Iowa Admin. Code r. 281-44.2

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

Rule 281-44.2 - School bus-type classifications

A bus owned, leased, contracted to or operated by a school or school district and regularly used to transport students to and from school or school-related activities, but not including a charter bus or transit bus, meets all applicable FMVSS, and is readily identified by alternately flashing lights, National School Bus Glossy Yellow (NSBY) paint, and the legend "School Bus." Schools and school districts in Iowa are not allowed to own or lease motor coaches but may charter them for activities.

(1)Type A. A Type A school bus is a conversion or bus constructed utilizing a cutaway front-section vehicle with a left side driver's door. This definition includes two classifications: Type A-1, with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 14,500 pounds or less; and Type A-2, with a GVWR greater than 14,500 and less than or equal to 21,500 pounds.

(2)Type B. A Type B school bus is constructed utilizing a stripped chassis. The entrance door is behind the front wheels. This definition includes two classifications: Type B-1, with a GVWR of 10,000 pounds or less; and Type B-2, with a GVWR greater than 10,000 pounds.

(3)Type C. A Type C school bus, also known as a conventional school bus, is constructed utilizing a chassis with a hood and front fender assembly. The entrance door is behind the front wheels. This type of school bus also includes the cutaway truck chassis or truck chassis with cab with or without a left side door and with a GVWR greater than 21,500 pounds.

(4)Type D. A Type D school bus, also known as a rear or front engine transit-style school bus, is constructed utilizing a stripped chassis. The entrance door is ahead of the front wheels.

(5)Type III. Type III vehicles are not regular school buses but nonetheless are used to transport students in a school-related context and may be marked as a "school bus." To qualify as a Type III vehicle, the vehicle may carry a maximum of 12 or fewer people, including the driver, and weigh 10,000 pounds or less. These vehicles will be subject to school bus inspections per Iowa Code and rule.

(6)Specially equipped. A specially equipped school bus is a school bus designed, equipped, or modified to accommodate students with special needs.

(7)Multifunction school activity bus (MFSAB). A multifunction school activity bus is a school bus whose purposes do not include transporting students to and from home or school bus stops as defined in 49 CFR 571.3. MFSABs meet all FMVSS for school buses except the traffic control requirements (alternately flashing signal and stop arm). These vehicles will be subject to school bus inspections per Iowa Code and rule.

Iowa Admin. Code r. 281-44.2

Amended by IAB June 11, 2014/Volume XXXVI, Number 25, effective 7/16/2014.

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

Adopted by IAB April 17, 2024/Volume XLVI, Number 21, effective 5/22/2024