Subchapter B. SCHOOL BUS CHASSIS STANDARDS
Sec.
171.11. Applicability.
171.12. Air cleaner.
171.13. Axles.
171.14. Brakes.
171.15. Bumper, front.
171.16. Certification.
171.17. Clutch.
171.18. Color.
171.19. Driveshaft protection.
171.20. Electrical system.
171.21. Exhaust system.
171.22. Fenders, front on Type C school buses.
171.23. Frame.
171.24. Fuel system.
171.25. Governor.
171.26. Heating system.
171.27. Horn.
171.28. Instruments and instrument panel.
171.29. Oil filter.
171.30. Openings.
171.31. Passenger’s load.
171.32. Power and gradeability.
171.33. Shock absorbers.
171.34. Springs.
171.35. Steering gear.
171.36. Tires and rims.
171.37. Transmission.
171.38. Undercoating.
Cross References This subchapter cited in 67 Pa. Code § 171.91 (relating to general requirement).
§ 171.11. Applicability.
This subchapter applies to all school buses, unless a particular requirement is by its terms applicable only to one or more types of school buses.
Source The provisions of this § 171.11 adopted August 12, 1977, effective August 13, 1977, 7 Pa.B. 2255; amended August 4, 1978, effective July 1, 1979, 8 Pa.B. 2194; amended August 19, 1983, effective August 20, 1983, 13 Pa.B. 2561; readopted December 4, 1987, effective December 5, 1987, 17 Pa.B. 5052. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (83732).
§ 171.12. Air cleaner.
The engine intake air cleaner system shall be installed in accordance with the chassis manufacturer’s specifications. Engine intake cleaner system components shall comply with the engine manufacturer’s specifications.
Authority The provisions of this § 171.12 amended under the Vehicle Code, 75 Pa.C.S. § § 4103, 4551—4553 and 6103.
Source The provisions of this § 171.12 adopted August 12, 1977, effective August 13, 1977, 7 Pa.B. 2255; amended August 4, 1978, effective July 1, 1979, 8 Pa.B. 2194; amended August 19, 1983, effective August 20, 1983, 13 Pa.B. 2561; readopted December 4, 1987, effective December 5, 1987, 17 Pa.B. 5052; amended September 13, 1996, effective September 14, 1996, 26 Pa.B. 4411. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (122777).
§ 171.13. Axles.
The front and rear axles, including suspension assemblies, shall have a gross axle weight rating at ground at least equal to that portion of the load as would be imposed by the chassis manufacturer’s maximum gross vehicle weight rating.
Source The provisions of this § 171.13 adopted August 12, 1977, effective August 13, 1977, 7 Pa.B. 2255; amended August 4, 1978, effective July 1, 1979, 8 Pa.B. 2194; amended August 19, 1983, effective August 20, 1983, 13 Pa.B. 2561; readopted December 4, 1987, effective December 5, 1987, 17 Pa.B. 5052. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (83732).
§ 171.14. Brakes.
(a) General rule.
(1) Unless otherwise provided for by this section, a school bus must be equipped with a chassis brake system which conforms with the provisions of FMVSS No. 105, No. 106 and No. 121, as applicable.
(2) The antilock brake system (ABS), provided in accordance with FMVSS No. 105 or No. 121, shall provide wheel speed sensors for each front wheel and for each wheel on at least one rear axle. The system shall provide antilock braking performance for each wheel equipped with sensors.
(3) Brake systems shall be designed to permit visual inspection of brake lining wear without removal of any chassis components.
(4) The brake lines, booster-assist lines and control cables shall be protected from excessive heat, vibration and corrosion and installed in a manner which prevents chafing.
(5) The parking brake system for either air or hydraulic service brake systems may be of a power assisted design. The power parking brake actuator shall be a push-pull device located on the instrument panel within seated reach of a 5th percentile female driver. As an option, the parking brake may be set by placing the automatic transmission shift control mechanism in the ‘‘park’’ position.
(6) The power-operated parking brake system may be interlocked to the engine key switch so that once the parking brake has been set and the ignition switch turned to the ‘‘off’’ position, the parking brake cannot be released until the key switch is turned back to the ‘‘on’’ position.
(b) Hydraulic brakes. A bus using a hydraulic-assist brake shall be equipped with audible and visible warning signals that provide a continuous warning to the driver of a loss of fluid flow from the primary source and of a failure of the back-up pump system.
(c) Air brakes. A bus equipped with air brakes shall conform to the following:
(1) The air pressure supply system shall include a desiccant-type air dryer installed according to the manufacturers’ recommendations. The air pressure storage tank system may incorporate an automatic drain valve.
(2) The dashboard instrument panel of a bus equipped with an air brake system shall include an air pressure gauge of a type allowing the driver to comply with CDL pretrip inspection requirements.
(3) An air brake shall have both a visible and audible warning device whenever the air pressure falls below the level where warnings are required under FMVSS No. 121.
Authority The provisions of this § 171.14 amended under the Vehicle Code, 75 Pa.C.S. § § 4103, 4551—4553 and 6103.
Source The provisions of this § 171.14 adopted August 12, 1977, effective August 13, 1977, 7 Pa.B. 2255; amended August 4, 1978, effective July 1, 1979, 8 Pa.B. 2194; amended August 19, 1983, effective August 20, 1983, 13 Pa.B. 2561; readopted December 4, 1987, effective December 5, 1987, 17 Pa.B. 5052; amended September 13, 1996, effective September 14, 1996, 26 Pa.B. 4411; amended May 20, 2005, effective May 21, 2005, 35 Pa.B. 3039. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (219602) to (219604).
§ 171.15. Bumper, front.
(a) General rule. Every school bus shall be equipped with a front bumper of a type, and installed as, recommended by the chassis manufacturer or a front bumper of an equivalent material that complies with 49 CFR 581 (relating to bumper standard). See Appendix A.
(b) Extension. The front bumper shall extend beyond the forwardmost part of the body, grille, hood and fenders and shall extend to the outer edges of the fenders at the bumper top line.
(c) Strength. The front bumper, except breakaway bumper ends, shall be of sufficient strength to permit pushing a vehicle of equal gross vehicle weight without permanent distortion to the bumper, chassis or body.
(d) Exception. Type D school bus front bumper shall be of a type, and installed as, recommended by the body manufacturer or a front bumper of an equivalent material that complies with 49 CFR 581. See Appendix A.
(e) Energy absorbing. If equipped with an energy-absorbing front bumper, the bumper manufacturer, upon request, shall furnish certification to the Department verifying the bumper complies with 49 CFR 581. See Appendix A.
Authority The provisions of this § 171.15 amended under the Vehicle Code, 75 Pa.C.S. § § 4103, 4551—4553 and 6103.
Source The provisions of this § 171.15 adopted August 12, 1977, effective August 13, 1977, 7 Pa.B. 2255; amended August 4, 1978, effective July 1, 1978, 8 Pa.B. 2194; amended August 19, 1983, effective August 20, 1983, 13 Pa.B. 2561; readopted December 4, 1987, effective December 5, 1987, 17 Pa.B. 5052; amended September 13, 1996, effective September 14, 1996, 26 Pa.B. 4411. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (122779).
§ 171.16. Certification.
Every school bus chassis manufacturer shall, upon request, certify to the Department that items not covered by the certification issued under the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 (15 U.S.C.A. § § 1381—1481), meet the requirements of this chapter. Persons or entities making additions or alterations to a school bus chassis after the time of manufacture, upon request, shall furnish certification to the Department that items, additions or alterations meet the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Safety Act and the requirements of this chapter.
Authority The provisions of this § 171.16 amended under the Vehicle Code, 75 Pa.C.S. § § 4103, 4551—4553 and 6103.
Source The provisions of this § 171.16 adopted August 4, 1978, effective July 1, 1979, 8 Pa.B. 2194; amended August 19, 1983, effective August 20, 1983, 13 Pa.B. 2561; readopted December 4, 1987, effective December 5, 1987, 17 Pa.B. 5052; amended September 13, 1996, effective September 14, 1996, 26 Pa.B. 4411. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (122779).
§ 171.17. Clutch.
The clutch shall have a clutch torque capacity equal to or greater than the engine torque output.
Source The provisions of this § 171.17 adopted August 4, 1978, effective July 1, 1979, 8 Pa.B. 2194; amended August 19, 1983, effective August 20, 1983, 13 Pa.B. 2561; readopted December 4, 1987, effective December 5, 1987, 17 Pa.B. 5052. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (83734).
§ 171.18. Color.
(a) General rule. A school bus chassis, including wheels and bumpers, shall be black. A school bus hood, cowl and fender shall be National School Bus Yellow. See Appendix B.
(b) Exceptions. Exceptions to subsection (a) are as follows:
(1) Wheel rims shall be of a trim used by the rim manufacturer.
(2) School bus hoods may be nonreflective National School Bus Yellow—See Appendix A—or lusterless black matching National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Federal Standard No. 595a, Color 37038. See Appendix A.
(3) The service door frame may be black.
(4) The mirror brackets and other body accessories may be stainless steel with a satin finish.
(c) Multifunction school activity bus. The color requirements in this section do not apply to multifunction school activity buses.
Authority The provisions of this § 171.18 amended under the Vehicle Code, 75 Pa.C.S. § § 4103, 4551—4553 and 6103.
Source The provisions of this § 171.18 adopted August 19, 1983, effective August 20, 1983, 13 Pa.B. 2561; readopted December 4, 1987, effective December 5, 1987, 17 Pa.B. 5052; amended September 13, 1996, effective September 14, 1996, 26 Pa.B. 4411; amended May 20, 2005, effective May 21, 2005, 35 Pa.B. 3039. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (219605) to (219606).
Cross References This section cited in 67 Pa. Code § 171.59 (relating to lamps and signals).
§ 171.19. Driveshaft protection.
The driveshaft shall be protected by at least one metal guard or bracket around the circumference of the driveshaft to prevent the driveshaft whipping through the floor or dropping to the ground if there is a failure of the driveshaft or any of its component parts.
Authority The provisions of this § 171.19 amended under the Vehicle Code, 75 Pa.C.S. § § 4103, 4551—4553 and 6103.
Source The provisions of this § 171.19 adopted August 19, 1983, effective August 20, 1983, 13 Pa.B. 2561; readopted December 4, 1987, effective December 5, 1987, 17 Pa.B. 5052; amended September 13, 1996, effective September 14, 1996, 26 Pa.B. 4411. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (122781).
§ 171.20. Electrical system.
(a) Battery. The requirements for the battery are as follows:
(1) The battery shall have a minimum cold cranking capacity rating equal to the cranking current required for 30 seconds at 0° F (-17.8° C) and a minimum reserve capacity rating of 120 minutes at 25 amp. Higher capacities may be required dependent upon optional equipment and local environmental conditions.
(2) Batteries in Type B, C and D school buses shall be mounted on a sliding tray.
(b) Generator or alternator. Requirements for generators and alternators are as follows:
(1) Every Type A and B school bus up to 15,000 pounds GVWR shall have a minimum 60 ampere per hour alternator.
(2) Every Type B school bus over 15,000 pounds GVWR and every Type C and D school bus shall be equipped with an alternator meeting SAE Standard J180b—See Appendix A—with a minimum output rating of 100 amperes, capable of producing a minimum of 50% of its maximum rated output at the engine manufacturer’s recommended idle speed.
(3) Every school bus equipped with an electrical power lift shall have a minimum 100 ampere per hour alternator.
(4) A direct drive generator or alternator is permissible in lieu of belt drive. Belt drive shall be capable of handling the rated capacity of the generator or alternator with no detrimental effect on other driven components.
(5) Refer to SBMI Design Objectives Booklet. See Appendix A—for required generator or alternator capacity.
(c) Wiring. Requirements for wiring are as follows: Wiring shall conform to current applicable SAE Standards. Wiring and circuits shall be of a standard color and number coding and each chassis shall have a wiring diagram and circuit that coincides with the wiring and circuitry of the chassis.
Authority The provisions of this § 171.20 amended under the Vehicle Code, 75 Pa.C.S. § § 4103, 4551—4553 and 6103.
Source The provisions of this § 171.20 adopted August 19, 1983, effective August 20, 1983, 13 Pa.B. 2561; readopted December 4, 1987, effective December 5, 1987, 17 Pa.B. 5052; amended September 13, 1996, effective September 14, 1996, 26 Pa.B. 4411; amended May 20, 2005, effective May 21, 2005, 35 Pa.B. 3039. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (219606) and (301813).
Cross References This section cited in 67 Pa. Code § 171.43 (relating to battery).
§ 171.21. Exhaust system.
(a) General rule. The exhaust pipe, muffler and tailpipe shall be outside the body compartment and securely attached to the chassis with clamps and hangers of a type and installed as recommended by the chassis manufacturer.
(b) Tailpipe. The tailpipe shall be constructed of a corrosion-resistant tubing material at least equal in strength and durability to 16 gauge steel tubing.
(c) Tailpipe extension. The exhaust system of a school bus powered by a gasoline engine shall discharge to the atmosphere at or within 6 inches forward of the rearmost part of the school bus.
(d) Tailpipe extension for school buses using fuels other than gasoline. The exhaust system for a school bus using fuels other than gasoline shall discharge to the atmosphere either at or within 15 inches forward of the rearmost part of the vehicle; or to the rear of all doors or windows designed to be opened, except windows designed to be opened solely as emergency exits.
(e) Insulation. The exhaust system on a gasoline powered chassis shall be properly insulated from fuel tank connections by a securely attached metal shield at any point where it is 12 inches or less from the tank or tank connections.
(f) Muffler. The muffler shall be constructed of corrosion resistant material.
(g) Discharge lines and outlets. The discharge lines and outlets on school buses equipped with compressed or liquefied gas fuel systems shall be installed in accordance with Chapter 175 (relating to vehicle equipment and inspection).
(h) Exhaust system hangers. Exhaust systems may be equipped with hangers that permit required movement due to expansion and contraction caused by heat of the exhaust and relative motion between the engine and chassis of a vehicle.
(i) Exhaust system and discharge location. Exhaust systems are not permitted to discharge to the atmosphere at a location immediately below the fuel tank or the fuel tank filler pipe. Exhaust systems shall also extend and discharge completely to the outside edge of the vehicle body.
(j) Exception. This section does not apply to auxiliary fuel-fired heating systems.
Authority The provisions of this § 171.21 amended under the Vehicle Code, 75 Pa.C.S. § § 4103, 4551—4553 and 6103.
Source The provisions of this § 171.21 adopted August 4, 1978, effective July 1, 1979, 8 Pa.B. 2194; amended August 31, 1979, effective September 1, 1979, 9 Pa.B. 2954; amended August 19, 1983, effective August 20, 1983, 13 Pa.B. 2561; readopted December 4, 1987, effective December 5, 1987, 17 Pa.B. 5052; amended September 13, 1996, effective September 14, 1996, 26 Pa.B. 4411; amended November 26, 2003, effictive November 29, 2003, 33 Pa.B. 5817; amended May 20, 2005, effective May 21, 2005, 35 Pa.B. 3039. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (301814).
§ 171.22. Fenders, front on Type C school buses.
(a) Spread. The total spread of outer edges of front fenders on Type C school buses, measured at the fender line, shall exceed the total spread of the front tires when the front wheels are in the straight ahead position.
(b) Bracing. Front fenders shall be properly braced and free from any body attachments other than mirrors specified in § 171.61 (relating to mirrors).
Authority The provisions of this § 171.22 amended under the Vehicle Code, 75 Pa.C.S. § § 4103, 4551—4553 and 6103.
Source The provisions of this § 171.22 adopted August 4, 1978, effective July 1, 1979, 8 Pa.B. 2194; amended August 19, 1983, effective August 20, 1983, 13 Pa. B. 2561; readopted December 4, 1987, effective December 5, 1987, 17 Pa.B. 5052; amended September 13, 1996, effective September 14, 1996, 26 Pa.B. 4411. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (122782) to (122783).
§ 171.23. Frame.
(a) General. The frame or equivalent of every school bus shall be of such design and strength characteristics as to correspond at least to standard practice for trucks of the same general load characteristics which are used for highway service.
(b) Side rails. There may be no holes in the top or bottom flanges of the frame side rail except as provided in the original chassis frame.
(c) Length. Frame lengths shall be in accordance with SBMI Design Objectives Booklet. See Appendix A.
(d) Modification. A frame modification may not be for the purpose of extending the wheelbase. A secondary manufacturer, person or entity that modifies the original frame shall comply with § 171.3 (relating to modification) and 49 CFR 568.8 (relating to requirements for persons who alter certified vehicles).
Authority The provisions of this § 171.23 amended under the Vehicle Code, 75 Pa.C.S. § § 4103, 4551—4553 and 6103.
Source The provisions of this § 171.23 adopted August 4, 1978, effective July 1, 1979, 8 Pa.B. 2194; amended August 19, 1983, effective August 20, 1983, 13 Pa.B. 2561; readopted December 4, 1987, effective December 5, 1987, 17 Pa.B. 5052; amended September 13, 1996, effective September 14, 1996, 26 Pa.B. 4411. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (122783).
§ 171.24. Fuel system.
(a) Fuel tanks. Fuel tanks shall be as provided by the chassis manufacturer. They shall be filled at and vented to the outside of the body, at a location so that accidental fuel spillage will not drip or drain on any part of the exhaust system.
(b) Location of system. No portion of the fuel system which is located to the rear of the engine compartment, except the filler tube, may extend above the top of the chassis frame rail. Fuel lines shall be mounted to obtain maximum possible protection from the chassis frame.
(c) Fuel filter. A fuel filter with replaceable element shall be installed between the fuel tank and the engine.
(d) Installation. The fuel tank installation shall be in accordance with SBMI Design Objectives Booklet. See Appendix A.
(e) Compressed and liquified gas. School buses equipped with compressed or liquified gas fuel systems shall comply with Chapter 175 (relating to vehicle equipment and inspection).
(f) Auxiliary fuel tank. If a school bus is equipped with an auxiliary fuel tank, the fuel tank shall be in accordance with SBMI Design Objectives Booklet. See Appendix A.
Authority The provisions of this § 171.24 amended under the Vehicle Code, 75 Pa.C.S. § § 4103, 4551—4553 and 6103.
Source The provisions of this § 171.24 adopted August 4, 1978, effective July 1, 1979, 8 Pa.B. 2194; amended August 19, 1983, effective August 20, 1983, 13 Pa.B. 2561; readopted December 4, 1987, effective December 5, 1987, 17 Pa.B. 5052; amended September 13, 1996, effective September 14, 1996, 26 Pa.B. 4411. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (122783) to (122784).
§ 171.25. Governor.
When the engine is remotely located from the driver, a governor shall be installed to limit the engine speed to the maximum revolutions per minute recommended by the engine manufacturer, or a tachometer shall be installed so the engine speed may be known to the driver.
Source The provisions of this § 171.25 adopted August 19, 1983, effective August 20, 1983, 13 Pa.B. 2561; readopted December 4, 1987, effective December 5, 1987, 17 Pa.B. 5052. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (83738).
§ 171.26. Heating system.
The chassis engine shall be equipped with plugged openings to supply hot water for the school bus heating system. The openings shall be suitable for attaching 3/4 inch pipe thread/hose connectors. The engine shall be capable of supplying water having a temperature of at least 170° F at a flow rate of 50 pounds/per minute at the return end of 30 feet of 1 inch inside diameter automotive hot water heater hose. See SBMI Standard No. 001 in Appendix A.
Authority The provisions of this § 171.26 amended under the Vehicle Code, 75 Pa.C.S. § § 4103, 4551—4553 and 6103.
Source The provisions of this § 171.26 adopted August 19, 1983, effective August 20, 1983, 13 Pa.B. 2561; readopted December 4, 1987, effective December 5, 1987, 17 Pa.B. 5052; amended September 13, 1996, effective September 14, 1996, 26 Pa.B. 4411. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (122784).
§ 171.27. Horn.
School buses shall be equipped with at least one horn of standard make, which is audible under normal conditions for distances of not less than 200 feet.
Authority The provisions of this § 171.27 amended under the Vehicle Code, 75 Pa.C.S. § § 4103, 4551—4553 and 6103.
Source The provisions of this § 171.27 adopted August 19, 1983, effective August 20, 1983, 13 Pa.B. 2561; readopted December 4, 1987, effective December 5, 1987, 17 Pa.B. 5052; amended September 13, 1996, effective September 14, 1996, 26 Pa.B. 4411. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (122784).
§ 171.28. Instruments and instrument panel.
(a) Required instruments. Lights in lieu of gauges are not acceptable, except as noted. Every school bus chassis shall be equipped with the following instruments and gauges:
(1) Speedometer.
(2) Odometer, in working order, which will give accrued mileage—to seven digits—including tenths of miles.
(3) Voltmeter. An ammeter with graduated charge and discharge, with ammeter and wiring compatible with generating capacities is permitted in lieu of a voltmeter.
(4) Oil-pressure gauge.
(5) Water temperature gauge.
(6) Fuel gauge.
(7) Upper beam headlight indicator.
(8) Brake indicator gauge—vacuum or air. Light indicator in lieu of gauge is permitted on a school bus equipped with a hydraulic-over-hydraulic brake system.
(9) Turn signal indicator.
(10) Glow-plug indicator light, where appropriate.
(b) Visibility. Instruments and gauges shall be mounted on the instrument panel so that each is clearly visible to the driver while in normal seated position in accordance with SBMI Design Objectives Booklet. See Appendix A.
(c) Lamps. Every instrument panel shall have lamps of sufficient candlepower to illuminate instruments, gauges and, if a school bus is equipped with an automatic transmission, the shift selector indicator.
Authority The provisions of this § 171.28 amended under the Vehicle Code, 75 Pa.C.S. § § 4103, 4551—4553 and 6103.
Source The provisions of this § 171.28 adopted August 19, 1983, effective August 20, 1983, 13 Pa.B. 2561; readopted December 4, 1987, effective December 5, 1987, 17 Pa.B. 5052; amended September 13, 1996, effective September 14, 1996, 26 Pa.B. 4411. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (122784) to (122785).
§ 171.29. Oil filter.
The oil filter shall be of replaceable element or cartridge type and shall be connected by flexible oil lines if it is not of built-in or engine mounted design. The oil filter shall have a capacity of approximately 1 quart.
Source The provisions of this § 171.29 adopted August 19, 1983, effective August 20, 1983, 13 Pa.B. 2561; readopted December 4, 1987, effective December 5, 1987, 17 Pa.B. 5052. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (83739).
§ 171.30. Openings.
Openings in the floorboard or firewall between the chassis and the passenger compartment, such as the opening for the gearshift lever and the parking brake lever, shall be sealed.
Source The provisions of this § 171.30 adopted August 19, 1983, effective August 20, 1983, 13 Pa.B. 2561; readopted December 4, 1987, effective December 5, 1987, 17 Pa.B. 5052. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (83739).
§ 171.31. Passenger’s load.
(a) Gross vehicle weight. Actual gross vehicle weight is the vehicle weight, plus the driver’s weight, plus the total seated pupil weight.
(1) For purposes of calculation, the driver’s weight is 150 pounds.
(2) For purposes of calculation, the pupil weight is 120 pounds per pupil.
(b) Weight limitations. The following weight limitations apply:
(1) Gross weight. The actual gross weight of the vehicle may not exceed the manufacturer’s GVWR for the chassis.
(2) Axle weights. A bus may not be operated upon a highway with a weight on an axle in excess of the lesser of the manufacturer’s rated axle capacity or 22,400 pounds—20,000 pounds on interstate highways—on a single axle or 18,000 pounds on a dual axle.
(3) Wheel weights. A bus may not be operated upon a highway with a weight upon a wheel in excess of 800 pounds for each nominal inch of width of tire on the wheel.
(4) Gross vehicle weight rating. A bus may not be operated upon a highway with weight exceeding the value specified on the Federal weight certification label by the manufacturer as the loaded weight of a single vehicle.
Authority The provisions of this § 171.31 amended under the Vehicle Code, 75 Pa.C.S. § § 4103, 4551—4553 and 6103.
Source The provisions of this § 171.31 adopted August 12, 1977, effective August 13, 1977, 7 Pa.B. 2255; amended March 27, 1981, effective March 28, 1981, 11 Pa.B. 1100; amended August 19, 1983, effective August 20, 1983, 13 Pa.B. 2561; readopted December 4, 1987, effective December 5, 1987, 17 Pa.B. 5052; amended September 13, 1996, effective September 14, 1996, 26 Pa.B. 4411. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (122786).
§ 171.32. Power and gradeability.
Gross vehicle weight may not exceed 185 pounds per net published horsepower of the engine at the manufacturer’s recommended maximum number of revolutions per minute.
Source The provisions of this § 171.32 adopted August 12, 1977, effective August 13, 1977, 7 Pa.B. 2255; amended August 19, 1983, effective August 20, 1983, 13 Pa.B. 2561; readopted December 4, 1987, effective December 5, 1987, 17 Pa.B. 5052. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (83740).
§ 171.33. Shock absorbers.
Every school bus shall be equipped with front and rear double-acting shock absorbers compatible with the manufacturer’s rated axle capacity at each wheel location.
Source The provisions of this § 171.33 adopted August 12, 1977, effective August 13, 1977, 7 Pa.B. 2255; amended August 19, 1983, effective August 20, 1983, 13 Pa.B. 2561; readopted December 4, 1987, effective December 5, 1987, 17 Pa.B. 5052. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (83740).
§ 171.34. Springs.
(a) Capacity. The capacity of springs or suspension assemblies shall be commensurate with the chassis manufacturer’s GVWR.
(b) Rear springs. If equipped with rear springs, the springs shall be of a type and installed as recommended by the chassis manufacturer.
Authority The provisions of this § 171.34 amended under the Vehicle Code, 75 Pa.C.S. § § 4103, 4551—4553 and 6103.
Source The provisions of this § 171.34 adopted August 12, 1977, effective August 13, 1977, 7 Pa.B. 2255; amended August 19, 1983, effective August 20, 1983, 13 Pa.B. 2561; readopted December 4, 1987, effective December 5, 1987, 17 Pa.B. 5052; amended September 13, 1996, effective September 14, 1996, 26 Pa.B. 4411. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (122787).
§ 171.35. Steering gear.
The steering gear system of every school bus shall comply with the following:
(1) The steering gear shall be equal to the original equipment furnished by the chassis manufacturer. If replacement is necessary, it shall be designed to assure safe and accurate performance when the school bus is operated with maximum load and at maximum speed.
(2) The steering mechanism shall be accessible for adjustment.
(3) No changes may be made in the steering apparatus which are not approved by the chassis manufacturer.
(4) There shall be clearance of at least 2 inches between the steering wheel and cowl instrument panel, windshield or other surface.
(5) Power steering is required.
(6) The steering system shall be designed to allow for lubrication of all wear-points.
Authority The provisions of this § 171.35 amended under the Vehicle Code, 75 Pa.C.S. § § 4103, 4551—4553 and 6103.
Source The provisions of this § 171.35 adopted August 19, 1983, effective August 20, 1983, 13 Pa.B. 2561; readopted December 4, 1987, effective December 5, 1987, 17 Pa.B. 5052; amended September 13, 1996, effective September 14, 1996, 26 Pa.B. 4411. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (122787).
§ 171.36. Tires and rims.
The requirements for the tires and rims of a school bus are as follows:
(1) School buses shall be equipped with tires and rims which conform to the vehicle chassis manufacturer’s specifications as to tire size, in that the tires and rims are not smaller than those that have been recommended by the chassis manufacturer. Tires and rims shall meet the requirements of FMVSS Nos. 119 and 120. See Appendix A.
(2) Dual rear tires shall be provided on Type A2, Type B, Type C and Type D school buses.
(3) Tires on the same axle shall be of the same size and type of construction—bias, belted or radial. Type A school bus tires shall be of same size and type of construction on all axles.
(4) If the vehicle is equipped with a spare tire and rim assembly for emergency use, it shall be of the same size as those mounted on the vehicle.
(5) Tube type tires and tubeless equivalent tires shall be provided on dual wheel vehicles.
(6) When tires are replaced, they shall be of a quality equivalent to the original equipment.
(7) Radial type tires at least equivalent in strength and size to the bias construction tire specified may be substituted; however, no mixing of radial type and bias construction type tires may be permitted on the same axle.
(8) Regrooved, recapped or retreaded tires shall comply with the following:
(i) Regrooved, recapped or retreaded tires may not be used on front wheels or on single rear wheels.
(ii) Regrooved tires shall comply with safety standards certified by the tire manufacturer as meeting 49 CFR 569 (relating to regrooved tires)—see Appendix A—and shall be stamped as ‘‘Regroovable.’’
(iii) Recapped or retreaded tires shall comply with FMVSS No. 117. See Appendix A.
(iv) Regroovable tires may be retreaded, recapped or regrooved.
(9) No tire may be used which is in an unsafe condition. Tread depth on tires may at no time be less than 4/32 of an inch on the front and 2/32 of an inch on the rear as measured on two adjacent treads by an acceptable gauge such as the Dill, or its equivalent.
(10) A spare tire, if used, shall be suitably mounted in an accessible location outside the passenger compartment. Types A and B school buses need not comply with this paragraph.
Authority The provisions of this 171.36 amended under the Vehicle Code, 75 Pa.C.S. § § 4103, 4551—4553 and 6103.
Source The provisions of this § 171.36 adopted August 19, 1983, effective August 20, 1983, 13 Pa.B. 2561; readopted December 4, 1987, effective December 5, 1987, 17 Pa.B. 5052; amended September 13, 1996, effective September 14, 1996, 26 Pa.B. 4411; amended May 20, 2005, effective May 21, 2005, 35 Pa.B. 3039. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (219614) to (219615).
§ 171.37. Transmission.
(a) Automatic. An automatic or semiautomatic transmission shall have at least three forward speeds and one reverse speed.
(b) Manual. On manual transmissions, second and higher gears shall be synchronized except when incompatible with engine power. A minimum of three forward speeds and one reverse speed shall be provided.
Authority The provisions of this § 171.37 amended under the Vehicle Code, 75 Pa.C.S. § § 4103, 4551—4553 and 6103.
Source The provisions of this § 171.37 adopted August 19, 1983, effective August 20, 1983, 13 Pa.B. 2561; readopted December 4, 1987, effective December 5, 1987, 17 Pa.B. 5052; amended September 13, 1996, effective September 14, 1996, 26 Pa.B. 4411; amended May 20, 2005, effective May 21, 2005, 35 Pa.B. 3039. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (219615) to (219616).
§ 171.38. Undercoating.
The undersides of the front fenders of the chassis—unless fenders are constructed of a noncorrosion material—shall be coated with a rust preventing compound which meets or exceeds, when using the modified test, all performance and qualitative requirements of paragraph 3.4 of Federal Specification TT-C-520b. See Appendix A.
Authority The provisions of this § 171.38 amended under the Vehicle Code, 75 Pa.C.S. § § 4103, 4551—4553 and 6103.
Source The provisions of this § 171.38 adopted August 19, 1983, effective August 20, 1983, 13 Pa.B. 2561; readopted December 4, 1987, effective December 5, 1987, 17 Pa.B. 5052; amended September 13, 1996, effective September 14, 1996, 26 Pa.B. 4411. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (122789).
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