Md. Code Regs. 11.19.03.15

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

Section 11.19.03.15 - Alternating Flashing Lights

A. Warning Lights. A bus shall be equipped with four red flashing warning lights and four amber flashing warning lights that conform to the same requirements except as to:

(1) Color; and

(2) Candlepower which shall be at least 2-1/2 times that specified for red flashing warning lights.

B. Installation. Both red and amber flashing warning lights shall:

(1) Be installed so that each amber flashing warning light shall be located near each red flashing warning light, at the same level, but closer to the vertical center line of the vehicle; and

(2) Have shields over the warning lights, except those equipped by the manufacturer with Halogen or L.E.D (Light Emitting Diodes). Shields may be of a single type to cover both the red and amber lights and shall be painted black, with a minimum depth of 4 inches.

C. The system shall be wired so that the amber flashing warning lights are activated only by hand operation, and if activated, are automatically deactivated when the vehicle entrance door is opened.

D. The red and amber flashing warning lights shall draw an equal current load.

E. The flashing mechanism shall be capable of carrying the full current load of the signal system in continuous operation.

F. There shall be red and amber pilot lights which shall go on when the respective red or amber systems are actuated. The appropriate pilots shall either go out or flash at an obvious altered rate if any of the lights in the system are not functioning normally.

G. Warning Light System. The switches and red and amber pilot lights shall be mounted to the right of the seated driver within easy unobstructed reach in a panel or specific area in the dash and may not be incorporated with other switches.

H. Signal Lamp System.

(1) Master Switch. The amber pilot light and amber flashing lights shall go on, with the master switch on and the entrance door closed, when the momentary switch is depressed.

(2) Open Entrance Door. The amber pilot light and amber flashing lights shall go off and the red pilot light and red flashing lights shall go on when the entrance door is opened, and the stop arm and crossing arm, if equipped, shall automatically extend.

(3) Close Entrance Door. The red pilot and red flashing lights shall go off, and the stop arm and crossing arm, if equipped, shall retract immediately when the entrance door is closed.

(4) Open Entrance Door Without Depressing Momentary Switch. The red pilot light and red flashing lights shall go on, and stop arm and crossing gate, if equipped, shall automatically extend when the entrance door is opened without depressing the momentary switch.

(5) With the master switch off, depressing the momentary switch may not activate the amber flashing system. Opening the entrance door with the master switch off may not activate the red flashing signal and stop arm.

(6) An override switch shall be provided to permit activation of the red warning lights and red pilot light without opening the service door whether the master switch is in the on or off position.

I. Installation Requirements.

(1) Each flashing light shall be mounted with its axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

(2) Front and rear alternately flashing lights shall be spaced as far apart laterally as practicable.

(3) Alternately flashing lights shall be mounted at the front above the windshield and at the rear so that the lower edge of the lens is not lower than the top line of the side window.

(4) Vertical and lateral vision of the front and rear alternately flashing warning lights may not be obstructed by any part of the body or lamphouse insofar as standard vehicle body construction permits.

(5) The area around each lamp, extending approximately 1 inch outward, shall be painted black.

(6) A separate fuse or circuit breaker, adequate to prevent damage to the system in the event of a dead short, shall be provided between the power source and the master switch.

Md. Code Regs. 11.19.03.15

Regulations .15 amended effective June 3, 1985 (12:11 Md. R. 1050)
Regulations .15 adopted effective April 19, 1999 (26:8 Md. R. 616)
Regulation .15B amended effective June 20, 2005 (32:12 Md. R. 1047)