Md. Code Regs. 11.19.02.21

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 12, June 14, 2024

Section 11.19.02.21 - Electrical (Body) - Lamps, Signals, Reflectors, and Fuses

A. Tail and Stop (Brake) Lamps.

(1) Vehicles shall be equipped with four combination red stop/tail lamps. Two combination lamps with a minimum diameter of 7 inches or, if a shape other than round, a minimum 38 square inches of illustrated area shall be mounted on the rear of the vehicle just inside the turn signal.

(2) Two combination lamps with a minimum diameter of 4 inches or, if shaped other than round, a minimum 12 square inches of illuminated area shall be placed on the rear of the body between the belt line and the floor line. The rear license plate lamp may be combined with one lower tail lamp. Stop lamps shall be activated by the service brakes and shall emit a light that is plainly visible at night from a distance of 500 feet.

B. Turn Signal Lamps. These signals shall be independent units and equipped with a four-way hazard warning signal switch to cause simultaneous flashing of the turn signal lamps when needed as a vehicular traffic hazard warning. Surface-mounted, amber lamps, with a minimum of four candlepower each, shall be mounted on the sides of the body at approximately seat level rub rail height just to the rear of the service door on the right side, and approximately the same location on the left side. They are to be connected to function with the regular turn signal lamps.

C. Back-Up Lights. Two back-up lights shall be installed to be activated when the gear shift lever is placed in reverse position. Lights shall be not less than 4 inches in diameter with a minimum of 32 candlepower and mounted above the bumper and below the window line.

D. Clearance, Side-Marker, and Identification Lamps. Two red clearance lamps on the rear and two amber clearance lamps on the front shall be mounted as high as practical on the permanent structure of the school bus to indicate extreme width. Two side marker lamps, amber at the front and red at the rear, shall be mounted on each side of the bus. Three red identification lamps shall be mounted on the same level not more than 8 inches apart in the center rear of the body as high as practical, and three amber identification lamps shall be likewise mounted in the center front of the body. Recessed lights are permitted.

E. Registration Plate Lamp. The rear registration number shall be illuminated by a white light so as to be plainly legible at 60 feet during periods of darkness. The registration plate lamp shall be so wired as to be lighted when the headlamps are lighted.

F. The above combination circuits may be subdivided into independent circuits. Each body circuit shall be coded by number or letter at 4-inch intervals or by color. The code shall appear on a diagram of the circuits in a readily accessible location.

G. A separate circuit breaker or electronic circuit protection shall be provided for each circuit required, except starter motor and ignition circuits.

H. Wires within the body shall be insulated and protected by a covering of fibrous loom, or equivalent, which shall protect them from external damage and minimize dangers from short circuits. Whenever wires pass through the body or chassis members, additional protection in the form of a grommet or other appropriate type of insert shall be provided. Exposed wires are not permitted.

I. Wires shall be fastened securely per manufacturers requirements. All joints shall be soldered or joined by equally effective connectors.

J. Switches.

(1) A solenoid switch or an electronic control system shall be connected to the ignition switch so that body accessories cannot be operated when the ignition switch is off.

(2) The wheelchair lift, alternating flashing warning lights, and electric-powered service door handle may operate independently of the ignition switch.

(3) A noise reduction off and on switch shall be installed to permit the driver to shut off the entertainment devices and all interior fan motors. This requirement applies to school vehicles constructed as of June 20, 2005.

Md. Code Regs. 11.19.02.21

Regulations .21 adopted effective June 1, 1987 (14:11 Md. R. 1261)
Regulation .21F, J, M amended effective June 20, 2005 (32:12 Md. R. 1047)
Regulation .21C, E, F, M amended effective January 8, 1990 (16:26 Md. R. 2795)
Regulation .21 amended effective January 21, 2013 (40:1 Md. R. 20)