Section 92-92-005 - School Bus and Activity Bus Body and Chassis Minimum Equipment Standards005.01Air Cleaner. A dry element type air cleaner shall be provided. 005.01A All diesel engine air filters shall include a latch-type restriction indicator that retains the maximum restriction developed during operation of the engine. The indicator should include a reset control so the indicator can be returned to zero when desired.005.02Aisle. 005.02A All emergency exit doors shall be accessible by a 12-inch minimum aisle. Minimum clearance of aisle or passageway between seat rows leading to side emergency doors shall be a minimum of 12 inches at seat level.005.02B Aisle shall be unobstructed at all times by any type of barrier, seat, wheelchair or tie down, unless a flip seat is installed and occupied.005.02C The track of a track seating system is exempt from the requirements of subsections 005.02A and 005.02B above.005.03Axles. The front and rear axle and suspension systems shall have a gross axle weight rating (GAWR) at ground commensurate with the respective front and rear weight loads of the bus loaded to the rated passenger capacity.005.04Back-up Warning Alarm. An automatic audible alarm shall be installed behind the rear axle and shall comply with the published Backup Alarm Standards -Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE J994B), providing a minimum of 112 dBA or shall have a variable volume feature that allows the alarm to vary from 87 dBA to 112 dBA sound level, staying at least 5 dBA above the ambient noise level. (SEE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 005.16)
005.05Body Sizes. 005.05A The overall width of the school bus shall not exceed 102 inches, excluding accessories.005.05B Bodies for conventional body-on-chassis type buses shall conform to all applicable provisions of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS).005.05C The overall length of the school bus (body and chassis) shall not exceed 45 feet, excluding accessories.005.05D The minimum inside body height shall be 72 inches measured at any point on longitudinal center line from front vertical bow to rear vertical bow. (Type A-1 buses shall be 62 inches or more.)005.06Brakes. 005.06A School bus chassis with a manufacturer's rated capacity of 72 passengers or greater shall be equipped with full compressed air brakes.005.06BBrakes - General. 005.06B1 The chassis brake system shall conform to the provisions of FMVSS No. 105, Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems, No. 106 , Brake Hoses, and No. 121, Air Brake Systems, as applicable. All buses shall have either a parking pawl in the transmission or a park interlock that requires the service brake to be applied to allow release of the parking brake.005.06B2 The anti-lock brake system (ABS), provided in accordance with FMVSS No. 105, Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems or No. 121 Air Brake Systems, shall provide wheel speed sensors for each front wheel and for each wheel on at least one (1) rear axle. The system shall provide anti-lock braking performance for each wheel equipped with sensors. (Four Channel System).005.06B3 All brake systems shall be designed to permit visual inspection of brake lining wear without removal of any chassis component(s).005.06B4 The brake lines, booster-assist lines, and control cables shall be protected from excessive heat, vibration and corrosion and installed in a manner which prevents chafing.005.06B5 The parking brake system for either air or hydraulic service brake systems may be of a power assisted design. The power parking brake actuator shall be a device located on the instrument panel within seated reach of the 5th percentile female driver. As an option, the parking brake may be set by placing the automatic transmission shift control mechanism in the "park" position.005.06B6 The power-operated parking brake system may be interlocked to the engine key switch. Once the parking brake has been set the ignition switch turned to the "off" position, the parking brake cannot be released until the key switch is turned back to the "on" position. 005.06CHydraulic Brakes. 005.06C1 Buses using a hydraulic-assist brake shall meet the requirements of FMVSS 105.005.06DAir Brakes. 005.06D1 The air pressure supply system shall include a desiccant-type air dryer installed according to the manufacturers' recommendations. The air pressure storage tank system may incorporate an automatic drain valve. 005.06D2 The chassis manufacturer shall provide an accessory outlet for air-operated systems installed by the body manufacturer. This outlet shall include a pressure protection valve.005.06D3 For air brake systems, an air pressure gauge shall be provided in the instrument panel capable of complying with Commercial Driver's License (CDL) pre-trip inspection requirements. 005.06D4 Air brake-equipped buses shall be equipped with a service brake interlock. The parking brake cannot be released until the brake pedal is depressed.005.06D5 Air brake systems shall include a system for anti- compounding of the service brakes and parking brakes.005.06D6 Air brakes shall have both a visible and audible warning device whenever the air pressure falls below the level where warnings are required under FMVSS No. 121, Air Brake Systems.005.07Bumpers, Front. 005.07A All school buses shall be equipped with a front bumper.005.07B In all buses except Type A-1 buses, the front bumper shall be equivalent in strength and durability to pressed steel channel, at least 3/16 inch thickness and not less than 8 inch wide (high). It shall extend beyond forward-most part of the body, grille, hood, and fenders and shall extend to outer edges of the fenders at the bumper's top line. Type A-1 buses having a GVWR of 14,500 pounds or less may be equipped with an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) supplied bumper. The front bumper shall be of sufficient strength to permit being pushed by another vehicle on a smooth surface with a 5 degree ( 8.7 percent) grade, without permanent distortion. The contact point on the front bumper is between the frame rails, with as wide a contact area as possible. If the front bumper is used for lifting, the contact points shall be under the bumper attachments to the frame rail brackets unless the manufacturer specifies different lifting points in the owner's manual. Contact and lifting pressures should be applied simultaneously at both lifting points.
005.07C The front bumper, except breakaway bumper ends, shall be of sufficient strength to permit pushing a vehicle of equal gross vehicle weight without permanent distortion to the bumper, chassis or body.005.07D Tow eyes or hooks shall be furnished and attached so they do not project beyond the front bumper. Tow eyes or hooks attached to the chassis frame shall be furnished by the chassis manufacturer. This installation shall be in accordance with the chassis manufacturer's specifications. (Type A buses are exempt.) (See Section 005.54).005.07E The bumper shall be designed or reinforced so that it will not deform when the bus is lifted by a chain that is passed under the bumper (or through the bumper if holes are provided for this purpose) and attached to both tow eyes. For the purpose of meeting this standard, the bus shall be empty and positioned on a level, hard surface and both tow eyes shall share the load equally.005.08Bumpers, Rear. 005.08A Type A-1 bus bumpers shall be a minimum of 8 inches wide (high). Type A-2, B, C, and D bus rear bumper shall be a minimum of 91/2 inches wide. The bumper shall be of sufficient strength to permit being pushed by another vehicle without permanent distortion.005.08B The bumper shall be wrapped around back corners of bus. It shall extend forward at least 12 inches, measured from rearmost point of body at floor line and shall be flush-mounted to the body sides or protected with an end panel.005.08C The bumper shall be attached to chassis frame in such a manner that it may be removed. It shall be braced to resist deformation of the bumper resulting from impact from the rear and side.005.08D The bumper shall extend at least 1 inch beyond rear - most part of body surface measured at the floor line.005.08E The bottom of the rear bumper shall not be more than 30 inches above ground level. 005.09Certification. 005.09A Upon request by the Nebraska Department of Education, chassis manufacturers will certify that their product meets Nebraska's minimum standards on items which are not covered by FMVSS certification requirements of 49 CFR, Part 567: Certification.005.09B Vendors of school buses shall certify, in writing, to the school bus purchaser that their product meets or exceeds all applicable Federal and State of Nebraska rules and regulations in effect at the corresponding date of manufacture; or in the alternative, the vendor shall provide to the purchaser a description of what equipment complies instead with minimum chassis and/or body standards in effect on a later date in accordance with Section 003.01A of this Chapter.005.10Color. (Activity buses are exempt.) 005.10A The school bus body shall be painted National School Bus Yellow as specified and described in the School Bus Manufacturers Technical Council publication "National School Bus Yellow Color Standard" (NSBY) (SBMTC-008) (See Appendix A).005.10B The body exterior paint trim shall be black or NSBY.005.10C The roof of the bus may be painted white except that front and rear roof caps shall remain NSBY005.10D Chassis and front bumper, shall be painted black.005.10E Body, cowl hood and fenders shall be painted NSBY. The flat top surface of the hood may be nonreflective black or NSBY. 005.10F Wheels may be silver, gray, white, yellow or black.005.10G Retro Reflective Sheeting (See Appendix F)005.10G1 Front and rear bumper shall be marked diagonally 45 degrees down to centerline of pavement with 2 inch wide strips of non-contrasting reflective material.005.10G2 Rear of bus body shall be marked with strips of reflective National School Bus Yellow material to outline the perimeter of the back of the bus using material which conforms with the requirements of FMVSS No. 131, School Bus Pedestrian Safety Devices Table 1 in effect on date of manufacture. The perimeter marking of rear emergency exits per FMVSS No. 217 Bus Emergency Exits and Window Retention and Release and/or the use of reflective "SCHOOL BUS" signs partially accomplish the objective of this requirement. To complete the perimeter marking of the back of the bus, strips of a minimum of 1 inch and a maximum of 2 inches in width of reflective National School Bus Yellow material shall be applied horizontally above the rear windows and above the rear bumper extending from the rear emergency exit perimeter marking outward to the left and right rear corners of the bus; and vertical strips shall be applied at the corners connecting these horizontal strips.005.10G3 "SCHOOL BUS" signs, if not of lighted design, shall be marked with reflective National School Bus Yellow material comprising background for lettering of the front and/or rear "SCHOOL BUS" signs.005.10G4 Sides of bus body shall be marked with reflective National School Bus Yellow Material at least 1 3/4 inches in width, extending the length of the bus body and located (vertically) between the floor line and the beltline.005.10H Multifunction school activity buses (MFSABs) are exempt from the requirements in subsection 005.10G above.005.11Communications. School bus shall be equipped with a two-way communication system which can be used at any point on the vehicle's route. The system can be after-market provided.005.12Construction. 005.12A Construction shall provide a reasonable dustproof and watertight unit. 005.12A1 Buses shall meet FVMSS 220, Rollover Protection and FMVSS 221, Body Joint Strength.005.12A2 For buses manufactured on or after the implementation date of this Rule:005.12A2a Buses shall pass the "Side Intrusion Test." The bus body shall be constructed to withstand an intrusion force equal to the curb weight of the vehicle or 20,000 pounds, whichever is less. Each vehicle shall be capable of meeting this requirement when tested in accordance with the procedures set forth below. The complete body structure, or a representative seven-body section mock up with seats installed, shall be load-tested at a location 24-inches plus or minus two inches above the floor line, with a maximum 10-inch diameter cylinder, 48 inches long, mounted in a horizontal plane.
The cylinder shall be placed as close as practical to the mid-point of the tested structure, spanning two internal vertical structural members. The cylinder shall be statically loaded to the required force of curb weight or 20,000 pounds, whichever is less, in a horizontal plane with the load applied from the exterior toward the interior of the test structure. Once the minimum load has been applied, the penetration of the loading cylinder into the passenger compartment shall not exceed a maximum of ten inches from its original point of contract. There can be no separation of lapped panels or construction joints. Punctures, tears or brakes in the external panels are acceptable but are not permitted on any adjacent interior panel.
Body companies shall certify compliance with this intrusion requirement, including test results, if requested by the Nebraska Department of Education.
005.12B If floor insulation is requested by the local school district or governing authority, it shall be either 5 ply softwood plywood nominal 5/8 inch thick plywood, or a material of equal or greater strength and insulation R-value and it shall equal or exceed properties of exterior-type, C-D Grade, as specified in standard PSI-83 issued by U.S. Department of Commerce. All exposed edges shall be sealed. Type A buses shall be equipped with nominal 1/2 inch thick plywood meeting above requirements. Equivalent material may be used to replace plywood, provided it has equal or greater insulation R-value, sound abatement, deterioration-resistant and moisture-resistant properties. 005.12C Construction shall be reasonably dust-proof and watertight. 005.13Defrosters. (Also see Section 005.26 Heating System) 005.13A All school buses shall be equipped with defrosters with sufficient flow of heated air to keep windshield, window to left of driver and glass in entrance door clear of fog, frost and snow. The defrosting system shall conform to SAE J381 Windshield Defrosting Systems Test Procedure and Performance Requirements-Trucks, Buses, and Multipurpose Vehicles. Note: The requirements of this standard do not apply to the exterior surfaces of double pane storm windows.
005.13B The defroster and defogging system shall be capable of furnishing heated, outside ambient air except that part of the system furnishing additional air to the windshield, entrance door and step well may be of the recirculating air type.005.13C Auxiliary fans are not considered defrosting or defogging systems.005.13D Portable heaters shall not be used.005.14Doors. 005.14AEntrance Door. 005.14A1 Entrance door shall be in the driver's control, designed as to afford easy release and provide a positive latching device on manual operating door to prevent accidental opening. Manual door controls shall not require more than 25 pounds of force to operate at any point throughout the range of operation, as tested on a 10 percent grade both uphill and downhill.005.14A2 Entrance door shall be located on right side of bus opposite driver within direct view of driver.005.14A2a Buses may be equipped with a left side entrance door located immediately behind the driver to be used exclusively for curb side loading/unloading on one-way streets.005.14A2b Buses equipped with a left side entrance door shall have a mirror mounted in the upper right corner of the interior of the bus to provide a clear view of the left side entrance door and stepwell.005.14A3 Entrance door shall have a minimum horizontal opening of 24 inches and a minimum vertical opening of 68 inches.005.14A4 Entrance door shall be of split type and shall open outward.005.14A5 All entrance door glass shall be made of safety glass. Bottom of lower glass panel shall not be more than 10 inches from the top surface of the bottom step. Top of upper glass panel when viewed from the interior shall not be more than 3 inches. below the interior door control cover or header pad.005.14A6 Vertical closing edges shall be equipped with flexible material.005.14A7 Power operated doors must be equipped with an emergency release valve, switch or device placed above or to the immediate left or right of the service door and clearly labeled. The emergency release valve, switch or device shall work in the absence of power.005.14A8 Padding at the top of edge of each door opening shall be 3 inches wide and 1 inch thick and extend full width of the door opening.005.14BEmergency Exits. 005.14B1 All installed emergency exits shall comply with the design and performance requirements of FMVSS No. 217, Bus Emergency Exits and Window Retention and Release, applicable to that type of exit, regardless of whether or not that exit is required by FMVSS No. 217. 005.14B1a The upper portion of the emergency door shall be equipped with safety glazing, the exposed area of which shall be at least 400 square inches. If installed, all other glass panels on emergency doors shall be equipped with safety glazing.005.14B1b There shall be no steps leading to an emergency door.005.14B1c There shall be no obstruction higher than 1/4 inch across the bottom of any emergency door opening. Fasteners used within the emergency exit opening shall be free of sharp edges or burrs.005.14B1d The rear emergency window shall have an assisted lifting device that will aid in lifting and holding the rear emergency window open. 005.14B2 Emergency Exit Requirements: The following tables determine the required number and types of emergency exits to comply with this specification: 005.14B2a A school bus will meet the requirements of this specification and the requirements of FMVSS 217 if it contains the types and quantities of emergency exits listed on the row selected. Click here to view
005.14B3 Side emergency exit windows when installed may be vertically hinged on the forward side of the window. No side emergency exit window will be located above the stop arm.005.15Drive Shaft. 005.15A The drive shaft shall be protected by a metal guard or guards of steel or equivalent strength around circumference of the drive shaft to prevent it from whipping through floor or dropping to ground if broken.005.16Electrical System. 005.16ABattery. 005.16A1 The storage batteries shall have minimum cold cranking capacity rating (cold cranking amps) equal to the cranking current required for 30 seconds at 0 degrees Fahrenheit and a minimum reserve capacity rating of 120 minutes at 25 amps.005.16A2 All batteries are to be secured in a slide-out or swingout tray in a closed, vented compartment in the body skirt or chassis frame so that the battery is accessible for convenient servicing from the outside. When in the stored position, the tray shall be retained by a securing mechanism capable of holding the tray [with battery(ies)] in position when subjected to a 5g load from any direction. The battery compartment door or cover, if separate from the tray, shall be hinged at the front or top. It shall be secured by a positive operated latching system or other type fastener. The door may be an integral part of the battery slide tray. The door or cover must fit tightly to the body, and not present sharp edges or snagging points. Battery cables shall meet SAE requirements. Battery cables shall be of sufficient length to allow the battery tray to fully extend. Any chassis frame-mounted batteries shall be relocated to a battery compartment on Type A buses. 005.16A3 All batteries are to be secured in a sliding tray except that on van conversion or cutaway front-section chassis, batteries may be secured in accordance with the manufacturer's standard configuration. In these cases, the final location of the battery and the appropriate cable lengths shall be agreed upon mutually by the chassis and body manufacturers. However, in all cases the battery cable provided with the chassis shall have sufficient length to allow some slack, and shall be of sufficient gauge to carry the required amperage.005.16A4 Buses may be equipped with a battery shut-off switch. The switch is to be placed in a location not readily accessible to the driver or passengers.005.16BAlternator. 005.16B1 All Type A and Type B buses with a GVWR of 15,000 lbs or less shall have a minimum 130-amp alternator. Buses equipped with an electrically powered wheelchair lift and/or air conditioning shall be equipped with the highest rated capacity available from the chassis OEM.005.16B2 All buses over 15,000 lbs shall be equipped with a heavy-duty truck or bus-type alternator having a minimum output rating of 200-amp or higher, and should produce a minimum current output of 50 percent of the rating at engine idle speed.005.16B3 All other buses described in subsection 005.16B1 equipped with an electrically powered wheelchair lift and/or air conditioning shall have a minimum output of 240 amps and may be equipped with a device that advances the engine idle speed when the voltage drops to, or below, a pre-set level.005.16B4 A belt alternator drive shall be capable of handling the rated capacity of the alternator with no detrimental effect on any other driven components. (See School Bus Manufacturer Technical Council's "School Bus Technical Reference" for estimating required alternator capacity.)005.16B5 A direct drive alternator is permissible in lieu of a belt driven alternator.005.16CElectrical Components. Materials in all electrical components shall contain no mercury.005.16DWiring. Chassis. 005.16D1 All wiring shall conform to current applicable recommended practices of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). 005.16D2 All wiring shall use color and at least one other method of identification. The other method shall be either a number code or name code, and each chassis shall be delivered with a wiring diagram that illustrates the wiring of the chassis. 005.16D3 The chassis manufacturer shall install a readily accessible terminal strip or plug on the body side of the cowl or in an accessible location in the engine compartment of vehicles designed without a cowl. The strip or plug shall contain the following terminals for the body connections: 005.16D3a Main 100 amp body circuit;005.16D3c Right turn signal;005.16D3d Left turn signal;005.16D3f Back-up lamps; and005.16D3g Instrument panel lights (controlled by dimmer switch).005.16D4 An appropriate identifying diagram (color plus a name or number code) for all chassis electrical circuits shall be provided to the body manufacturer for distribution to the end user. 005.16D5 The headlight system must be wired separately from the electronic controlled body solenoid/module.005.16EWiring, Body.005.16E1 Wiring shall be arranged in circuits as required with each circuit protected by a fuse or electronic protection device. A system of color and number coding shall be used and an appropriate identifying diagram shall be provided to the end user along with the wiring diagram provided by the chassis manufacturer. The wiring diagrams shall be specific to the bus model supplied and include any changes to wiring made by the body manufacturer. Chassis wiring diagrams shall also be supplied to the end user. A system of color and number coding shall be used on buses. The following body interconnecting circuits shall be color coded as noted: FUNCTION | COLOR |
Left Rear Directional Lamp | Yellow |
Right Rear Directional Lamp | Dark Green |
Stop Lamps | Red |
Back-up Lamps | Blue |
Tail Lamps | Brown |
Ground | White |
Ignition Feed, Primary Feed | Black |
The color of the cables shall correspond to SAE J 1128, Low-Tension Primary Cable.
005.16E2 Wiring shall be arranged in at least six (6) regular circuits as follows: 005.16E2a Head, tail, stop (brake), clearance and instrument panel lamps.005.16E2b Step well lamps shall be actuated when entrance door is open.005.16E2d Ignition and emergency door signal.005.16E2e Turn signal lamps.005.16E2f Alternately flashing signal lamps. 005.16E3 Any of above combination circuits may be subdivided into additional independent circuits. 005.16E4 Heaters and defrosters shall be wired on an independent circuit. 005.16E5 Each body circuit shall be coded by number or letter on a diagram of circuits and shall be attached to the body in readily accessible location. Buses may be equipped with a 12-volt power port in the driver's area. 005.16E6 All other electrical functions (such as sanders and electric-type windshield wipers) shall be provided with independent and properly protected circuits.005.16F Wires not enclosed within body shall be fastened securely at intervals of not more than 18 inches. All joints shall be soldered or joined by equal effective connectors which shall be water-resistant and corrosion-resistant. 005.16G All wiring shall have an amperage capacity exceeding the design load by at least 25 percent. All wiring splices are to be noted as splices on the wiring diagram.005.16H A body wiring diagram sized to be easily read, shall be furnished with each bus body or affixed in an area convenient to the electrical accessory control panel.005.16I The body power wire shall be attached to a separate terminal on the chassis.005.16J All wires passing through metal openings shall be protected by a grommet.005.16K All wiring shall conform to current applicable SAE recommended practices.005.16L A manual noise suppression switch must be installed in the control panel. The switch shall be labeled and alternately colored. This switch shall be an on/off type that deactivates body equipment that produces noise, including at least the AM/FM radio, heaters, air conditioners, fans and defrosters. This switch shall not deactivate safety systems, such as windshield wipers or lighting systems.005.16M The entire electrical system of the body shall be designed for the same voltage as the chassis on which the body is mounted. The reference to a common body/chassis voltage does not apply to buses utilizing a high voltage propulsion system (more than 48 nominal volts), commonly referred to as "High Voltage-Powered Vehicles."005.17Emergency Equipment. All buses shall be equipped with emergency equipment as listed in this section. Any of the following emergency equipment may be mounted in an enclosed compartment, provided the compartment is labeled in not less than one-inch letters, identifying each piece of equipment contained therein. 005.17AFire Extinguisher. The bus shall be equipped with at least one (1) Underwriter's Laboratory Inc. (UL) approved pressurized, dry chemical-type fire extinguisher, with hose, mounted and secured in a bracket located in the driver's compartment readily accessible to the driver and passengers. A pressure gauge shall be mounted on the extinguisher shall be easily read without moving the extinguisher from its mounted position. 005.17A1 The fire extinguisher shall have a total rating of 2-A:10-BC or greater. The operating mechanism shall be sealed with a type of seal that will not interfere with use of the fire extinguisher.005.17BFirst Aid Kit. The bus shall have at least one removable, moisture proof and dustproof first aid kit in an accessible place in the driver's compartment. It shall be properly mounted and clearly identified as a first aid kit. The location for the first aid kit shall be marked. Contents of the first aid kit are listed in Appendix B of this Chapter. 005.17B1 All school bus bodies with a manufacturer's rated seating capacity of thirty (30) or less shall be equipped with one (1) first aid kit.005.17B2 All school bus bodies with a manufacturer's rated seating capacity greater than thirty (30) shall be equipped with two (2) first aid kits.005.17B3 When two (2) first aid kits are carried on the bus, one (1) kit shall be mounted over the rear exit door and the other in the driver's compartment.005.17CBody Fluid Clean-up Kit. Each bus shall have a removable and moisture proof body fluid clean-up kit. It shall be securely mounted and identified as a body fluid clean-up kit. (Required contents of kit are listed in Appendix C of this Chapter.)005.17DWarning Devices. The school bus shall carry three (3) retroreflective triangle road warning devices that meet the requirements of FMVSS No. 125, Warning Devices. They shall be mounted in an accessible place.005.18Exhaust System. 005.18A Exhaust pipe, muffler, and tailpipe shall be outside the bus body compartment and attached to chassis, so as not to damage any other chassis component.005.18B Tailpipe and after treatment system shall be constructed of corrosion resistant tubing of 16-gauge steel or equivalent.005.18C The tailpipe shall not extend more than two inches beyond the perimeter of the body for side-exit pipe or the bumper for rear-exit pipe. The exhaust system shall be designed such that exhaust gas will not be trapped under the body of the bus. 005.18D The tailpipe shall exit to the left or right of the emergency exit door in the rear of the vehicle or to the left side of the bus in front of or behind the rear drive axle or the tailpipe may extend through the bumper. The tailpipe exit location on all Types A-1 or B-1 buses may be in accordance to the manufacturer's standards. The tailpipe shall not exit beneath any fuel filler location, emergency door or lift door.005.18E The exhaust system shall be insulated in a manner to prevent any damage to any fuel system component.005.18F The design of the after treatment systems shall not allow active (non-manual) regeneration of the particulate filter during the loading and unloading of passengers. Manual regeneration systems will be designed such that unintentional operation will not occur.005.18G For after treatment systems that require Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) to meet federally mandated emissions: 005.18G1 The composition of Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) must comply with International Standard ISO 22241-1. Refer to engine manufacturer for any additional DEF requirements.005.18G2 The DEF supply tank shall be sized to meet a minimum ratio of 3 diesel fills to 1 DEF fill. 005.19Fenders, Front - Type C Vehicles. 005.19A When measured at the fender line, total spread of outer edges of front fenders, measured at fender line, shall exceed the total spread of front tires when front wheels are in a straight ahead position.005.19B Front fenders shall be braced and free from any body attachment. Rear bottom edge of front fender shall extend to the bottom of the front body section.005.20Floor, Covering. 005.20A Floor in the under seat area, including tops of wheel housings, driver's compartment, and toe board, shall be covered with an elastomer floor covering, having a minimum overall thickness of .125 inch and a calculated burn rate of 0.1 or less, using the test methods, procedures and formulas listed in FMVSS No. 302, Flammability of Interior Materials. The floor under the driver's seat in all Type A buses may be manufacturer's standard flooring and floor covering.005.20B Floor covering in aisle shall be ribbed or other pattern of elastomer and have a calculated burn rate of 0.1 or less using the test methods, procedures, and formulas listed in FMVSS No. 302, Flammability of Interior Materials. Minimum overall thickness shall be 3/16th in. measured from tops of ribs.005.20C Floor covering must be permanently bonded to floor and must not crack when subjected to sudden changes in temperature. Bonding or adhesive material shall be waterproof and shall be of type recommended by manufacturer of floor-covering material. All seams must be sealed with waterproof sealer.005.20D A flush-mounted, screw-down plate that is secured and sealed shall be provided to access the fuel tank sending unit and or fuel pump. (This plate shall not be installed under flooring material. (Type A Buses are exempt.)005.21Frame. 005.21A Frame lengths shall be established in accordance with the design criteria for the complete vehicle.005.21B Any secondary manufacturer that modifies the original chassis frame shall provide a warranty at least equal to the warranty offered by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM), and shall certify that the modification and other parts or equipment affected by the modification shall be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use and service intended by the OEM.005.21C Holes in top or bottom flanges or, side units of the frame, and welding to the frame shall not be permitted except as provided or accepted by the chassis manufacturer.005.21D Frames shall not be modified for the purpose of extending the wheelbase.005.22Fuel Tank. 005.22A Fuel tank or tanks shall be provided by the chassis manufacturer. The tanks shall be filled and vented to the outside of the body and the fuel filter should be placed in a location where accidental fuel spillage will not drip or drain on any part of the exhaust system.005.22B Fuel lines shall be mounted to the chassis frame in such a manner that the frame provides the maximum possible protection from damage.005.22C The fuel system shall comply with FMVSS No. 301, Fuel System Integrity.005.22D Fuel tank(s) may be mounted between the chassis frame rails or outboard of the frame rails on either the left or right side of the vehicle. The actual draw capacity of each fuel tank shall be a minimum of 83% of the tank capacity.005.22E Installation of alternative fuel systems, including fuel tanks and piping from tank to engine, shall comply with all applicable fire codes in effect on the date of manufacture of the bus. 005.22E1 Installation of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) tanks shall comply with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 58. 005.22E2 Installation of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) containers shall comply with FMVSS No. 304, Compressed Natural Gas Fuel Container Integrity.005.22E3 The CNG Fuel System shall comply with FMVSS No. 303, Fuel System Integrity of Compressed Natural Gas Vehicles.005.22E4 Installation of alternative fuel systems, including fuel tanks and piping from the tank to the engine, shall comply with all applicable fire codes in effect on the date of manufacture of the bus.005.23Fuel Alternative. School transportation vehicles may use alternative fuel systems. The fuel system integrity shall meet the specified leakage performance standards when impacted by a moving contoured barrier in accordance with test conditions specified in FMVSS No. 301 or FMVSS No. 303, as applicable. 005.23A Chassis shall meet all specifications in Section 005 of this Chapter.005.23B Chassis shall meet all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS).005.23C The fuel system integrity shall meet the specified leakage performance standards when impacted by a moving contoured barrier in accordance with test conditions specified in FMVSS No. 301, Fuel System Integrity, or FMVSS No. 303, Fuel System Integrity of Compressed Natural Gas Vehicles, as applicable.005.23D Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and conversion systems using compressed natural gas (CNG) shall comply with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Specification 52 2013, Compressed Natural Gas Vehicular Fuel Systems. Fuel systems using liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) shall comply with NFPA Specification 58 2014, Liquefied Petroleum Gases Engine Fuel Systems.005.23E Fuel tank(s) for vehicles of less than 54 passenger capacity powered by LPG or CNG shall have a minimum 40-gallon capacity. Fuel tank(s) for vehicles of 54 or more passenger capacity powered by LPG or CNG shall have a minimum 60-gallon capacity.005.23F Natural gas-powered buses may be equipped with an interior/exterior gas detection system. All natural gas-powered buses may be equipped with an automatic or manual fire detection and suppression system.005.23G All materials and assemblies used to transfer or store alternative fuels shall be installed outside the passenger/driver compartment.005.23H All Types C and D buses using alternative fuels shall meet the same base requirements of BUS CHASSIS SPECIFICATIONS for passenger load.005.23I The total weight shall not exceed the vehicle's GVWR when loaded to rated capacity.005.23J The manufacturer supplying the alternative fuel equipment must provide the owner and operator with adequate training and certification in fueling procedures, scheduled maintenance, troubleshooting and repair of alternative fuel equipment.005.23K All fueling equipment shall be designed specifically for fueling motor vehicles and shall be certified by the manufacturer as meeting all applicable federal, state and industry standards.005.23L All on-board fuel supply containers shall meet all appropriate requirements of the American Society for Mechanical Engineering (ASME) code, United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) regulations or applicable FMVSSs and NFPA standards. 005.23M All fuel supply containers shall be securely mounted to withstand a static force of eight times their weight in any direction.005.23N All safety devices that discharge to the atmosphere shall be vented to the outside of the vehicle. The discharge line from the safety relief valve on all school buses shall be located in a manner appropriate to the characteristics of the alternative fuel. Discharge lines shall not pass through the passenger compartment.005.23O CNG buses shall have a positive, quick-acting (1/4 turn) shut-off control valve shall be installed in each gaseous fuel supply line, as close as possible to the fuel supply containers. The valve controls shall be placed in a location easily operable from the exterior of the vehicle. The location of the valve controls shall be clearly marked on the exterior surface of the bus.005.23P An electrical grounding system shall be required for grounding of the fuel system during maintenance-related venting.005.23Q Fuel systems identified as compatible with biodiesel must be provided with components compatible with biodiesel conforming to the specifications of ASTM 6751, Biodiesel Standard.005.23R High Voltage-Powered Vehicles: Buses utilizing a high voltage propulsion system (more than 48 nominal volts) shall meet the requirements of FMVSS 305, Electric Powered Vehicles: Electrolyte Spillage and Electrical Shock Protection, except for the following: 005.23R1 The propulsion power source (batteries, fuel cells, etc.) shall be located outside the passenger compartment.005.23R2 The propulsion power source enclosure shall be constructed to conform to the power source manufacturer's requirements and recommendations.005.23R3 Due to the much larger size and quantities of the propulsion power sources on larger vehicles, buses over 10,000 lbs are permitted to exceed the 5.0 liter spillage constraint of Section S 5.1, Electrolyte damage from propulsion batteries and the requirements to statically rotate the vehicle on its longitudinal axis post test. 005.24Governor. The engine and road speed governors may be installed to limit engine speed to a maximum revolutions per minute as recommended by the engine manufacturer.005.25Handrails. At least one handrail shall be installed. The handrail shall be a minimum of 1" diameter and be constructed from corrosion resistant material(s). The handrail(s) shall assist passengers during entry or exit and shall be designed to prevent entanglement, as evidenced by the passing of the NHTSA string and nut test.005.26Heating System. The engine shall be capable of supplying coolant at a temperature of at least 170 degrees Fahrenheit at the engine coolant thermostat opening. The coolant flow rate shall be 50 pounds per minute at the return end of 30 feet of one inch inside diameter automotive hot water heater hose. (See SBMTC-001, Standard Code for Testing and Rating Automotive Bus Hot Water Heating and Ventilating Equipment.) 005.26AHeat and Air Conditioning Systems005.26A1 Heaters shall be hot water type combustion type, electric heating element or heat pump.005.26A2 If only one heater is used, it shall be the fresh air type or the combination fresh air and recirculating air type.005.26A3 If more than one hot water heater is used, additional heaters may be of recirculating air type.005.26A4 The heating system shall be capable of maintaining bus interior temperatures as specified in Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) test procedure J2233.005.26A5 Optional: Auxiliary fuel-fired heating systems are permitted, provided they comply with the following:005.26A5a The auxiliary heating system fuel shall utilize the same type fuel as specified for the vehicle engine.005.26A5b Heater(s) may be direct hot air or connected to the engine's coolant system.005.26A5c An auxiliary heating system, when connected to the engine's coolant system, may be used to preheat the engine coolant or preheat and add supplementary heat to the bus's heating system.005.26A5d Auxiliary heating systems shall be installed pursuant to the manufacturer's recommendations and shall not direct exhaust in such a manner that will endanger bus passengers. 005.26A5e The auxiliary heating system shall be low voltage.005.26A5f Auxiliary heating systems shall comply with FMVSS No. 301, Fuel system integrity and all other applicable FMVSS in effect on date of manufacture, as well as SAE test procedures.005.26A5g All combustion heaters shall be in compliance with current Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.005.26A6 All forced-air heaters installed by body manufacturers shall bear a nameplate that indicates the heater rating in accordance School Bus Manufacturer's Technical Council SBMTC-001. The plate shall be affixed by heater manufacturer and shall constitute certification that the heater performance is as shown on the plate.005.26A7 Heater hoses shall be adequately supported to guard against excessive wear due to vibration. The hoses shall not dangle or rub against the chassis or sharp edges and shall not interfere with or restrict the operation of any engine function, such as the spark advance of an automatic distributor. Heater hose shall conform to the standards of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Standard J20c Coolant System Hoses. Heater lines on the interior of the bus shall be shielded to prevent scalding of the driver or passengers.005.26A8 Each hot water system installed by a body manufacturer shall include one shut-off valve in the pressure line and one shut-off valve in the return line with both valves at the engine in an accessible location, except that on all Type A and B buses the valves may be installed in another accessible location.005.26A9 There shall be a water flow regulating valve installed in the pressure line for convenient operation by the driver while seated. 005.26A10 Accessible bleeder valves shall be installed in an appropriate place in the return lines of body company-installed heaters to remove air from the heater lines.005.26A11 Access panels shall be provided to make heater motors, cores, and fans readily accessible for service. Outside access panel may be provided for the driver's heater.005.26BPassenger Compartment Air Conditioning (Optional). The following specifications are applicable to all types of school buses that may be equipped with air conditioning. 005.26B1Requirements005.26B1a Evaporator cases, lines and ducting (as equipped) shall be designed in such a manner that all condensation is effectively drained to the exterior of the bus below the floor level under all conditions of vehicle movement and without leakage on any interior portion of the bus;005.26B1b Evaporators and ducting systems shall be designed and installed to be free of projections or sharp edges. Ductwork shall be installed so that exposed edges face the front of the bus and do not present sharp edges;005.26B1c On school buses equipped with Type-2 seatbelts having anchorages above the windows, the ducting (if used) shall be placed at a height sufficient to not obstruct occupant securement anchorages. This clearance shall be provided along the entire length (except at evaporator locations) of the passenger area on both sides of the bus interior;005.26B1d The body may be equipped with insulation, including sidewalls, roof, firewall, rear, inside body bows and plywood or composite floor insulation to reduce thermal transfer;005.26B1e All glass (windshield, service and emergency doors, side and rear windows) may be equipped with maximum integral tinting allowed by federal, state or ANSI standards for the respective locations, except that windows rear of the driver's compartment, if tinted, shall have approximately 28 percent light transmission;005.26B1f Electrical generating capacity shall be provided to accommodate the additional electrical demands imposed by the air conditioning system;005.26B1g Air intake for any evaporator assembly(ies), except for front evaporator of Type A-1, shall be equipped with replaceable air filter(s) accessible without disassembly of evaporator case.005.26B1h For all buses (except Type D rear engine transit) equipped with a rear evaporator assembly, evaporator shall not encroach upon head impact zone, but may occupy an area of less than 26.5 inches from the rear wall and 14 inches from the ceiling.005.26B1i For Type D rear engine transit buses equipped with a rear evaporator over the davenport, the evaporator assembly may not interfere with rear exit window and may not extend above the rear seating row. 005.27Horn. The bus shall be equipped with a horn(s) of standard make. Each horn shall be capable of producing complex sounds in bands of audio frequencies between approximately 250 and 2,000 cycles per second and tested in accordance with Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) J-377.005.28Identification. 005.28A Body shall bear words "SCHOOL BUS" in black letters at least 8 inches high on both front and rear of body or on signs attached thereto. Lettering shall be placed as high as possible without impairment of its visibility. Lettering shall conform to "Series B" of Standard Alphabets for Highway Signs of the Federal Highway Administration (See 23 CFR 655.601) . "SCHOOL BUS" lettering shall have a reflective background or may be illuminated by backlighting. Activity buses may instead bear lettering identifying the school, school district, school mascot and/or school logos at these locations.005.28B Required lettering and numbering is: 005.28B1 District, school, company name or owner of the bus displayed at the beltline. 005.28B2 If the bus has a district or other identification number, it shall be displayed on the sides, on the rear, and on the front.005.28C Other lettering, numbering or symbols which may be displayed on the exterior of the bus shall be limited to:005.28C1 Bus identification number on the top of the bus (minimum 12-inch high characters), in addition to required numbering on the sides, rear and front.005.28C2 The location of the battery(ies) identified by the word "BATTERY" or "BATTERIES" on the battery compartment door in two-inch lettering;005.28C3 Symbols or letters not to exceed 64 square inches of total display within 36 inches of the service door, displaying information for identification by the pupils of the bus or route served.005.28C4 Manufacturer, dealer or school identification or mascots/logos;005.28C5 Symbols identifying the bus as equipped for or transporting pupils with special needs;005.28C6 Lettering on the rear of the bus relating to school bus flashing signal lamps and railroad stop procedures005.28C7 Identification of fuel type in one-inch lettering adjacent to the fuel filler opening.005.29Instruments and Instrument Panel. 005.29A Chassis shall be equipped with the instruments and gauges listed below (lights in lieu of gauges are not acceptable):005.29A2 Odometer which will give accrued mileage, (to seven digits) including tenths of miles.005.29A3Voltmeter: An ammeter with graduated charge and discharge indications, is permitted in lieu of voltmeter; however, when used, the ammeter wiring must be compatible with the current flow of the system. (Exempt from Type A Bus.) 005.29A4 Oil-pressure gauge.005.29A5 Water-temperature indicator.005.29A7 High-beam headlamp indicator.005.29A8 Brake Air Pressure Gauge (air brakes): Brake indicator lamp (vacuum/hydraulic brakes) or brake indicator lamp (hydraulic/hydraulic).005.29A9 Turn signal Indicator. 005.29A10 Tachometer. For Types B, C and D buses, a tachometer shall be installed to be visible to the driver while seated in a normal driving position. (Exempt from Type A Buses.)005.29A11 Glow-plug indicator light where appropriate.005.29B All instruments shall be easily accessible for maintenance and repair. 005.29C The instruments and gauges shall be mounted on instrument panel in such manner that each is clearly visible to driver in normal driving position.005.29D Instruments and controls must be illuminated as required by FMVSS No. 101, Controls and Displays.005.29EMulti-Function Gauge (MFG). 005.29E1 The driver must be able to manually select any displayable function of the gauge on a MFG whenever desired. 005.29E2 Whenever an out-of-limits condition that would be displayed on one or more functions of a MFG occurs, the MFG controller shall automatically display this condition on the instrument cluster. This shall be in the form of an illuminated telltale warning lamp as well as having the MFG automatically display the out-of-limits indications. If two or more functions displayed on the MFG go out of limits simultaneously, then the MFG shall sequence automatically between those functions continuously until the condition(s) are corrected. 005.29E3 The use of a MFG does not relieve the need for audible warning devices, where required.005.30Insulation. 005.30A The school bus body shall be fully insulated in the roof and all body panels to deaden sound, reduce vibrations, and reduce the transfer of heat.005.30B The school bus body side walls and ceilings shall be insulated with a fire resistant material of a type approved by Underwriters Laboratories Inc., and which has a thermal insulation R value of 5.5 at least equivalent to 11/2 inch thickness of fiber glass in addition to the usual sprayed-on material. All insulation shall be firmly installed so that it will retain its original position.005.30C For floor insulation, see subsection 005.12B of this Chapter.005.31Interior. 005.31A Interior of school bus body shall have steel or equivalent strength material, inner linings on ceilings and walls and be free of all unnecessary projections, which includes luggage racks and attendant hand rails, to minimize the potential for injury. This standard requires inner lining on ceilings and walls. If ceiling is constructed to contain lapped joints, forward panel shall be lapped by rear panel and exposed edges shall be beaded, hemmed, flanged, or otherwise treated to minimize sharp edges.005.31B The driver's area forward of the foremost padded barriers will permit the mounting of required emergency equipment and vehicle operation equipment.005.31C Every school bus shall be constructed so that the noise level taken at the ear of the occupant nearest to the primary vehicle noise source shall not exceed 85 dBA when tested according to the procedure found in Appendix E of this Chapter.005.31D Interior overhead storage compartments may be provided if they meet the following criteria: 005.31D1 Head protection requirements of FMVSS No. 222, School Bus Passenger Seating and Crash Protection, where applicable. 005.31D2 Be completely enclosed and equipped with latching door (both door and latch sufficient to withstand a pushing force of 50 pounds applied at the inside center of the door. 005.31D3 All corners and edges are rounded with a minimum radius of one inch or be padded equivalent to door header padding. 005.31D4 Compartments are attached to the bus sufficiently to withstand a force equal to 20 times the maximum rated capacity of the compartment and do not have protrusions greater than 1/4 inch.005.32Lamps and Signals. 005.32A Interior lamps shall be provided which adequately illuminate aisle and stepwell. Stepwell light shall be illuminated by a service door operated switch, to illuminate only when headlights and clearance lights are on and service door is open.005.32B Body instrument panel lights shall be controlled by an independent rheostat switch or may be controlled by the rheostat that operates the gauge lighting.005.32C School Bus Alternately Flashing Signal Lamps. (Activity buses are exempt.) 005.32C1 Bus shall be equipped with two (2) red lamps at the rear of vehicle and two (2) red lamps at the front of the vehicle.005.32C2 In addition to the four red lamps described above, four (4) amber lamps shall be installed so that one (1) amber lamp is located near each red signal lamp, at same level, but closer to vertical centerline of bus. The system of red and amber signal lamps shall be wired so that automatically energized (with amber lamps being automatically de-energized) when stop signal arm is extended or when bus service door is opened. An amber pilot light and a red pilot light shall be installed adjacent to the driver controls for the flashing signal lamp to indicate to the driver which lamp system is activated.005.32C3 Red lamps shall flash at any time the stop signal arm is extended.005.32C4 All flashers for alternately flashing red and amber signal lamps shall be enclosed in the body in a readily accessible location.005.32DTurn Signal and Stop/Tail Lamps. 005.32D1 Bus body shall be equipped with amber rear turn signal lamps that are at least seven (7) inches in diameter or if a shape other than round, a minimum 38 square inches of illuminated area and meet FMVSS No. 108, Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment. These signals must be connected to the chassis hazard warning switch to cause simultaneous flashing of turn signal lamps when needed as vehicular traffic hazard warning. Turn signal lamps are to be placed so that their centerline shall be a maximum of twelve (12) inches below the rear window.005.32D2 Buses shall be equipped with amber side-mounted turn signal lights. The turn signal light on the left side shall be mounted rearward of the stop signal arm and the turn signal on the right side shall be mounted rearward of the service door. 005.32D3 Buses shall be equipped with four (4) combination red stop/tail lamps: 005.32D3a Two (2) combination lamps with a minimum diameter of seven (7) inches, or if a shape other than round, a minimum 38 square inches of illuminated area shall be mounted on the rear of the bus just inside the turn signals. 005.32D3b Two (2) combination lamps with a minimum diameter of four (4) inches, or if a shape other than round, a minimum 12 square inches of illuminated area shall be placed on the rear of the body between the beltline and the floor line. 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 steady light when illuminated. 005.32D3c On buses equipped with a monitor for the front and rear lamps of the school bus, the monitor shall be mounted in full view of the driver. If the full circuit current passes through the monitor, each circuit shall be protected by a fuse or circuit breaker, or an electronic protection device, against any short circuit or intermittent shorts.005.32D3d The bus body shall be equipped with two (2) white rear backup lamps that are at least four (4) inches in diameter or, if a shape other than round, a minimum of 12 square inches of illuminated area and shall meet FMVSS No. 108, Lamps, Reflective Devices and Associated Equipment. If backup lamps are placed on the same horizontal line as the brake lamps and turn signal lamps, they shall be to the inside.005.32EClearance-Marker and Identification Lamps. 005.32E1 The body shall be equipped with two (2) red clearance lights at the rear and two (2) amber clearance lights at the front mounted as high as possible on permanent structure of bus in such a manner as to indicate extreme width of body. 005.32E2 All buses over 30 feet long shall be equipped with one (1) amber intermediate side marker light on each side located midway between the front and rear clearance lights. 005.32E3 The bus shall be equipped with three (3) amber identification lights on the front and three (3) red identification lights on the rear. Each individual light within such group or cluster shall be evenly spaced not less than six (6) inches nor more than 12 inches apart along a horizontal line near the top roof edge of the vehicle.005.32F A white flashing strobe light shall be installed on the roof of a school or activity bus, not to exceed 1/3 the body length forward from the rear of the roof edge. The light shall have a single clear lens emitting light 360 degrees around its vertical axis. A manual switch and a pilot light shall be included to indicate when light is in operation.005.32GBackup Lamps. Bus body shall be equipped with two (2) white rear backup lamp signals that are at least four (4) inches diameter or, if a shape other than round, a minimum of 13 square inches of illuminated area, meeting FMVSS 108, Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment. If backup lamps are placed on the same line as the brake lights and turn signals, they shall be to the inside.005.32HReflex Reflectors.005.32H1 The bus shall be equipped with two (2) amber reflectors: One on each side of body located approximately at floor level and back of the door on the right side and at a similar forward position on the left side.005.32H2 The bus shall be equipped with four (4) red reflectors: One (1) on each side as far to the rear as possible and two (2) on the rear as far apart as practicable.005.32H3 All buses over 30 feet long shall be equipped with additional intermediate amber reflectors which shall be located at or near the midpoint between the front and rear side reflector.005.32H4 The reflectors are to be mounted at a height of not less than 15 inches nor more than 60 inches above the ground on which the vehicle stands.005.32ILicense Plate Lamp. Bus shall be equipped with rear license plate illuminator. This lamp may be combined with one (1) of tail lamps.005.32JDaytime Running Lamps (DRL). A Daytime Running Lamps system shall be provided.005.33Metal Treatment. 005.33A All metal used in construction of bus body shall be zinc or aluminum coated or treated by equivalent process before bus is constructed. This includes, but is not limited to such items as structural members, inside and outside panels, floor panels, and floor sills. Excluded are such items as door handles, grab handles, stanchions, interior decorative parts, and other interior plated parts.005.33B All metal parts that will be painted shall be (in addition to above requirements) chemically cleaned, etched, zinc-phosphate coated, and zinc-chromate or epoxy-primed or conditioned by equivalent process.005.33C In providing for these requirements, particular attention shall be given to lapped surfaces, welded connections or structural members, cut edges, punched or drilled hole areas in sheet metal, closed or box sections, unvented or undrained areas, and surfaces subjected to abrasion during vehicle operation.005.34Mirrors. 005.34A Interior mirror shall be either clear view laminated glass or clear view glass bonded to a backing which retains the glass in the event of breakage. Mirror shall have rounded corners and protected edges. All Type A buses shall have a minimum of a 6" x 16" mirror and Type B, C, and D buses shall have a minimum of a 6" x 30" mirror. 005.34B Each bus shall be equipped with a system of exterior mirrors meeting the requirements of FMVSS No.111, Rearview Mirrors. The right side rear view mirror shall not be obscured by the unwiped portion of the windshield. 005.34C This system of mirrors shall be easily adjustable, but be rigidly braced so as to reduce vibration.005.34D Heated external mirrors may be used. Remote controlled external rear view mirrors may be used.005.35Mounting. 005.35A Chassis frame shall support the rear body cross member. Bus body shall be attached to chassis frame at each main floor sill, except where chassis components interfere, in such manner as to prevent shifting or separation of body from chassis under severe operating conditions.005.35B Insulating material shall be installed at all contact points between the body and chassis frame on Type A-2, B, C and D buses, and shall be secured to chassis frame or body to prevent shifting, separation, or displacement of the isolators under severe operating conditions.005.36Oil Filter. An oil filter with a replaceable element shall be provided and connected by flexible oil lines if it is not a built-in or an engine-mounted design. Oil filter shall have a capacity in accordance with the engine manufacturer's recommendations.005.37Openings. All openings in floorboard or firewall between chassis and passenger carrying compartment, such as for gearshift lever and auxiliary brake lever, shall be sealed.005.38Passenger Load. 005.38A Actual Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) is the sum of chassis weight, plus driver's weight, plus total seated pupil weight . 005.38B Actual gross vehicle weight (GVW) shall not exceed the chassis manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) for the chassis, nor shall the actual weight carried on any axle exceed the chassis manufacturer's Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR).005.39Retarder System. Retarder system, if used, shall limit the speed of the fully loaded school bus at 19.0 mph on a 7% grade for 3.6 miles.005.40Rub Rails. 005.40A There shall be one (1) rub rail located on each side of the bus approximately at seat level or no more than eight (8) inches above the seat cushion level. They shall extend from rear side of the entrance door completely around bus body (except for emergency door or any maintenance access door) to a point of curvature near outside cowl on the left side.005.40B There shall be one (1) additional rub rail located on each side at, or no more than ten (10) inches above the floor line. The rub rail shall cover the same longitudinal area as upper rub rail, except at the wheel housings, and shall extend only to the longitudinal tangent of right and left rear corners.005.40C There shall be a rub rail or equivalent bracing located horizontally at the bottom of the side skirts.005.40D Rub rails above the floor line shall be attached at each body post and all other upright structural members.005.40E Rub rails shall be four (4) inches or more in width, shall be of 16 gauge steel, or equivalent strength material, and shall be constructed in corrugated or ribbed fashion.005.40F Both rub rails shall be applied outside the body or outside the body posts. Pressed-in or snap-on rub rails do not satisfy this requirement. 005.40F1 For Type A-1 buses using the body provided by the chassis manufacturer or for Types A-2, B, C, and D buses using the rear luggage or the rear engine compartment, rub rails need not extend around the rear corners.005.41Seat Belts/Occupant Protection Systems. 005.41A A Type 2 lap belt/shoulder harness seat belt shall be provided for the driver and must meet FMVSS in effect on date of manufacture. 005.41A1 In addition, the assembly shall be equipped with an emergency locking retractor for the continuous belt system. On all buses except Type A equipped with standard chassis manufacturer's driver's seat, the lap portion of the belt shall be guided or anchored so as to prevent the driver from sliding sideways under it.005.41A2 Each bus shall be equipped with a durable webbing cutter (belt cutter) having a full width handgrip and a protected, replaceable or non-corrodible blade. The belt cutter shall be mounted in a location accessible to the seated driver in an easily detachable manner.005.41B Type A buses shall have seat belts/occupant protection systems for all passengers and shall comply with FMVSS in effect on date of manufacture. In Type A buses, children shall be required to use child passenger restraint systems or occupant protection systems as required by Section 60-6,267 R.R.S.005.42Seats and Restraining Barriers. 005.42A All seats shall have a minimum depth of 15 inches, a seat back height of 24 inches above the seating reference point, and must comply with all requirements of FMVSS No. 222, School Bus Passenger Seating and Crash Protection. School bus design capacities shall be in accordance with 49 CFR, Part 571.3 and FMVSS No. 222. 005.42A1 Each seat leg shall be secured to the floor by bolts, washers and nuts in order to meet the performance requirements of FMVSS No. 222. Flange-head nuts may be used in lieu of nuts and washers, or seats may be track-mounted in conformance with FMVSS No. 222, School Bus Passenger Seating and Crash Protection. If track seating is installed, the manufacturer shall supply minimum and maximum seat spacing dimensions applicable to the bus, which comply with FMVSS No. 222. This information shall be on a label permanently affixed to the bus.005.42A2 All seat frames shall be fastened to the seat rail with a minimum of two (2) bolts, washers and nuts or flange-headed nuts in conformance with FMVSS No. 222.005.42A3 No bus shall be equipped with jump seats, portable seats, or other auxiliary seating.005.42A4 All restraining barriers, upholstered areas, driver and passenger seats, including seat bottom, shall be covered with a material that meets the criteria contained in the School Bus Seat Upholstery Fire Block Test. (See Appendix D of this Chapter.)005.42A5 Seat belts/occupant protection systems installed by retrofits must be installed on seats that meet FMVSS No. 222.005.42A6 All school buses (including Type A) shall be equipped with restraining barriers which conform to FMVSS No. 222.005.42B The driver's seat supplied by the body company shall be a high back seat with a head restraint to accommodate a 95th percentile adult male, as defined in FMVSS No. 208, Occupant Crash Protection, and with a minimum seat back adjustable to 15 degrees. The driver's seat shall be secured with nuts, bolts, and washers or flanged-head nuts. 005.42B1 Type A buses may utilize the standard driver's seat provided by the chassis manufacturer.005.42B2 A Type 2 lap belt/shoulder harness seat belt shall be provided for the driver. The assembly shall be equipped with an emergency locking retractor for the continuous belt system. On all buses except Type A equipped with a standard chassis manufacturer's driver's seat, the lap portion of the belt system shall be guided or anchored to prevent the driver from sliding sideways under it. The lap belt/shoulder harness seat belt shall be designed to allow for adjustment in order to fit and to protect drivers varying in size from 5th percentile adult female to 95th percentile adult male.005.42B3 Pre-School Age Seating on School Buses. Passenger seats designed to accommodate a child or infant carrier seat shall comply with FMVSS No. 225, Child Restraint Anchorage Systems. These seats shall be in compliance with NHTSA's "Guideline for the Safe Transportation of Pre-school Age Children in School Buses."005.43Seat Barrier. The right hand seat barrier shall include a modesty panel from barrier to floor and comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards in effect on date of manufacture.005.44Shock Absorbers. A bus shall be equipped with double-acting shock absorbers compatible with manufacturer's rated axle capacity at each wheel location.005.45Springs and Suspension Systems. 005.45A The capacity of springs or suspension assemblies shall be commensurate with the chassis manufacturer's GVWR.005.45B Rear leaf springs shall be of a progressive rate or multi-stage design. Front Leaf springs shall have a stationary eye at one end and shall be protected by a wrapped leaf, in addition to the main leaf. 005.46Steering Gear.005.46A The steering gear shall be approved by the chassis manufacturer and designed to ensure safe and accurate performance when vehicle is operated with maximum load and at maximum speed.005.46B If external adjustments are required, steering mechanism shall be accessible to make adjustments.005.46C No changes shall be made in steering apparatus which are not approved by chassis manufacturer.005.46D There shall be clearance of at least two (2) inches between steering wheel and cowl, instrument panel, windshield, or any other surface.005.46E Power steering is required and shall be of the integral type with integral valves.005.46F The steering system shall be designed to provide a means for lubrication of all wear-points which are not permanently lubricated.005.47Steps. 005.47A First step at service door shall be not less than 10 inches and not more than 14 inches from ground, based on standard chassis specifications. Type D buses shall have the first step at the service door 12 inches to 16 inches from the ground. On chassis modifications which may result in increased ground clearance (such as four-wheel drive) an auxiliary step may be provided to compensate for the increase in ground-to-first-step clearance. The auxiliary step is not required to be enclosed.005.47B Step risers shall not exceed a height of 10 inches, however, with plywood floor on steel, the differential may be increased by thickness of plywood used.005.47C Steps shall be enclosed to prevent accumulation of ice and snow.005.47D Steps shall not protrude beyond side body line.005.47E At least one (1) handrail shall be installed in accordance with subsection 005.25..005.47F All steps, including floor line platform area, shall be covered with 3/16 inch rubber floor covering or other material equal in wear and abrasion resistance to top grade rubber.005.47G The step covering shall be permanently bonded to a durable backing material that is resistant to corrosion.005.47H Steps, including the floor line platform area, shall have a 1 1/2" nosing that contrasts in color by at least 70 percent measured in accordance with the contrasting color specifications in 36 CFR, Part 1192 Americans with Disabilities Act regulations (ADA), Accessibility Guidelines for Transportation Vehicles.005.47I Step treads shall have the following characteristics:005.47I1 Abrasion resistance: Step tread material weight loss shall not exceed .40 percent, as tested under ASTM D-4060, Standard Test Method for Abrasion Resistance of Organic Coatings by the Taber Abraser005.47I2 Weathering resistance: Step treads shall not break, crack, or check after ozone exposure (7 days at 40 phm at 40 degrees C) and weatherometer exposure (ASTM D=750 Standard Test Method for Rubber Deterioration in Carbon-Arc Weathering Apparatus, 7 days).005.4713 Flame resistance: Step tread shall have a calculated burn rate of .01 or less using the test methods, procedures and formulas listed in FMVSS No. 302, Flammability of Interior Materials.005.48Stirrup Steps. There may be one or more folding stirrup steps or recessed foothold and suitably located handles on each side of the front of the body for easy accessibility for cleaning the windshield and lamps. Steps are permitted in or on the front bumper, in lieu of the stirrup steps, if the windshield and lamps are easily accessible for cleaning from that position.005.49Stop Signal Arm. The stop signal arm(s) shall comply with the requirements of FMVSS No. 131, School Bus Pedestrian Safety Devices. (Activity buses are exempt.)005.50Storage Compartment. A storage container for tools, tire chains, and/or tow chains may be located either inside or outside the passenger compartment. If inside, it shall have a cover capable of being securely latched and fastened to the floor. (The seat cushion may not serve this purpose.)005.51Sun Shield. 005.51A On Type B, C and D buses, an interior transparent, adjustable, sun shield shall be installed that is not less than 6 inches wide and 30 inches long with a finished edge.005.51B On Type A buses, the sun shield shall be installed according to the manufacturer's standard.005.52 Throttle. The force required to operate the throttle shall not exceed 16 pounds throughout the full range of accelerator pedal travel.005.53Tires and Rims.005.53A Tires and rims of the proper size and tires with a load rating commensurate with chassis manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating shall be provided. The use of multipiece rims and/or tube-type tires shall not be permitted on any school bus ordered after December 31, 1995.005.53B Dual rear tires shall be provided on Type A-2, Type B, Type C and Type D school buses.005.53C All tires on a bus shall be of the same size. The load range of the tires shall meet or exceed the GVWR, as required by FMVSS No. 120, Tire Selection and Rims for Motor Vehicles Other than Passenger Cars.005.53D If the bus is equipped with a spare tire and rim assembly, it shall be of the same size as those mounted on the bus.005.53E Chains or snow tires shall be supplied if required by local regulation or warranted by circumstances. 005.53F If a tire carrier is utilized, it shall be mounted in an accessible location outside of the passenger compartment.005.54Tow Hooks. Tow eyes, hooks or other devices shall be furnished on the rear and attached so they do not project beyond the rear bumper. Tow eyes or hooks for attachment to the rear of the chassis frame shall be furnished by either the chassis or body manufacturer. The installation shall be in accordance with the chassis manufacturer's specifications. (Type A buses are exempt.)005.55Traction Assisting Devices. 005.55A Where required or used, sanders shall:005.55A1 be of hopper cartridge - valve type,005.55A2 have metal hopper with all interior surfaces treated to prevent condensation of moisture, 005.55A3 be of at least 100 pound (grit) capacity,005.55A4 have cover on filler opening of hopper, which screws into place, sealing unit airtight,005.55A5 have discharge tubes extending to front of each rear wheel under fender,005.55A6 have non-clogging discharge tubes with slush-proof, nonfreezing rubber nozzles,005.55A7 be operated by electric switch with telltale pilot light mounted on instrument panel so as to be exclusively controlled by the driver, 005.55A8 be exclusively driver controlled,005.55A9 have a gauge to indicate that the hopper needs refilling when it is down to one-quarter full.005.55B Automatic traction chains may be installed.005.56Transmission. 005.56A Automatic transmissions shall have no fewer then three (3) forward speeds and one (1) reverse speed. Mechanical shift selectors shall provide a detent between each gear position when the gear selector quadrant and shift selector are not steering-column mounted.005.56B In manual transmissions, second gear and higher shall be synchronized, except when incompatible with engine power. A minimum of three (3) forward speeds and one (1) reverse speed shall be provided.005.56C A transmission shifter interlock, controlled by application of the service brake, shall be installed to prohibit accidental engagement of the automatic transmission.005.57Trash Container. When used, the trash container shall be secured by a holding device. It shall be installed in an accessible location in the driver's compartment, not obstructing passenger use of the service door.005.58Turning Radius. 005.58A Chassis with a wheel base of 264 inches or less shall have a right and left turn radius of not more than 421/2 feet, curb to curb measurement.005.58B Chassis with a wheelbase of 265 inches or more shall have a right and left turning radius of not more than 441/2 feet, curb to curb measurement.005.59Undercoating. The chassis manufacturer or their agent shall coat the undersides of the bus from the firewall to the back of the bus. Any undercoating compound must meet or exceed all performance and qualitative requirements of SAE J1959, Sept. 2003 Edition of the Standard. 005.59A Undercoating material shall be applied with suitable airless or conventional spray equipment to recommended film thickness and shall show no evidence of voids in cured film.005.59B The undercoating material shall not cover any exhaust components of the chassis. 005.60Ventilation. 005.60A Body shall be equipped with suitable, controlled ventilating system of sufficient capacity to maintain proper quantity of air flow under operating conditions without opening of windows except in extremely warm weather.005.60B Static-type non-closable exhaust roof ventilator shall be installed in low-pressure area of roof.005.60C Roof hatches designed to provide ventilation in all types of weather conditions may be provided.005.60D Auxiliary fans shall meet the following requirements: 005.60D1 Fans for the left and right sides shall be placed in a location where they can be adjusted to maximum effectiveness. 005.60D2 Fans shall be in a location where they do not obstruct vision to any mirror. Type A buses may be equipped with one fan. 005.60D3 These fans shall be a nominal six-inch diameter. 005.60D4 Fan blades shall be covered with a protective cage. Each fan shall be controlled by a separate switch.005.61Wheel Housings. 005.61A Wheel house openings shall allow for tire removal and service.005.61B Wheel housings shall be attached to floor sheets in such manner as to prevent any dust, fumes or water from entering the body. Wheel housings shall be constructed of at least 16-guage steel.005.61C Inside height of wheel housings above floor line shall not exceed 12 inches.005.61D Wheel housings shall provide clearance for installation and use of tire chains on single and dual (if so equipped) power-driving wheels.005.61E No part of a raised wheel housing shall extend into the emergency door opening.005.62Windows. Each full side window, other than emergency exits designated to comply with FMVSS No. 217, Bus Emergency Exits and Window Retention and Release, shall provide an unobstructed opening at least 9 inches high but not more than 13 inches high and at least 22 inches wide, obtained by lowering of the window. One side window on each side of the bus may be less than 22 inches wide. Windshields shall comply with federal, state, and local laws and regulations.005.63Windshield Washers. A windshield washer system which conforms to FMVSS Standard 104, Windshield Wiping and Washing Systems, shall be provided. 005.64Windshield Wipers. A two-speed or variable speed windshield wiping system, with an intermittent feature, which meet the requirements of FMVSS No. 104, Windshield Wiping and Washing Systems, shall be provided and shall be operated by a single switch.92 Neb. Admin. Code, ch. 92, § 005
Amended effective 7/1/2019