Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 25, June 22, 2024
Section 171.44 - Bumper, rear(a)Construction. The rear bumper shall be: (1) Of pressed steel channel or an equivalent material which complies with 49 CFR 581 (relating to bumper standard). See Appendix A.(2) At least 3/16 inch thick.(3) A minimum of 8 inches wide (high) on Type A school buses.(4) A minimum of 9 1/2 inches wide (high) on Types B, C and D school buses.(5) Of sufficient strength to permit pushing by another vehicle without permanent distortion.(b)Placement. The rear bumper shall be wrapped around the back corners of the school bus. It shall extend forward at least 12 inches, measured from the rear-most point of the body at the floor line.(c)Attachment. The rear bumper shall be attached to the chassis frame in such a manner that it may be easily removed, shall be so braced as to develop the full strength of the bumper section from rear or side impact and shall be so attached as to prevent hitching of rides.(d)Extension. The rear bumper shall extend at least 1 inch beyond the rear-most part of the body surface measured at the floor line. Type A school buses are exempt from this subsection.(e)Exception. Bumpers on Type A school buses may be as specified by the manufacturer.(f)Energy absorbing. If a school bus is equipped with an energy absorbing rear bumper, the bumper shall comply with the requirements of this section and 49 CFR 581.(g)Tow eyes or hooks. Tow eyes or hooks, if installed on a school bus, shall be attached to the chassis frame at the front or rear of the school bus and attached so they do not extend beyond the front or rear bumper. Installation shall be in accordance with the chassis manufacturer's specification.The provisions of this § 171.44 adopted August 19, 1983, effective 8/20/1983, 13 Pa.B. 2561; readopted December 4, 1987, effective 12/5/1987, 17 Pa.B. 5052; amended September 13, 1996, effective 9/14/1996, 26 Pa.B. 4411.The provisions of this § 171.44 amended under the Vehicle Code, 75 Pa.C.S. §§ 4103, 4551-4553 and 6103.