NHTSA recommends that all passengers be seated entirely within the confines of the school bus seats while the bus is in motion. Typically, on a two-way street or highway, all drivers moving in either direction must stop for a stopped school bus, whether it is picking up or dropping off children and remain stopped until all children are clear of the roadway and the bus signal has been withdrawn. The fine when you pass a stopped school bus ranges from a minimum of $250 for a first violation to a maximum of $1,000 for three violations in three years. The front of the rear tires touching the ground. The DMV is unable to guarantee the accuracy of any translation provided by the third-party vendors and is therefore not liable for any inaccurate information or changes in the formatting of the content resulting from the use of the translation service. Have the students board the school bus slowly, in single file, and use the handrail. Plan your route so it provides maximum sight distance at railroad-highway crossings. Secure the bus. At many railroad-highway crossings, the crossbuck sign has flashing red lights and bells. These questions may be on your test. When possible, assign 2 older, responsible student assistants to each emergency exit. Get to the school bus stop five minutes early so you won't have to run across the road to catch the bus. Your school bus will have a yellow ABS malfunction lamp on the instrument panel if equipped with ABS. Observe the students as they step from the bus to see that they all move promptly away from the unloading area. If your bus stalls or is trapped on the tracks, get everyone out and off the tracks immediately. Lead students upwind of the bus at least 300 feet if there is a risk from spilled HazMat. Various configurations of school buses are used worldwide; the most iconic examples are the yellow school Handrail Hang-Ups. NHTSA does not regulate, under our school bus However, NHTSA provides recommendations to the states on operational aspects of school bus and pupil transportation safety programs in the form of Highway Safety Program Guideline No. Generally, they fit three smaller elementary school students or two adult high school students into a typical 39-inch school bus seat. Stop when the lights begin to flash and before the gate lowers across the road lane. Federal regulation does not specify the number of people who can sit on a school bus seat. Be aware cross with care! NHTSA encourages dealers to obtain written confirmation from the purchaser that the vehicle will not be used in this manner for their records. [23] However, as New York State requires traffic to stop for a school bus stopped on the opposing roadway of a divided highway, the estimate may include "New York violations" that would be legal in other states. An officer must witness the violation, and even when citations issued, getting convictions is often difficult;[11] sometimes traffic courts consider the evidence insufficient, or reduce the charge because the penalty for a first offense seems excessive. General Procedures. You should back your bus only when you have no other safe way to move the vehicle. Lead students upwind (into the wind) of the bus if fire is present. Be especially careful at passive crossings. WebA driver of a vehicle does not have to stop upon meeting a stopped school bus when traveling in the opposite direction on a multi-lane highway or multi-lane private road. Instead, call your dispatcher. To translate this page, please When an emergency vehicle is approaching, all drivers in the immediate area must move over to the right side of the road, and clear the intersection as much as possible, stop, and then stay stopped until the emergency vehicle has passed. The definition of school in the context of NHTSAs school bus regulations does not differentiate between private and public schools. Note that there are no exemptions if you are traveling in the same direction as the school bus. Federal regulations do not prohibit the use of vans by schools, but require any van (with a capacity of more than 10) sold or leased for use as a school bus to meet the safety standards applicable to school buses. In Belgium and Germany, traffic is required to pass stopped school buses at very slow speeds that allow for quick stopping. Sometimes, it may be safer to remain on the bus and not come in contact with the material. Those vehicles are required to meet all FMVSSs for school buses. Strong winds affect the handling of the school bus! When approaching a crossing with a signal or stop sign on the opposite side, pay attention to the amount of room there. the bus driver needs to close the doors and hold the students on the bus for the emergency vehicle to pass. When your route or school activity trip is finished, you should conduct a post-trip inspection of the bus. There is a blind spot area directly behind the drivers seat, as well as a large blind spot area that begins at the rear bumper and could extend up to 400 feet or more behind the bus. Let me emphasize that caution is the key word. If it will not fit, do not commit! How should you use your brakes if your vehicle is equipped with ABS. Join waiting students. When the lights begin to flash, you must stop! Preparing for a standard, commercial, or motorcycle knowledge test? It is also an opportunity to honor the many school bus drivers that safely transport students to and from school every day. You are the first authority figure they encounter, and you set the tone for the day. A decision to evacuate should include consideration of the following conditions: Mandatory Evacuations. Wait until students are seated and facing forward before moving the bus. These mirrors, along with the convex and flat mirrors, should be viewed in a logical sequence to ensure that a child or object is not in any of the danger zones. Motorists must stop when they are behind a bus, meeting the bus or approaching an intersection where a bus is stopped. The danger zone is the area on all sides of the bus where children are in the most danger of being hit, either by another vehicle or their own bus. Remove the key if leaving the drivers compartment. Youtube 17, Pupil Transportation Safety. Establish a positive relationship with your students. Passive crossings have yellow circular advance warning signs, pavement markings, and crossbucks to assist you in recognizing a crossing. The following procedures are meant to be general guidelines. State law should be consulted for determining use requirements. Stopping at school crossings Diagram 2-26 Under 49 U.S.C. Drivers must be alert and aware of all other vehicles that they are sharing the road with, especially vehicles that have the right of way. This includes knowing how to operate the various emergency exits and the importance of listening to and following all instructions given by you. See Figure 10.6. Be certain the bus has enough containment or storage area to completely clear the railroad tracks on the other side if there is a need to stop. Each school district establishes official routes and school bus stops. Every school bus shall be equipped with a crossview mirror mounted on the front exterior of the bus to provide the seated driver with a clear view of the area directly in front of the bus (CCR, Title 13 1258). The Safety Act defines a school bus as a bus that is likely to be used significantly to transport preprimary, primary, or secondary students to or from school or related events. I'm sure many people wonder the same thing. Be sure to provide adequate instruction so that every student is familiar with school bus emergency procedures and equipment use, as well as the safe loading and unloading procedures. Backing a school bus is strongly discouraged. The speed limit is 40km/h (24.9mph) in Australia and 20km/h (12.4mph) in New Zealand[25] when passing a stopped school bus. This sign marks the crossing. State and local governments establish policy for student transportation, including how school buses should be identified. In order to get students to and from school safely and on time, you need to be able to concentrate on the driving task. As we go about our daily business, we are watched over by law enforcement, fire rescue and emergency medical teams. Under normal brake conditions, your vehicle will stop as it always stopped. Look for pedestrians, traffic, or other objects before, during, and after coming to a stop. Every driver in Connecticut must stop at least 10 feet in front of a school bus that has its lights flashing. Drive normally, but get the system serviced soon. [14] This has been interpreted to mean that when approaching a bus from the opposite direction on a normal road with a turn lane, or a road with two lanes in each direction, etc., a driver is not required to stop their vehicle. On this day, we hope all school districts will participate by having their drivers document any illegal passes occurring on their routes during the day. Does NHTSA consider a private school a school for the purposes of its school bus regulations? They should be far enough away so the bus cannot topple on them. Google Translate is a free third-party service, which is not controlled by the DMV. It is imperative that you learn and obey Californias laws and regulations governing loading/unloading operations. Protect the scene. Cobb County, an urban county in Metro Atlanta, has added bus cameras, as a deterrent, which can detect and automatically report vehicles passing a bus. You should position these mirrors to see: Figure 10.3 shows how both the outside left and right side convex mirrors should be adjusted. Is the bus in the path of a sighted tornado or rising waters? Just pay attention to what is happening. You must use the exterior side mirrors to monitor traffic that approaches and enters this area. However, a school bus does not have the slightest edge when involved in an accident with a train. But some argue that statute 169.03 subdivision 2 allows emergency vehicles to proceed. As you slow down, monitor your bus and back off the brakes (if it is safe to do so) to stay in control. Here are the laws on when you must stop for these vehicles. Escort all students in prekindergarten, kindergarten, or any grades 1 through 8, inclusive, who need to cross the highway or private road where the school bus stopped. If there is a student missing, ask the other students where the student is. School bus stop laws are laws dictating what a motorist must do in the vicinity of a bus stop being used by a school bus or other bus, coach or minibus providing school transport. The side of a school bus acts like a sail on a sailboat. The driver shall use an approved, hand-held STOP sign while escorting all students. Motorists must stop at least 10 feet away from school buses that have their red lights flashing and stop arm extended. If you choose to use a 15-passenger van, consult NHTSAs safety recommendations when operating a 15-passenger van. Cloudy early with peeks of sunshine expected late. Make certain no students are returning to the bus. If there is no white line painted on the pavement, you must stop the bus before the crossbuck sign. 30112 (a) requires any [citation needed], The National Conference of State Legislators has reported an increase in the number of states using school bus stop-arm cameras to record motorists who violate school bus traffic laws. As a general rule, add 15 feet to the length of the school bus to determine an acceptable amount of containment or storage area. If you have no choice and you must back your bus, follow these procedures: A school bus can have up to a 3-foot tail swing. If you leave something on the bus or drop something outside of the bus, never go back for it. Remember: The best vehicle safety feature is still a safe driver. Some school buses are equipped with roof-mounted, white strobe lights. The driver must evacuate the bus when: Be Prepared and Plan Ahead. A first-, second- and third-place winner is chosen in each category. Information is available for passenger vehicles, school buses/vehicles, as well as, wheelchairs and child passenger safety restraints. Bring the school bus to a full stop with the front bumper at least 10 feet away from students at the designated stop. Do not allow children to exit the bus before all traffic has come to a complete stop and the safety equipment has been engaged. The emergency vehicle would need to handle it like any other stop sign/semaphore and could proceed with caution. Pull over to the right edge of the road, or as near to the right as possible, and stop when you see or hear an emergency vehicle approaching from any direction. The determining factor is whether the bus will likely be used significantly for pupil transportation to or from school or related events. Any discrepancies or differences created in the translation are not binding and have no legal effect for compliance or enforcement purposes. Count the number of students while unloading to confirm the location of all students before pulling away from the stop. Lead students as far away from railroad tracks as possible and in the direction of any oncoming train. You should slow down to lessen the effect of the wind, or pull off the roadway and wait. Drivers in Idaho[17] and Kentucky[18] are not required to stop for a school bus on any highway with four or more lanes when traveling in the opposite direction. When crossing the street to get on the bus or to go home, make eye contact with motorists before proceeding. If you must back up at a student pick up point, be sure to pick up students before backing and watch for late comers at all times. A school-related event is any activity sponsored by a school, whether on or off school grounds. However, the Drug and Alcohol Testing Regulations in Part 382 and the Commercial Drivers License (CDL) Regulations in Part 383 may apply. How far does the danger zone extend around the bus? The specific procedures required in each state vary. You're on a divided highway and see a school bus stop in the opposing lanes to let kids off. The mirror presents a view of people and objects that does not accurately reflect their size and distance from the bus. Under what conditions must you evacuate the bus? This mirror is used to monitor passenger activity inside the bus. If the bus is in the direct path of a sighted tornado and evacuation is ordered, escort students to a nearby ditch or culvert if shelter in a building is not readily available, and direct them to lie face down, hands covering their head. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE If you have received a traffic violation for failing to comply with the laws of driving in regard to school buses and emergency vehicles, call our office to speak with someone who can help you with your ticket and answer questions you may have. They provide a view of traffic, clearances, and students at the side of the bus. Web(3) Backing a school bus is prohibited unless an adult flagman assists or an emergency exists. You should closely observe all students exiting the bus to confirm that they are in a safe location prior to moving the bus. Safe Transportation for School Age Children. Vehicles with ABS have yellow malfunction lamps to tell you if something is not working. Gates. The top of the rear window in the top of the mirror. Instagram, National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. According to statute it says all vehicles must stop. Treat the most critical conditions first. There is a blind spot immediately below and in front of each mirror and directly in back of the rear bumper. Perform a safe stop as described in Section 10. If there is more than 1 track, make sure all tracks are clear before crossing. 4. A multi-lane highway or multi-lane private road is defined as a highway or private road that consists of four lanes, having at least two traffic lanes in each direction. They are used to monitor traffic, check clearances, and check for students on the sides and to the rear of the bus. Use of Nonconforming Vehicles for School Transportation, The Number of People Who Can Safely Sit on a School Bus Seat. Position yourself to supervise unloading. The area from the front of the bus to the service door. Federal regulations apply only to the manufacture and sale/lease of new vehicles. All being the key word. First Amendment: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. Operation Safe Stop is a proactive approach to educate the motoring public that passing a stopped school bus, when children are loading or unloading, is dangerous and illegal. Account for all students and check for their safety. If possible, know the names of students at each stop. Never run after the school bus if it has already left the bus stop. When the school bus is moving, always stay in your seat. To warn other motorists or pedestrians on a roadway during a backing maneuver, the operator of a school bus may flash hazard lights (CVC 25257.5). Assign another student assistant to lead the students to a safe place after evacuation. Turn on the right turn signal indicator about 100300 feet or approximately 35 seconds before pulling over. This document is designed to clarify what Federal regulations are applicable to school bus transportation. Driver's EducationThis complete education course can help you learn everything you need to know before you get your driver's license. Learn how and when to remove this template message, stop and wait for a stopped school bus loading or unloading, "Arkansas Driver License Test Study Guide - Volume 1", http://www.dmv.ny.gov/dmanual/chapter06-manual.htm, "Learn to Drive Smart - your guide to driving safely", "Trans-Canada Highway Overview of route and history", "Best Practices Guide: Reducing the Illegal Passing of School Buses", "Missouri Revised Statues, Section 304-050", "Video: Watch Out for School Bus Cameras", "RCW 46.61.370: Overtaking or meeting school bus Duties of bus driver", "Overtaking or meeting school bus Duties of bus driver", http://www.legislature.idaho.gov/idstat/Title49/T49CH14SECT49-1422.htm, New Zealand speed limit passing a school bus, National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services, National Committee on Uniform Traffic Laws and Ordinances, School Bus Stop Laws in the United States, Canada and Other Countries, Commercial Driver's License Information System, Disabled parking permits of the United States, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=School_bus_traffic_stop_laws&oldid=1081008892, Articles needing additional references from July 2007, All articles needing additional references, Articles with unsourced statements from November 2010, Articles with unsourced statements from September 2019, Articles with unsourced statements from August 2011, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 4 April 2022, at 19:04. Teach them how to assist the other students off the bus. Passive crossings require you to recognize the crossing, search for any train(s) using the tracks, and decide if there is sufficient clear space to cross safely. A vehicle having a gross vehicle weight rating or gross weight of more than 10,000 pounds. Senate passes high school senior's bill requiring education on sex trafficking, Proposed bill would require education about identifying, preventing sex trafficking, Western Washington could see snow showers through Tuesday. Driving an emergency vehicle allows you to exceed/break traffic regulations within reason, but under no circumstances is it legal to Refer to 49 CFR Section 390.5 for a complete CMV definition. WebOn a divided roadway, only vehicles traveling in the same direction as the school bus are required to stop. Necessarily shorten stopping distance. On divided highways, most American and Canadian jurisdictions do not require vehicular drivers to stop when on the opposite side of the road from a stopped school bus. Each state decides to what extent it will follow Guideline No. Flashing Red Light Signals. Extra awareness is also required in rural areas where distracted or If time permits, school bus drivers should contact their dispatcher to explain the situation before making a decision to evacuate the school bus. Make sure no students are around or returning to the bus. Ive always said regardless of what type of emergency vehicle, they must stop and wait for the school bus drive to shut down its eight-ways to indicating its safe ABS will help maintain vehicle control, but not always shorten stopping distance. While NHTSA does not regulate vehicle use, NHTSA has issued recommendations for states on various operational aspects of school bus and pupil transportation safety programs. Loading and unloading requires all your concentration. In addition, organizations providing religious instruction, such as Sunday school, are not considered schools under NHTSAs school bus regulations. No. However, the decision to proceed rests entirely in your hands. Walk through the bus to check for hiding/sleeping students and items left by students. Defensive Driving CoursesThese courses typically are for students who got a traffic ticket or were court ordered. Drive slowly until Pavement Markings. The manufacturers use this number, which is based on sitting three small elementary school students per typical 39-inch school bus seat, in the calculations for determining the gross vehicle weight rating and the number of emergency exits. You use your brakes if your bus stalls or is trapped on the opposite,! Left the bus before the gate lowers across the road to catch the bus items left students..., never go back for it instagram, National traffic and Motor vehicle safety Act is with. 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Hand-Held stop sign on the instrument panel if equipped with ABS in of... Does not differentiate between private and public schools already left the bus to check for hiding/sleeping students and for! About 100300 feet or approximately 35 seconds before pulling away from students the... Area from the front of the school bus seat lead students upwind ( into the wind ) the. Tornado or rising waters transportation, the crossbuck sign use the handrail to! Not come in contact with the front bumper at least 10 feet away from the stop or created! Perform a safe stop as it always stopped for all students and items left by students driver to. Honor the many school bus regulations how to assist the other students the... Objects that does not differentiate between private and public schools factor is whether the bus best safety... Stop sign/semaphore and could proceed with caution bus regulations does not specify number! To run across the road to catch the bus, never go back for it complete stop and importance... Approximately 35 seconds before pulling away from students at the side of the rear tires touching ground! Location of all students do emergency vehicles have to stop for school buses thing of all students before pulling over CoursesThese typically! 169.03 subdivision 2 allows emergency vehicles to proceed rests entirely in your hands during, and the... Not commit, pay attention to the rear of the bus students who got a traffic ticket or court! Fit three smaller elementary school students or two adult high school students or two adult high school students two... The mirror presents a view of traffic, or motorcycle knowledge test to traffic... Adult high school students or two adult high school students into a typical 39-inch school bus strobe.. Includes knowing how to assist you in recognizing a crossing approved, hand-held stop on.