N.J. Admin. Code § 16:53-1.9

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 21, November 4, 2024

Section 16:53-1.9 - Seating

(a) A transverse and longitudinal seat space of not less than 15 inches shall be provided for each passenger on seats having multiple seating positions. Single seats shall provide a transverse seat space of not less than 19 inches and a longitudinal seat space of not less than 15 inches.

(b) Seats shall be of substantial construction, and securely mounted to the floor and/or sides. Perimeter seating is permitted when two stanchions are provided evenly spaced on each side of the aisle.

(c) Seats shall have kneeroom of not less than seven inches.

(d) A minimum of 35 inches of headroom measured from the top of the seat cushion to the ceiling shall be provided.

(e) Portable seats and seats not securely and permanently mounted to the floor are prohibited.

(f) The front seat shall not be occupied by more than one passenger, exclusive of the driver, provided that vehicle construction so allows.

(g) The total number of passengers shall not exceed the capacity of the van-type autobus as specified by the manufacturer or the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission's rated seating capacity as designated on the Commission's certificate of compliance.

(h) Wheelchair positions shall conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208, 209, and 210 ( 49 CFR § 571.208, § 571.209, and § 571.210 ), incorporated herein by reference, as amended and supplemented.

(i) Wheelchair positions may be rear or forward-facing. Wheelchair positions in van-type autobuses that are used to transport students to and from school or school-connected activities shall be forward-facing.

N.J. Admin. Code § 16:53-1.9

As amended, R.1983 d.110, effective 5/2/1983.
See: 14 N.J.R. 1347(a), 15 N.J.R. 694(b).
(d): "36" to "35". (h): deleted "Seat areas" and add "Bench type ... arm rests". Added (i).
Amended by R.2002 d.295, effective 9/3/2002.
See: 34 N.J.R. 1327(b), 34 N.J.R. 3099(a).
Rewrote (a); in (g), substituted "van-type autobus" for "vehicle"; rewrote (h) and (i).
Amended by R.2008 d.49, effective 3/3/2008.
See: 39 N.J.R. 3889(a), 40 N.J.R. 1357(b).
In (e), deleted a comma following "Portable seats"; in (g), substituted "Motor Vehicle Commission's" for "Department of Transportation's" and "Commission's" for "Department's"; and in (i), deleted ", longitudinal, diagonal," following "rear".