Iowa Admin. Code r. 281-43.44

Current through Register Vol. 47, No. 10, November 13, 2024

Rule 281-43.44 - [Effective until 5/22/2024] Standards for common carriers

These standards are intended to apply to any vehicle operated by a common carrier when used exclusively for student transportation to and from school. "Common carrier" refers to a person or entity in the business of transporting goods or people for hire as a public service.

(1)Vehicles.

a. The vehicles need not be painted yellow and black as required for conventional school buses.

b. The vehicles shall, while transporting children to and from school, be equipped with temporary signs, located conspicuously on the front and back of the vehicle. The sign on the front shall have the words "School Bus" printed in black letters not less than six inches high, on a background of National School Bus Yellow. The sign on the rear shall be at least ten square feet in size and shall be painted National School Bus Yellow, and have the words "School Bus" printed in black letters not less than eight inches high. The colors shall conform to those described within 281-subrule 44.3(10).

(2)Drivers.

a. The driver shall have an appropriate driver's license issued by the Iowa department of transportation.

b. The driver shall possess a school bus driver's authorization issued by the Iowa department of education.

c. The driver shall receive training in accordance with state requirements for school bus drivers.

(3)Seating. Each passenger shall have a seat; standees are prohibited. No passenger shall be present in the bed of a pickup when the vehicle is being operated.

(4)Loading and unloading procedures.

a. The vehicle shall pull close enough to the curb to prevent another vehicle from passing on its right side.

b. If the vehicle is not equipped with flashing warning lights and stop arm, or if use of this equipment is prohibited by law, the pupils, on unloading, shall be instructed to remain at the curb until the bus has pulled away and it is safe for them to cross the street.

(5)Inspection of vehicles.

a. Drivers shall be required to perform pretrip inspections of their vehicles to determine if any defects or deficiencies exist that may affect the safety of the vehicle's operation or result in its mechanical breakdown. The pretrip inspection report shall be submitted promptly to the person charged with maintenance of the vehicle. Any defects or deficiencies that merit an OOS (out of service) rating pursuant to department of education school bus inspection guidelines must be repaired prior to use of the vehicle. All other defects or deficiencies should be repaired as soon as possible but do not prohibit the use of the vehicle.

b. Vehicles shall be inspected semiannually by personnel of the department of education in accordance with the provisions of Iowa Code section 285.8(4).

(6)Other requirements.

a. Local school officials shall provide the carrier with passenger conduct rules and the driver shall abide by the policies and procedures established by the local district.

b. Student instruction for passenger safety shall be the responsibility of the local school district as specified in rule 281-43.40 (285).

Iowa Admin. Code r. 281-43.44

Amended by IAB August 28, 2019/Volume XLII, Number 5, effective 10/2/2019