A--and the following requirements:
(i) The stop signal arm shall be a regular octagon which is at least 450 mm × 450 mm--17.72 inches × 17.72 inches--in diameter.
(ii) The stop signal arm shall be red on both sides, except as provided in subparagraphs (iii)--(v).
(iii) The stop signal arm shall have a white border at least 12 mm--0.47 inch--wide on both sides, except as provided in subparagraph (v).
(iv) The stop signal arm shall have the word ''STOP'' displayed in white upper-case letters on both sides, except as provided in subparagraph (v). The letters shall be at least 150 mm--5.9 inches--in height and have a stroke width of at least 20 mm--0.79 inch.
(v) If two stop signal arms are installed on a school bus, the rearmost stop signal arm may not contain lettering, symbols or markings on the forward side.
(vi) The stop signal arm shall comply with clause (A) or (B), or both.
(A) The entire surface of both sides of the stop signal arm shall be reflectorized with Type III reflectorized material that meets the minimum specific intensity requirements of FMVSS No. 125. See Appendix A. If two stop signal arms are installed on a school bus, the forward side of the rearmost stop signal arm may not be reflectorized.
(B) Each side of the stop signal arm shall have at least two red lamps that meet the requirements of SAE Standard J578. See Appendix A. The lamps shall be centered on the vertical centerline of the stop arm. One of the lamps shall be located at the extreme top of the stop arm and the other at its extreme bottom.
(vii) The stop signal arm shall be installed on the left side of the bus.
(viii) The stop signal arm shall be located so that, when in the extended position, the following requirements are met:
(A) The stop signal arm is perpendicular to the side of the bus, +5°F.
(B) The top edge of the sign is parallel to and within 6 inches of a horizontal plane tangent to the lower edge of the driver's window frame.
(C) The vertical centerline of the stop sign is at least 9 inches away from the side of the school bus.
(ix) If a rearmost stop signal arm is installed on a school bus, the stop signal arm shall comply with subparagraphs (vii) and (viii).
(x) The stop signal arm shall be automatically extended so that it complies with subparagraph (viii), at a minimum, whenever the red signal lamps required by FMVSS No. 108, S5.1.4--See Appendix A--are activated; except that a device may be installed that prevents the automatic extension of a stop signal arm. The mechanism for activating the device shall be within the reach of the driver. While the device preventing automatic extension is activated, a continuous or intermittent signal audible to the driver shall sound. The audible signal may be equipped with a timing device but shall require the signal to sound for at least 60 seconds. If a timing device is used, it shall automatically recycle each time the service entry door is opened while the engine is running and the manual override is engaged.
(xi) The lamps on each side of the stop signal arm, when operated at the manufacturer's design load, shall flash at a minimum rate of 60 flashes per minute.
(xii) The stop signal arm and components shall comply with SAE Standard J1133. See Appendix A.
(3) Exception. A multifunction school activity bus is exempt from the flashing signal lamps and stop arm device requirements of this section. However, a multifunction school activity bus which is not in compliance with the requirements of § 171.18 (relating to color) may not have 8-way warning lamps and stop arm devices.
(d) Interior lamps. Interior lamps shall adequately illuminate the aisle and step well.
(e) Turn signal and stop lamps. The rear turn signal lamps shall be at least 7 inches in diameter, or if in a shape other than round, a minimum of 38 square inches, and meet SAE Standards. These signals shall be connected to the chassis hazard warning switch to cause simultaneous flashing of the turn signal lamps when needed as vehicular traffic hazard warning. The turn signal lamps shall be placed as wide apart as practical and their centerline shall be approximately 8 inches below the rear windows. Type A school bus lamps shall be 21 square inches in lens area. Just inside the turn signal, there shall be installed at the same elevation, two 7 inch diameter stop lamps, or if in a shape other than round, a minimum of 38 square inches. The lamps shall flash at a rate of 60--120 flashes per minute.
(f) Monitor. If a school bus is equipped with indicators to monitor the front and rear lamps, it shall be mounted in full view of the driver. If the full circuit current passes through the indicator, each circuit shall be protected by a fuse, circuit breaker or multiplex electrical circuit technology.
§ 171.64. (Reserved).
§ 171.67. Traction assist devices.
School buses may be equipped with sanders and automatic tire chains. Sanders and automatic tire chains shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's installation procedures.
§ 171.68. Seat belts.
(a) Seat belt for the driver. A Type 2 seat belt meeting the requirements of FMVSS Nos. 208 and 209--See Appendix A--shall be provided for the driver. The belt shall be equipped with a retractor of sufficient quality and strength to keep the belt retracted and off the floor when not in use. The belt shall be anchored in accordance to FMVSS No. 210--See Appendix A.
(b) Seat belts for the driver and all other designated seating positions. Every Type A school bus shall be equipped with an integral Type 2 seat belt assembly at the driver's designated seating position and at the right front passenger's designated seating position, if any. All other designated seating positions shall have a Type 1 or Type 2 seat belt assembly. Seat belt assemblies shall comply with FMVSS Nos. 208, 209 and 210--See Appendix A.
(c) Web cutters. Every school bus equipped with passenger seat belts shall have at least one web cutter securely mounted in a visible location in the driver's compartment.
§ 171.69. Seats and crash barriers.
The requirements for seats and crash barriers are as follows:
(1) Seats shall have a minimum seating depth of 15 inches.
(2) A seating space at least 13 inches wide shall be provided for each passenger.
(3) Each seat, seat back cushion and crash barrier shall be covered with a material having at least a 42-ounce finished weight, 54 inches width, and finished vinyl coating of 1.06 broken twill, or other material with equal tensile strength, tear strength, seam strength, adhesion strength, resistance to abrasion, resistance to cold and flex separation. Seat materials shall comply with FMVSS No. 302. See Appendix A.
(4) Seats not designed to meet FMVSS No. 222--See Appendix A--are not permitted. Specially equipped school buses, flip seats which comply with FMVSS No. 217--See Appendix A--and school bus seats designed with an integrated child restraint seat which complies with FMVSS No. 213--See Appendix A--are exempt from this paragraph. Child safety seats which comply with FMVSS No. 213 are also exempt from this paragraph if they are used and secured at all times as designated by the manufacturer.
(5) Except as set forth in paragraphs (6)--(11), the backs of all seats of similar size shall be of the same width at the top, of the same height above the floor, and shall slant at the same angle with the floor. A school bus seat designed with an integrated child restraint seat, which complies with FMVSS No. 213, shall have a crash barrier or have a seat back of similar size or height in front of it.
(6) Each school bus passenger seat shall have a minimum seat back height of 24 inches measured from the top of the seat cushion.
(7) The horizontal distance between passenger seats may not be more than 28 inches measured from the front of the seat back cushion forward to the back of the restraining barrier.
(8) Seats shall be forward-facing.
(9) Seats shall be installed in a manner to prevent the seats from disengaging from the seat frame under extraordinary operating conditions. Seats may not have springs protruding and may not have tears greater than 1 inch.
(10) Seats and anchorages shall comply with FMVSS No. 222. See Appendix A.
(11) A padded barrier shall be placed in front of all forward-facing passenger seats that do not have another seat in front of them, as required by FMVSS No. 222. See Appendix A.
§ 171.70. Steps.
The requirements for steps are as follows:
(1) The lower step at the service door may be not less than 12 inches and not more than 16 inches from the ground, based on standard chassis specifications.
(2) The service door entrance may be equipped with at least a two-step stepwell. Risers in each case shall be approximately equal. When a plywood floor is used on steel, the differential may be increased by the thickness of the plywood used. When a three-step stepwell is used, the first step at the service door shall be approximately 10 to 14 inches from the ground when the school bus is empty, based on standard chassis specifications. Type D school buses shall have at least a three-step stepwell with the first step at the service door 12 to 16 inches from the ground.
(3) Steps shall be enclosed to prevent accumulation of ice and snow.
(4) Steps may not protrude beyond the side body line.
(5) A grab handle at least 20 inches in length shall be provided in an unobstructed location inside the doorway. The grab handle shall be designed or installed to prevent items of school children's clothing, personal items or an appendage from being snagged in the grab handle or door.
(6) Steps on Types A and B school buses may be the manufacturer's standard.
(7) Steps, including those in the floor line platform area, shall be covered with 3/16-inch rubber floor covering or other nonskid material that is equal in wear and abrasion resistance to top grade rubber.
(8) The step tread material shall be permanently bonded to a durable backing material that is resistant to corrosion.
(9) The step tread shall have a 1 1/2 inch white nosing as an integral piece without any joint.
(10) The requirements for the rubber portion of step treads are as follows:
(i) Special compounding shall be used to allow for good abrasion resistance and a high coefficient of friction.
(ii) The rubber shall be flexible enough to allow it to be bent around a 1/2 inch mandrel both at 130°F and 20°F, without breaking or cracking.
§ 171.73. Sun shield.
(a) An interior adjustable transparent sun shield, with a finished edge and at least 6 inches by 30 inches shall be installed in Types B, C and D school buses in a position convenient for use by the driver.
(b) A sun shield (visor) shall be installed according to manufacturers standard on all Type A school buses. Additionally, Type A school buses may use an interior adjustable transparent sun shield, at least than 6 inches by 16 inches.
§ 171.74a. Crossing control arm.
School buses shall be equipped with a crossing control arm which shall be automatically activated whenever the bus is stopped with the red warning signals in use.
(1) The crossing control arm shall meet or exceed SAE Standard J1133.
(2) The crossing control arm shall be mounted on the right side of the front bumper and may not open more than 90°.
(3) The crossing control arm shall extend a minimum of 60 inches from the front bumper when in the extended position.
(4) The crossing control arm shall extend simultaneously with the stop arm by means of the stop arm controls.
(5) The crossing control arm shall incorporate system connectors (electrical, vacuum or air) at the gate and shall be easily removable to allow for towing of the school bus.
(6) All components of the crossing control arm and all connections shall be waterproofed.
(7) If the crossing control arm is not constructed of noncorrosive or nonferrous material, it shall be zinc-coated or aluminum-coated or treated by equivalent process.
(8) There may not be sharp edges or projections on the crossing control arm that could cause hazard or injury to students.
(9) A multifunction school activity bus is not required to be in compliance with this section.
§ 171.76. Ventilation.
The requirements for the ventilating system are as follows:
(1) The school bus body shall be equipped with a ventilating system.
(2) If used, auxiliary fans for the left or right side of the bus shall be placed in a location where they can be adjusted by the driver for their maximum effectiveness. These fans shall be 6 inches in diameter. The fan blades shall be covered with a protective cage and each fan shall be controlled by a separate switch.
§ 171.78. Windows.
The following apply to windows:
(1) Each full side window shall provide an unobstructed emergency opening at least 9 inches high and 22 inches wide, obtained by lowering the window.
(2) School buses shall be equipped with split sash windows. Push-out type windows may be used.
(3) Glass in the windshield, windows and doors shall be of approved safety glazing so mounted that the identifying designation is visible, and of sufficient quality to prevent distortion of view in any direction. Glazing materials shall comply with FMVSS No. 205. See Appendix A. Glass may be mounted in a conventional rubber gasket or affixed to the body by a bonding process.
(4) Exposed edges of glass shall be banded or have a finished edge.
§ 171.80. Windshield wipers.
A windshield wiping system, two-speed or more, shall be installed and in safe operating condition. The wipers shall be operated by one or more air or electric motors of sufficient power to operate wipers.
§ 171.81. Wiring.
Wiring shall conform to the following:
(1) Wiring shall conform to current applicable recommended practices of SAE Standard J1292. See Appendix A.
(2) Circuits shall conform to the following specifications:
(i) Wiring shall be arranged in at least six regular circuits, as follows:
(A) Head, tail, stop (brake) and instrument panel lamps.
(B) Clearance, side-marker and stepwell lamps-step well lamp shall be actuated when service door is opened.
(C) Dome lamps.
(D) Ignition and emergency door signal.
(E) Turn signal lamps and hazard warning switch.
(F) Alternately flashing signal lamps.
(ii) Each circuit shall be protected by a fuse, circuit breaker or multiplex electrical circuit technology. A system of color coding shall be used.
(iii) A combination circuits listed in this paragraph may be subdivided into additional independent circuits.
(iv) At least one additional circuit shall be installed for heaters and defrosters.
(v) Whenever possible, other electrical functions, such as sanders and electric-type windshield wipers, shall be provided with independent and properly protected circuits.
(vi) Each body circuit shall be coded by number or letter on a diagram of circuits and shall be attached to the body in a readily accessible location.
(3) The entire electrical system of the body shall be designed for the same voltage as the chassis on which the body is mounted.
(4) A body wiring diagram of easy readable size shall be furnished or affixed in an area convenient to the electrical accessory control panel.
(5) Wiring shall have an amperage capacity equal to or exceeding the designed load. Wiring splices shall be done at an accessible location and noted as splices on the wiring diagram.
(6) Body power wire shall be attached to a special terminal on the chassis.
(7) Wires passing through metal openings shall be protected by grommets.
(8) Wires not enclosed within the body shall be fastened securely at intervals of not more than 18 inches. Joints shall be soldered or joined by equally effective connectors.
§ 171.83. Portable emergency warning devices.
Every bus shall carry at least three portable emergency reflective triangles, as specified by Chapter 167 (relating to portable emergency warning devices). They shall be mounted in an accessible place in the driver's compartment.
§ 171.85. Video equipment.
Installation of video equipment is at the discretion of the school district or the school bus contractor.
§ 171.86. Fire axe.
Fire axes are prohibited.
Subchapter D. ADDITIONAL STANDARDS FOR SPECIALLY EQUIPPED SCHOOL BUSES AND SCHOOL VEHICLES § 171.91. General requirement.
School buses used for transporting students with disabilities shall comply with Subchapters B, C, G and this subchapter. School vehicles used for the transportation of students with disabilities shall comply with Subchapter E and this subchapter.
§ 171.92. Aisles.
(a) School buses equipped with a power lift or a ramp shall have aisles a minimum of 30 inches wide leading from the wheelchair or other type of mobility device area to the emergency door, power lift or ramp special service entrance. Under § 171.42 (relating to aisle), school buses that are not equipped with a power lift or ramp shall have aisles with a minimum clearance of at least 30 centimeters--11 3/4 inches--wide leading to the emergency door and the service entrance door.
(b) School vehicles may not be equipped with more than two wheelchair positions. (Each wheelchair seating position is counted as four designated seating positions, under 49 CFR 571.3(b) (relating to definitions).
§ 171.94. Grab handles.
Grab handles shall be provided on the interior of school buses on each side of the right front service door.
§ 171.95. Heaters.
Additional heaters may be installed in the rear portion of a school bus.
§ 171.96. Power lift.
(a) General. A school bus or school vehicle that is used specifically for the transportation of school children who utilize wheelchairs or other types of mobility devices, or who require life support equipment which cannot use the regular service entrance shall be equipped with a power lift. A power lift system shall comply and be installed in accordance with any applicable FMVSS. If a power lift system is inadequate to load or unload school children having special or unique needs, a ramp device may be installed.
(b) Specific requirements. The requirements for power lifts are as follows:
(1) The power lift shall be located either in the rear or on the right side of the vehicle body, but confined within the perimeter of the vehicle body when not extended. The power lift may not be attached to the exterior sides of the vehicle.
(2) The lifting mechanism shall be able to lift a minimum pay load of 800 pounds. A clear opening and platform to accommodate a 30-inch wide wheelchair shall be provided.
(3) When the platform is in the fully up position, it shall be locked in position mechanically by means other than a support or lug in the door.
(4) Controls shall be provided that enable the operator to activate the lift mechanism from either inside or outside of the school bus. There shall be a means of preventing the lift platform from falling while in operation due to a power failure.
(5) Power lifts shall be equipped so they may be manually operated in the event of a power failure.
(6) The lift travel shall allow the lift platform to rest securely on the ground.
(7) Edges of the platform shall be designed to prevent the wheelchair or other type of mobility device from slipping or rolling off the platform and to prevent the operator's feet from being entangled during the raising and lowering process.
(8) A self-adjusting, skid resistant plate shall be installed on the outer edge of the platform to minimize the incline from the lift platform to the ground level.
(9) A circuit breaker, fuse or an electronic device which provides protection against short circuits, thermal overloads and reversed polarity shall be installed between the power source and the lift motor, if electrical power is used.
(10) The lift mechanism shall be designed to prevent excessive pressure from building in the hydraulic system when the platform reaches the full up or full down position.
§ 171.97. Ramps.
(a) General. If a power lift system is inadequate to load and unload students having special or unique needs, a ramp device may be installed.
(b) Requirements. The requirements for ramps are as follows:
(1) Ramps shall be rigid and of sufficient strength to support the wheel chair or other type of mobility device, occupant and attendants without stress damage.
(2) Ramps shall be equipped with a protective flange on each longitudinal side to keep wheel chairs or other types of mobility devices on the ramp.
(3) Ramp floors shall be of a nonskid material.
(4) Ramps shall be equipped with a handle and constructed so as to permit one person to put the ramp in place and return it to its storage place.
(5) Ramps, during use, shall be connected to the school bus or school vehicle at floor level to permit easy access of wheel chairs or other types of mobility devices, and to be free of danger of detachment.
(6) A dustproof and waterproof enclosed container shall be provided if the ramp is stored under the floor.
§ 171.99. Restraining devices.
(a) Seat frames and seats may be equipped with belt restraint systems designed and installed in accordance with FMVSS Nos. 209 and 213 and used as designated by the manufacturer. Attachment framework and anchorage devices shall conform with FMVSS No. 210--See Appendix A.
(b) Drivers of school vehicles are required to comply with the requirements of 75 Pa.C.S. § 4581 (relating to child passenger restraints) and the Department's regulations implementing those requirements.
§ 171.102. Special light.
Lights shall be placed inside the school bus or school vehicle to sufficiently illuminate the lift area and shall be activated from the door area.
§ 171.103. Special service entrance.
(a) General. A special service entrance may be constructed to accommodate a wheelchair lift for the loading and unloading of passengers.
(b) Requirements for school buses. The following apply to the special service entrance on school buses:
(1) The special service entrance shall be located at a convenient point on the right--curb side--of the school bus and far enough to the rear to prevent the door, when open, from obstructing the right front service door--excluding a regular front service door lift.
(2) The opening may extend below the floor through the bottom of the body skirt. If such an opening is used, reinforcements shall be installed at the front and rear of the floor opening to support the floor and provide the same strength as other floor openings.
(3) With doors open, the minimum clear opening shall be 30 inches in width.
(4) A drip moulding shall be installed above the opening to effectively divert water from the entrance.
(5) The entrance shall be of sufficient width and depth to accommodate various mechanical lifts and related accessories as well as the lifting platform.
(6) Door posts and headers from the entrance shall be reinforced sufficiently to provide support and strength equivalent to the areas of the side of the school bus not used for service doors.
(c) Requirements for school vehicles. The following apply to the special service entrance on school vehicles:
(1) The special service entrance shall be located at a convenient point to the right--curb side or to the rear of the school vehicle.
(2) With doors open, the minimum clear opening shall be 30 inches in width.
(3) A drip molding shall be installed above the opening to effectively divert water from the entrance.
(4) The entrance shall be of sufficient width and depth to accommodate the mechanical lift and related accessories as well as the lifting platform.
(5) Door posts and headers from the entrance shall be reinforced sufficiently to provide support and strength equivalent to original manufacture.
§ 171.104. Special service entrance doors.
The requirements for special service entrance doors are as follows:
(1) Either a single door or double doors may be used for the special service entrance.
(2) Doors shall open outwardly.
(3) Doors shall have positive fastening devices to hold the doors in the open position.
(4) Doors shall be weather sealed. Double doors shall be so constructed that a flange on the outside of the forward door overlaps the edge of the rear door when closed.
(5) If optional power doors are installed, the design shall permit release of the doors for opening and closing from inside the school bus or school vehicle.
(6) If manually operated dual doors are provided, the rear door shall have at least a one point fastening device to the header.
(i) The forward mounted door shall have at least three fastening devices-one to the header, one to the floor line of the body and the other into the rear door.
(ii) These locking devices shall afford maximum safety when the doors are in the closed position.
(iii) The door and hinge mechanism shall be of sufficient strength to provide for the same type of use as a standard entrance door.
(7) Door materials, panels and structural strength shall be equivalent to the conventional service and emergency doors. Color, rub rail extensions, lettering and other exterior features shall match adjacent sections of the body.
(8) Each door shall have windows set in rubber compatible within 1 inch of the lower line of the adjacent sash.
(9) Doors shall be equipped with a device that will actuate an audible or visible signal located in the driver's compartment when the doors are not securely closed and the ignition is in the ''on'' position.
(10) The lifting mechanism switch shall be wired so as to prevent the lifting mechanism from operating when the lift platform door is closed.
(11) Supplemental security locks installed on special service entrance doors shall be equipped with an ignition interlock system or an audiovisual alarm located in the driver's compartment.
§ 171.105. Identification.
A specially equipped school bus or school vehicle may display the universal handicapped symbol on the rear of the vehicle below the window line. The emblem shall be white on blue, may not exceed 12 inches in height and width, and shall be of reflective material.
§ 171.107. Web cutter.
Every specially equipped school bus and school vehicle shall have at least one web cutter securely mounted in a visible location within the driver's compartment.
Subchapter E. SCHOOL VEHICLE STANDARDS § 171.121 Applicability.
The requirements of this subchapter apply to motor vehicles used to transport preprimary, primary or secondary school students to or from public, private or parochial schools or events related to these schools or school-related activities, which are designed to carry 11 to 15 passengers, including the driver, and which are registered in this Commonwealth as a bus prior to March 1, 1993, or a motor vehicle which is designed to carry 11 to 15 passengers, including the driver, and which was titled to any public, private or parochial school on or before March 1, 1993, and which is registered to that public, private or parochial school in this Commonwealth as a bus prior to September 15, 1993 and school vehicles.
§ 171.125. Seating.
(a) Vehicle seats. Vehicle seats and seat belts shall be of a type and installed as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.
(b) Dividers. Dividers may not be used to separate the seats.
(c) Seating space. A designated seating position of safe design and construction shall be provided for each passenger and a passenger may not be carried for which a safe designated seating position is not available. Seats shall be forward facing.
(d) Child passenger restraints. Drivers of school vehicles are required to comply with the requirements of 75 Pa.C.S. § 4581 (relating to child passenger restraints) and the Department's regulations implementing those requirements.
§ 171.126. Web cutter.
Every school vehicle shall have at least one web cutter securely mounted in a visible location within the driver's compartment.
§ 171.127. Certification.
A school vehicle shall be certified by the original manufacturer or final stage manufacturer to meet the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for a passenger car or a multipurpose passenger vehicle.
Subchapter F. MASS TRANSIT PUPIL TRANSPORTATION BUS STANDARDS § 171.138. Portable emergency warning device.
Every bus shall carry at least three portable emergency reflective triangles, as specified by Chapter 167 (relating to portable emergency warning devices). They shall be mounted in an accessible place in the driver's compartment.
Subchapter G. OPERATION STANDARDS FOR VEHICLES SUBJECT TO THIS CHAPTER § 171.149. Unsafe operations.
(a) General. Vehicles subject to this chapter may not be operated in a condition that is likely to cause an accident or a breakdown of the vehicle.
(b) Exemption. A vehicle subject to this chapter discovered to be in an unsafe condition while being operated on the highway may be continued in operation only to the nearest place where repairs can safely be effected. The operation shall be conducted only if it is less hazardous to the public than to permit the vehicle to remain on the highway.
(c) Securing loose items. Any items stored by the driver shall be secured, so that the items do not interfere with the operation of the accelerator or brake pedal, impede the loading or unloading process or any other operational control for the safe operation of the vehicle.
[Pa.B. Doc. No. 05-991. Filed for public inspection May 20, 2005, 9:00 a.m.]
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