N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. tit. 17 § 720.3

Current through Register Vol. 46, No. 50, December 11, 2024

Section 720.3 - Motor vehicle identification and markings

(a) General requirements (all vehicles).

(1) Display of certificate. A valid certificate of registration and proof of inspection shall be carried on each motor vehicle subject to the department's inspection requirements of this Part at all times while transporting passengers.

(2) Display of operator name. The exact name of the operator shall be conspicuously lettered on each longitudinal side of the exterior of the vehicle, in letters at least three inches high. Such name and designation shall be as nearly horizontal in form as practicable. If a trade or other name also appears on the vehicle, the exact name of the operator shall be followed by the words OPERATOR or OPERATED BY.

(3) Display of operator number. An identifying number unique to that operator's vehicle shall be conspicuously lettered on the exterior front, the exterior rear, each exterior side and the interior front of every vehicle. The identifying numbers on the exterior shall be at least three inches high and the identifying number on the interior shall be at least two inches high.

(4) Partial use vehicle. In lieu of complying with paragraphs (2) and (3) of this subdivision, the operator of a motor vehicle, which is not operated exclusively in passenger transportation services for which inspection is required, may carry, within such motor vehicle, written evidence of the name or names and identifying number otherwise subject to prominent display. Such written evidence of the name or names and identifying number shall be available for examination at all times while such motor vehicle is being operated in such passenger transportation services; provided, however, that when such vehicle is being operated in passenger transportation services subject to the inspection requirements of this Part, such motor vehicle shall bear, on each exterior side, a magnetic or other removable sign stating the exact name of the operator in at least three inches high If a trade or other name also appears on the vehicle, the exact name of the operator shall be followed by the words OPERATOR or OPERATED BY.

(5) Hydrocarbon gas vehicles. Vehicles using hydrocarbon gas for primary or secondary power must meet the identification requirements of the regulations of the Department of Motor Vehicles (15 NYCRR Part 70).

(6) Repealed

(7) Universal disabled symbol. The universal disabled symbol shall be conspicuously displayed on the exterior of every vehicle equipped with a wheelchair lift which transports children with disabilities. (See section 720.8[b][6]of this Part.) The symbol shall be placed on the rear of the vehicle.

(8) Lettering of capacity. The maximum seating and standing capacities of a bus shall be lettered near the floor line of the vehicle adjacent to the entrance door in easily discernible figures not less than 11/2 inches high depicting adult capacity and child capacity. While adult capacity shall always be listed, child capacity shall be depicted only if the bus is used to transport children in school service.

(9) Destination signs. Each bus with a maximum gross vehicle weight rating of 18,001 lbs. or more, used in city service or intercity service, shall have an illuminated sign on the front of the bus that clearly displays its destination or type of service. Such sign shall be so designed and located as to be visible at all times at lest 100 feet forward from the front of the bus.

(10) Route signs. Each bus operated in city service, where more than two routes are operated, shall display a number, symbol or letter to distinctly indicate the specific route or destination.

(b) School vehicles with capacity of eight or more passengers.

(1) School vehicle signs. Pursuant to the section 375 of the Vehicle and Traffic Law, every vehicle having a seating capacity of eight or more passengers, when used exclusively to transport pupils, teachers and other persons acting in a supervisory capacity to and from school or school activities, or to transport children, instructors or other persons acting in a supervisory capacity to and from child care centers maintained for migrant farm and food processing laborers or to transport children, instructors or other persons acting in a supervisory capacity to and from camp or camp activities, or to transport children, instructors or other persons acting in a supervisory capacity to and from religious service or instruction shall be equipped with one sign on the front and sign on the rear, bearing the inscription SCHOOL BUS. Such sign must comply with the following:

(i) The letters of such signs shall be uniform capital block letters, not less than eight inches in height and each stroke of each letter shall be not less than one inch in width.

(ii) The letters of such sign must be black and the background of each such sign shall be the color known pursuant to industry standards as school bus yellow or national school bus chrome.

(iii) Signs may be painted on the vehicle, provided they comply with all the specifications contained in this Part.

(iv) Aftermarket signs attached to the vehicle must comply with all the lettering requirements for a school bus sign and the width of any such sign shall not be more than 60 inches.

(v) The sign on the front of each such vehicle shall be mounted in such a manner that it shall not obstruct the vision of the driver of the vehicle and with the bottom of the sign no lower than the top of the windshield. The sign on the rear of each such vehicle shall be mounted in such a manner that the bottom thereof shall not obstruct any rear window of such vehicle.

(vi) On school vehicles with a seating capacity of 15 passengers or less, such signs may consist of one two-faced sign, facing both front and rear, mounted on the top of the vehicle, in approximately the center of the roof. Any such optionally installed sign must comply with this Part.

(vii) Any sign shall be mounted in such a manner that it will not interfere with the visibility of the flashing red signal lamps mounted on such vehicle.

(viii) Each such sign must be visible and readable from a point at least 200 feet distant.

(ix) In the event that any such vehicle is operated on a public highway during the period between one-half hour after sunset and one-half hour before sunrise, each such sign must be illuminated so as to be visible from a point at least 500 feet distant.

(x) Each such sign must be installed in such a manner that the faces of the sign does not deviate more than 10 degrees from vertical.

(xi) Such signs may be placed either on the outside of the vehicle or incorporated into an illuminated sign box built into the vehicle.

(xii) When illumination of such signs is required, the signs may be illuminated from in front of the sign, or, if the background of the sign is translucent, then the light may be placed behind the sign. In any event, the sign must comply with the requirements as to color and size of letters and background.

(xiii) When required, sign illumination must be continuous and uniform. School Bus signs shall be displayed only when the vehicle is engaged exclusively in the transportation of pupils, teachers and other persons acting in a supervisory capacity to and from School or school activities. When the vehicle is not so engaged, such signs must be covered or removed. Such signs shall not be displayed or used when the vehicle is engaged in charter operations not related to school or school activities.

(xiv) Under no circumstances shall signs made of reflective material be substituted for or applied to the required illuminated School Bus signs.

(2) Telephone number. All school buses purchased, leased or acquired on or after September 1, 1997, shall have the telephone number, including the area code, of the owner and/or operator printed in three inch bold type on the rear of such vehicle to the extent practical. Other school buses may have such information on the rear of the bus if so desired by the operator.

(c) Exceptions. Vehicles which do not receive or discharge passengers on or along the public highways. Such vehicles may be exempt from the requirements of subdivision (b) of this section provided that the operator of such vehicle certifies to the department in writing that the vehicle does not receive or discharge passengers on or along any public highway. Such certification shall be provided to and shall only be approved by an authorized department representative if the intended use of such a vehicle is not inconsistent with the provisions of the National Traffic Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1974 with respect to the use of new vans with a seating capacity of more than 10 persons, including the driver, for school transportation.

(d) Signs and placards. Any motor vehicle having a seating capacity of more than seven passengers and whose primary use is to transport pupil(s) and teachers to and from school shall not be mounted with or have installed thereon any sign, placard, or other display except as permitted by law. The provisions of this subdivision shall not apply to such motor vehicles operating in a city with a population of one million or more.

N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. Tit. 17 § 720.3

Amended, New York State Register September 5, 2018/Volume XL, Issue 36, eff.9/5/2018

Amended New York State Register December 21, 2022/Volume XLIV, Issue 51, eff. 12/21/2022