Subchapter G.  OPERATION STANDARDS FOR VEHICLES
SUBJECT TO THIS CHAPTER

Sec.

171.141.    Accident reports.
171.142.    Cleanliness.
171.143.    Identification concealment.
171.144.    Seating.
171.145.    Service.
171.146.    Doors.
171.147.    Fire extinguishers.
171.148.    Safety checks.
171.149.    Unsafe operations.
171.150.    Use of portable emergency warning devices.

Cross References

   This subchapter cited in 67 Pa. Code §  171.1 (relating to applicability); and 67 Pa. Code §  171.91 (relating to general requirement).

§ 171.141. Accident reports.

 Within 24 hours of its occurrence, and in addition to the accident reporting requirements of 75 Pa.C.S. § §  3741—3754 (relating to accidents and accident reports), the owner or operator of a vehicle subject to this chapter shall report an accident involving the vehicle to the chief school administrator or authorized representative of the school district or private or parochial school by which he is employed or under contract. Within 5 days of the accident, the vehicle owner or operator shall submit a completed accident report on a form approved by the Department to the Department’s Pupil Transportation Section.

Authority

   The provisions of this §  171.141 amended under the Vehicle Code, 75 Pa.C.S. § §  4103, 4551—4553 and 6103.

Source

   The provisions of this §  171.141 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 (122820).

§ 171.142. Cleanliness.

 School buses and school vehicles shall be kept in a clean condition both inside and outside.

Source

   The provisions of this §  171.142 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 (83766).

§ 171.143. Identification concealment.

 When a vehicle subject to this chapter is being operated upon a highway for purposes other than the actual transportation of school children to or from school or in connection with school activities, the words ‘‘SCHOOL BUS’’ or ‘‘SCHOOL STUDENTS’’ shall be removed or covered. During this operation, flashing visual signals may not be actuated. The transportation of school children shall include driving the vehicle from the school, garage or other place of storage to the point where the first child is picked up, and from the place where the last child is discharged to the school, garage or other place of storage.

Authority

   The provisions of this §  171.143 amended under the Vehicle Code, 75 Pa.C.S. § §  4103, 4551—4553 and 6103.

Source

   The provisions of this §  171.143 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 (122821).

§ 171.144. Seating.

 (a)  Aisle clearance. Passengers in school buses may not be seated so as to encroach on the minimum aisle clearance required in §  171.42 (relating to aisle).

 (b)  Seat belts. Passengers and drivers in vehicles that are equipped with seat belts shall be required to wear them whenever the vehicle is in motion.

 (c)  Passengers. Passengers shall be seated prior to the vehicle being placed in motion.

 (d)  Standees. Standees are not permitted.

Authority

   The provisions of this §  171.144 amended under the Vehicle Code, 75 Pa.C.S. § §  4103, 4551—4553 and 6103.

Source

   The provisions of this §  171.144 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 (122821).

§ 171.145. Service.

 School buses and school vehicles shall be serviced in accordance with the maintenance schedule recommended by the manufacturer of the school bus or school vehicle. A record of such maintenance shall be kept by the owner or operator.

Source

   The provisions of this §  171.145 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 (83766).

§ 171.146. Doors.

 Doors shall be closed securely while the vehicle is in motion. Security lock systems on vehicle doors shall be kept open whenever the vehicle is in motion.

Authority

   The provisions of this §  171.146 issued under the Vehicle Code, 75 Pa.C.S. § §  4103, 4551—4553 and 6103.

Source

   The provisions of this §  171.146 adopted September 13, 1996, effective September 14, 1996, 26 Pa.B. 4411.

§ 171.147. Fire extinguishers.

 Owners of vehicles subject to this chapter shall have the fire extinguishers in their vehicles inspected at least once a year to insure that the fire extinguishers are fully charged, properly filled and operable. Upon approval, the fire extinguisher shall be tagged, signed and dated.

Authority

   The provisions of this §  171.147 issued under the Vehicle Code, 75 Pa.C.S. § §  4103, 4551—4553 and 6103.

Source

   The provisions of this §  171.147 adopted September 13, 1996, effective September 14, 1996, 26 Pa.B. 4411.

§ 171.148. Safety checks.

 Vehicles subject to this chapter shall be subject to safety checks at the discretion of school administrators or police officers.

Authority

   The provisions of this §  171.148 issued under the Vehicle Code, 75 Pa.C.S. § §  4103, 4551—4553 and 6103.

Source

   The provisions of this §  171.148 adopted September 13, 1996, effective September 14, 1996, 26 Pa.B. 4411.

§ 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.

Authority

   The provisions of this §  171.149 issued under the Vehicle Code, 75 Pa.C.S. § §  4103, 4551—4553 and 6103.

Source

   The provisions of this §  171.149 adopted 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 page (219665).

§ 171.150. Use of portable emergency warning devices.

 In accordance with 75 Pa.C.S. §  4530(b) (relating to portable emergency warning devices), when a bus is disabled or stopped for more than 10 minutes upon a highway, the driver shall display at least three portable warning devices. These portable warning devices shall be displayed as required by §  167.8 (relating to display).

Authority

   The provisions of this §  171.150 issued under the Vehicle Code, 75 Pa.C.S. § §  4103, 4551—4553 and 6103.

Source

   The provisions of this §  171.150 adopted September 13, 1996, effective September 14, 1996, 26 Pa.B. 4411.

APPENDIX A

 1. For a summary or other explanation of any Federal standard, write the Director, Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C. 20408. The Code of Federal Regulations publication sales are handled exclusively by the Superintendent of Documents.

 United States Government Printing Office
Superintendent of Documents
Washington, D.C. 20402

49 CFR 393	Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation
49 CFR 396	Inspection, Repair and Maintenance
49 CFR 567.7	Requirements for Persons Who Alter Certified Vehicles
49 CFR 568.8	Requirements For Persons Who Alter Certified Vehicles
49 CFR 569	Regrooved Tires
49 CFR 571	Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS)
Standard 108	Lamps, Reflective Devices and Associated Equipment
Standard 111	Rearview Mirrors
Standard 117	Retreaded Pneumatic Tires
Standard 119	New Pneumatic Tires For Vehicles Other Than Passenger Cars
Standard 120	Tire Selection And Rims For Motor Vehicles Other Than Passenger Cars
Standard 125	Warning Devices
Standard 131	School Bus Pedestrian Safety Devices
Standard 205	Glazing Materials
Standard 208	Occupant Crash Protection
Standard 209	Seat Belt Assemblies
Standard 210	Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages
Standard 213	Child Restraint Systems
Standard 217	Bus Emergency Exits and Window Retention and Release
Standard 222	School Bus Passenger Seating and Crash Protection
Standard 302	Flammability of Interior Materials
49 CFR 581	Bumper Standard

 2. To order SAE handbooks or manuals or for additional SAE information, write:

 Society of Automotive Engineers, Inc. (SAE)
400 Commonwealth Drive
Warrendale, PA 15096-0001
(412) 776-4970

Standard J20c	Coolant System Hoses
Standard J56	Electrical Generating System (Alternator Type) Performance Curve and Test Procedure
Standard J180b	Electrical Charging Systems for Construction and Industrial Machinery
Standard J186a	Supplemental High Mounted Stop and Rear Turn Signal Lamps
Standard J377	Performance of Vehicle Traffic Horns
Standard J381	Windshield Defrosting Systems Test Procedure—Trucks, Buses and Multipurpose Vehicles
Standard J382	Windshield Defrosting Systems Performance Requirements—Trucks, Buses and Multipurpose Vehicles
Standard J578	Color Specifications
Standard J887a	School Bus Red Signal Lamps
Standard J994b	Alarm Backup Electric Performance Test and Application
Standard J1100	Motor Vehicle Dimensions
Standard J1133	School Bus Stop Arm
Standard J1292	Automobile, Truck, Truck-Tractor, Trailer and Motor Coach Wiring

 3. For additional SBMI information, write:

 School Bus Manufacturers Institute (SBMI)
Division of Truck Body and Equipment Association
7508 Ben Avon Road
Bethesda, Maryland 20817
(301) 299-8441

 Design Objectives Booklet, current edition

Standard 001	Standard Code for Testing and Rating Automotive Bus Hot Water Heating and Ventilating Equipment

 4. For additional Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. information:

 Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.
333 Pfingsten Rd.
Northbrook, Illinois 60062
(312) 272-8800

Standard 299	Dry Chemical Fire Extinguishers
Standard 723	Tests for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
Standard 1093	Halogenated Agent Fire Extinguishers

 5. For additional U.S. Department of Commerce information, write:

 United States Department of Commerce
14th and E Streets
Washington, DC 20230

Standard PS1-83	Construction and Industrial Plywood

 6. For additional ASTM information, write:

 American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)
1916 Race Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103
(215) 299-5400

Standard B117	Standard Method of Salt Spray (Fog) Testing

 7. For additional General Services Administration Specification and Consumer Information, write:

 General Services Administration
Specification & Consumer Information
Distribution Center
Washington Navy Yard
Building 197
Washington, DC 20407

 Federal Coating Compound, Bituminous, Solvent Type, Specification Underbody (for Motor Vehicles) TT-C-520b

 8. For additional National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) information, write:

 National Institute of Standards and Technology
Publications and Programs Inquiries
Building 101, Room E106
Gaithersburg, MD 20899
(301) 975-3052

Federal Standard No. 595a

Color 37038

Authority

   The provisions of this Appendix A amended under the Vehicle Code, 75 Pa.C.S. § §  4103, 4551—4553 and 6103.

Source

   The provisions of this Appendix A 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 (122822) and (132815).

Cross References

   This appendix cited in 67 Pa. Code §  171.1 (relating to applicability); 67 Pa. Code §  171.15 (relating to bumper, front); 67 Pa. Code §  171.18 (relating to color); 67 Pa. Code §  171.20 (relating to electrical system); 67 Pa. Code §  171.23 (relating to frame); 67 Pa. Code §  171.24 (relating to fuel system); 67 Pa. Code §  171.26 (relating to heating system); 67 Pa. Code §  171.28 (relating to instruments and instrument panel); 67 Pa. Code §  171.36 (relating to tires and rims); 67 Pa. Code §  171.38 (relating to undercoating); 67 Pa. Code §  171.44 (relating to bumper, rear); 67 Pa. Code §  171.49 (relating to defrosters); 67 Pa. Code §  171.50 (relating to doors and emergency exits); 67 Pa. Code §  171.51 (relating to fire extinguisher); 67 Pa. Code §  171.57 (relating to insulation); 67 Pa. Code §  171.58 (relating to interior); 67 Pa. Code §  171.59 (relating to lamps and signals); 67 Pa. Code §  171.60 (relating to metal treatment); 67 Pa. Code §  171.68 (relating to seat belts); 67 Pa. Code §  171.69 (relating to seats and crash barriers); 67 Pa. Code §  171.75 (relating to undercoating); 67 Pa. Code §  171.78 (relating to windows); 67 Pa. Code §  171.81 (relating to wiring); 67 Pa. Code §  171.82 (relating to backup alarm); 67 Pa. Code §  171.93 (relating to securement devices and safety restraints); 67 Pa. Code §  171.99 (relating to restraining devices); 67 Pa. Code §  171.106 (relating to power lift uprights, barriers and chair or elevator-type lifts through the floor); 67 Pa. Code §  171.122 (relating to fire extinguisher); and 67 Pa. Code §  171.132 (relating to fire extinguisher).

APPENDIX B
NATIONAL SCHOOL BUS YELLOW

 The color known as National School Bus Yellow was designated as such by the 1939 National Conference on School Bus Standards. The National Bureau of Standards of the United States Department of Commerce assisted in developing this color and its colorimetric specifications, as follows:

C.I.E. Chromaticity Coordinates		Daylight Reflectance Y (%)			Dominant Wavelength (in millicrons)			Excitation Purity P (%)
x	y	max.	std.	min.	max.	std.	min.	max.	std.	min.
.5211	.4549	—	41.	40.	584.5	583.5	582.5	—	93.7	89.0

 At the 1980 Conference the colors in use were reviewed. A color standard was selected, slightly different from the above, and specific tolerances were chosen. These tolerances will insure a continuity of appearance from school bus to school bus, and within the same school bus when different elements are finished or refinished at different times. Specification for the Standard Color, with light and dark tolerances (Upper and Low Reflectances) are shown below in tabular form.

SPECIFICATION FOR STANDARD COLOR

For Source C
CIE Chromaticity Coordinates		Reflectance Y (%)	Reflectance tolerances
x	y		Upper	Lower
.5089	.4408	40.14%	41.77%	38.45%

Source

   The provisions of this Appendix B 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 (83769).

Cross References

   This appendix cited in 67 Pa. Code §  171.18 (relating to color); 67 Pa. Code §  171.47 (relating to color); 67 Pa. Code §  171.55 (relating to identification); 67 Pa. Code §  171.124 (relating to identification); and 67 Pa. Code §  171.134 (relating to identification).

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