N.J. Admin. Code § 6A:27-7.13

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

Section 6A:27-7.13 - School bus sensor system

(a) The following words and terms shall have the following meanings when used in this section, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

"School bus" means as set forth in N.J.S.A. 39:1-1.

"Sensor system" means a system utilizing technology such as, but not limited to, radar, video, sound, or infrared technology that shall be capable of detecting the presence of a person(s) or object(s) as measured by the placement of a 12-inch high by 12-inch diameter cylinder within a minimum area defined as follows:

1. For vehicles with a GVWR of 10,000 pounds or less, five feet laterally to each side and extending 10 feet frontward from the center of the vehicle's front bumper, and five feet laterally to each side and extending 10 feet rearward from the center of the vehicle's rear bumper; or

2. For vehicles with a GVWR over 10,000 pounds, 10 feet laterally to each side and extending 10 feet frontward from the center of the vehicle's front bumper, and 10 feet laterally to each side and extending 10 feet rearward from the center of the vehicle's rear bumper.

(b) Every school bus, as defined in this section, manufactured after April 16, 2018, shall be equipped with a sensor system as defined in this section.

1. This subsection shall not be construed to prohibit the equipping of a school bus with a sensor system to determine the presence of a person(s) or object(s) in the side areas of the school bus, in addition to the front and rear of the bus.

(c) The sensor system shall include an audible and visual alert signal placed in the driver's compartment to alert the driver when a person(s) or object(s) is detected within the sensor's designated area or a video monitor placed in the driver's compartment relaying the image of the sensor's designated area.

1. The audible alert signal for the sensor shall be a sound that is distinctive from all other audible alert signals on the bus.

2. The alert signal shall identify for the driver the location near the vehicle in which the person(s) or object(s) is detected, except when a video monitor is used.

(d) The rear sensor system shall activate only and always with the engagement of reverse gear and shall deactivate when the reverse gear is disengaged.

(e) The front sensor system shall activate in any gear other than reverse gear every time any passenger entrance door opens. The front sensor system shall deactivate :

1. With the engagement of reverse gear ; and

2. When in any gear other than reverse, after all passenger doors are closed and:

i. The* vehicle has reached a speed of 10 miles per hour; or

ii. Ten seconds have elapsed after closure of the passenger door(s).

N.J. Admin. Code § 6A:27-7.13

Adopted by 49 N.J.R. 3429(b), effective 10/16/2017

Administrative Change, 49 N.J.R. 3505(a).