Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 37, September 14, 2024
Section 171.103 - Special service entrance(a)General. A special service entrance may be constructed to accommodate a wheelchair lift for the loading and unloading of passengers.(b)Requirements for school buses. The following apply to the special service entrance on school buses:(1) The special service entrance shall be located at a convenient point on the right-curb side-of the school bus and far enough to the rear to prevent the door, when open, from obstructing the right front service door-excluding a regular front service door lift.(2) The opening may extend below the floor through the bottom of the body skirt. If such an opening is used, reinforcements shall be installed at the front and rear of the floor opening to support the floor and provide the same strength as other floor openings.(3) With doors open, the minimum clear opening shall be 30 inches in width.(4) A drip moulding shall be installed above the opening to effectively divert water from the entrance.(5) The entrance shall be of sufficient width and depth to accommodate various mechanical lifts and related accessories as well as the lifting platform.(6) Door posts and headers from the entrance shall be reinforced sufficiently to provide support and strength equivalent to the areas of the side of the school bus not used for service doors.(c)Requirements for school vehicles. The following apply to the special service entrance on school vehicles:(1) The special service entrance shall be located at a convenient point to the right-curb side or to the rear of the school vehicle.(2) With doors open, the minimum clear opening shall be 30 inches in width.(3) A drip molding shall be installed above the opening to effectively divert water from the entrance.(4) The entrance shall be of sufficient width and depth to accommodate the mechanical lift and related accessories as well as the lifting platform.(5) Door posts and headers from the entrance shall be reinforced sufficiently to provide support and strength equivalent to original manufacture.The provisions of this §171.103 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 May 20, 2005, effective 5/21/2005, 35 Pa.B. 3039.The provisions of this §171.103 amended under the Vehicle Code, 75 Pa.C.S. §§ 4551-4553 and 6103.