1. A. Vehicles

   1. 1. The licensee shall ensure that each vehicle used for the transportation of a child in care:

      1. a. Is mechanically sound and in good repair;
      2. b. Has heating and air conditioning units that work efficiently;
      3. c. Has documentation of regular, routine maintenance and repairs;
      4. d. Conforms to applicable motor vehicle laws;
      5. e. Carries first aid supplies;
      6. f. Carries emergency roadside supplies;
      7. g. Has equipment appropriate to the terrain and the weather; and
      8. h. Has current registration and insurance.
   2. 2. The licensee shall not allow the number of individuals in a vehicle used to transport a child in care to exceed the number of available seats and seat belts in a vehicle other than a bus. If the vehicle is a bus, the licensee shall not exceed the maximum stated occupancy on the bus inspection certificate.
   3. 3. The licensee serving a non-ambulatory child in care or a child with a disability shall provide access to transportation that accommodates the child’s special needs and disability.

2. B. Car Seats and Seat Belts

   1. 1. The licensee shall keep the correct number and type of child car seats at the facility appropriate for the ages of the children in their facility.
   2. 2. The licensee shall ensure that each car seat is properly installed prior to transporting any child requiring a car seat in accordance with state law.
   3. 3. The licensee shall ensure that each vehicle, except for a bus, used to transport a child has passenger safety restraints available and will utilize the safety restraints according to state and federal law.
   4. 4. The licensee shall ensure each child with a disability that prevents the child from maintaining head and trunk control while sitting is secured in a car bed, harness, or other device designed to protect the child during transportation.
   5. 5. The licensee shall ensure when a child is transported in a wheelchair, the child is properly secured with a floor-mounted seat belt, and the wheelchair is properly immobilized using lock-down devices.
3. C. The licensee shall not transport a child in a truck bed, cargo area, camper, or in a trailer attached to a motor vehicle.

Historical Note

New Section made by final rulemaking at 29 A.A.R. 2231 (September 29, 2023), effective November 6, 2023 (Supp. 23-3).