Ill. Admin. Code tit. 92, § 456.95 – Violation Criteria for Religious Organization Buses and Buses Registered as Charitable Vehicles

a) Axles and Tag Axles:
1. 1) OUT-OF-SERVICE − not firmly attached; cracked; broken; wheel seals leaking grease; tag axle not operating properly; air leak.
2. 2) WARNING − pinion seal leaking.
b) Brakes:
1. 1) OUT-OF-SERVICE – any problem found with the service brake system; any problem found with emergency brake system (other than indicator light).
2. 2) WARNING – emergency brake indicator light does not function.
3. c) Bumpers (Front and Rear):
  OUT-OF-SERVICE – missing; loose; broken; protruding components.
4. d) Certificate of Safety:
  OUT-OF-SERVICE – missing; expired; voided; incorrect type of Certificate of Safety.
5. e) Doors (Interior and Exterior):
  1. 1) OUT-OF-SERVICE − fails to open or close properly; fails to latch; hinges broken; door handles missing.
  2. 2) WARNING − seals damaged or missing; damage that prevents proper sealing.
6. f) Emergency Exits:
  1. 1) OUT-OF-SERVICE – obstructed; does not comply with required number or size of exits (refer to 92 Ill. Adm. Code 448); latch or hinges broken; does not open or close properly; missing components; child passenger restraint system (i.e., car seat) is located on the bench seat next to a designated emergency exit window (does not include a factory-installed built-in child restraint system).
  2. 2) WARNING – binding; does not seal properly; damage that prevents proper sealing.
7. g) Exhaust System:
  OUT-OF-SERVICE – any leaks in system into or under passenger compartment; broken; disconnected; not securely attached.
8. h) Fenders:
  OUT-OF-SERVICE – protruding components; not securely attached; missing.
9. i) Fire Extinguisher:
  1. 1) OUT-OF-SERVICE – not fully charged; missing.
  2. 2) WARNING – seal is broken; not mounted in readily accessible location; not labeled if in compartment; improper rating; overcharged.
    AGENCY NOTE: 10 BC is proper rating for fire extinguisher.
10. j) Floor, Floor Covering, Firewall, Occupant Compartment, and Engine Cover:
  1. 1) OUT-OF-SERVICE − holes in floorboard; sagging; broken; not firmly attached.
  2. 2) WARNING – torn covering; defective boots; engine cover does not latch or seal properly.
11. k) Frame and Body:
  1. 1) Frame:
    OUT-OF-SERVICE – broken; cracked; rusted through; structurally unsafe; sagging; improper welds.
  2. 2) Body (Interior and Exterior):
    1. A) OUT-OF-SERVICE − damage that is detrimental to the safe operation of the vehicle; body tie downs loose or missing; holes penetrating interior of the vehicle.
    2. B) WARNING – holes not penetrating interior of the vehicle; any other component loose, missing or broken.
12. l) Fuel Storage and Delivery System:
  OUT-OF-SERVICE – fuel tank is leaking or loose; fuel lines are loose, leaking, sagging, rubbing, chaffing, cracked or broken; fuel cap is missing.
13. m) Hood:
  OUT-OF-SERVICE – missing; broken; does not open; defective latches or hinges.
14. n) Horn (Interior and Exterior):
  OUT-OF-SERVICE – missing; defective; not audible.
15. o) Lettering (Interior and Exterior):
  WARNING – signs or words "SCHOOL BUS" are present; emergency exits are not labeled (if required); operating instructions are not present on emergency exits (if required); "NO STANDEES" not present (if required) (refer to 92 Ill. Adm. Code 448).
16. p) Lights/Lamps (Interior and Exterior):
17. 1) Backup:
  1. A) 3-DAY – both lights do not function.
  2. B) WARNING – one light does not function; improper color; broken lens or other component.
18. 2) Flashing 8-light System:
  1. 3) Headlights:
    1. A) OUT-OF-SERVICE – missing; do not function; not securely mounted.
    2. B) WARNING – cracked lens on replaceable light source; improper color; defective dimmer switch.
  2. 4) License Plate:
    WARNING – missing; does not function; improper color; broken lens or other component.
  3. 5) Parking:
    WARNING – missing; do not function; improper color; broken lens or other component.
  WARNING − if present, not made inoperable.
19. 6) Sidemarker:
  1. 7) Stop/Brake:
    1. A) OUT-OF-SERVICE – missing; do not function properly; broken lens; improper color.
    2. B) WARNING – improper color; cracked lens.
  WARNING – missing; do not function; improper color; broken lens or other component.
20. 8) Strobe:
  1. 9) Tail:
    1. A) OUT-OF-SERVICE – missing; do not function properly; broken lens; improper color.
    2. B) WARNING – cracked lens.
  2. 10) Turn Signal (Interior and Exterior):
    1. A) OUT-OF-SERVICE – missing; do not function properly; driver activation lever defective or missing; broken lens; improper color.
    2. B) WARNING – cracked lens.
  3. 11) Unison Flashing Amber "4-light" Warning System (allowed on Religious Organization Buses only):
    WARNING – improper color; system flashes alternately; indicator light does not function in driver's compartment; not made inoperative if vehicle is not a Religious Organization Bus; school bus "8-light" system is present.
  4. q) Mirrors (Interior and Exterior):
    1. 1) OUT-OF-SERVICE – missing (if required); shattered.
    2. 2) WARNING – cracked; pitted; clouded; loose or broken mounting; incorrect size; incorrect location; obstructed.
  5. r) Paint Requirements:
    WARNING – vehicle is painted national school bus glossy yellow.
  6. s) Pedals (Accelerator, Service Brake, Clutch, Emergency/Parking Brake):
    1. 1) OUT-OF-SERVICE – missing; damaged; pedal extensions are not from a manufacturer.
    2. 2) 3-DAY − rubber cover or non-skid material is missing.
  7. t) Reflectors and Reflective Tape:
    WARNING – missing; damaged; wrong color; not properly located (refer to 92 Ill. Adm. Code 448).
  8. u) Seat, Driver's:
  9. 1) OUT-OF-SERVICE – broken; loose; missing.
  10. 2) WARNING – damaged seat covering; not adjustable.
  WARNING − strobe lamp is present (only allowed on school buses).
v) Seats, Passenger:
1) OUT-OF-SERVICE – seat or frame loose or broken.
1. 2) WARNING – damaged seat covering; loose seat cushion.
w) Seat Belt (Driver's):
1. 1) OUT-OF-SERVICE – missing; broken; improper mounting; buckle does not operate properly.
2. 2) WARNING – driver's retractor does not operate properly; driver's seat belt is on the floor.
x) Seat Belts (Passenger):
OUT-OF-SERVICE – missing (if required, see AGENCY NOTE); broken; improper mounting; buckle does not operate properly.
AGENCY NOTE: Each bus shall be equiped with a retractable lap belt assembly for the driver's seat. A shoulder harness is optional. FMVSS require passenger safety belts on any bus that has a GVWR of 10,000 lbs. or less. Passenger safety belts are optional on any bus that has a GVWR of more than 10,000 lbs. (See 49 CFR 571.210 (October 1, 2013).)
y) School Bus Identification:
1. z) Steering System:
  1. 1) Exterior:
    OUT-OF-SERVICE – linkage components are bent; binding; jamming; welded repairs; loose; insecurely mounted; missing. Steering components are loose or leaking; belts are frayed or cracked; loose, missing or inoperative power or power assist unit; reservoir is low or empty.
  2. 2) Interior:
    OUT-OF-SERVICE – column support bracket is loose or missing; excessive up and down movement in steering shaft; excessive damage to steering wheel; spokes are missing; lash exceeds acceptable limits.
WARNING − any of the following are present: "SCHOOL BUS" lettering; "school bus yellow" paint; flashing 8-light system; stop signal arm panel; strobe light.
aa) Steps, Entrance:
1. 1) OUT-OF-SERVICE − broken; rusted through.
  1. 2) WARNING − sagging; obstructed (i.e., any item that is blocking or partially blocking the steps).
  2. bb) Stop Signal Arm Panel:
    WARNING – present (allowed on school buses only).
  3. cc) Suspension:
    1. 1) Shocks:
      1. A) OUT-OF-SERVICE – broken; missing; broken or loose mounts.
      2. B) WARNING – leakage.
    2. 2) Springs and Spring Components:
      OUT-OF-SERVICE – any missing, broken, cracked, damaged, or loose spring or spring component.
    3. 3) Air
      OUT-OF-SERVICE − damaged; leaking air; not properly attached; not sitting level; rubbing on any part of the frame or body.
  4. dd) Warning Devices:
  5. 1) OUT-OF-SERVICE – missing.
    1. 2) WARNING – incomplete set; reflectors are cracked or broken; flags are ripped or torn; emergency triangles are not operational; not securely stored; not readily accessible.
  6. ee) Wheels:
  7. 1) Wheel Housing:
    1. 2) Rim:
      OUT-OF-SERVICE – cracked; broken; elongated holes; defective welds; missing or broken lugs or lug nuts; lock ring damaged; bent.
    2. 3) Tires:
      1. A) Steering axle:
        i) OUT-OF-SERVICE – regrooved, recapped, retreaded; restricting markings are present; insufficient tread depth at any measured point of a major tread groove (less than 4/32); broken or cut cord; any sign of carcass failure; tires are not same construction; regular and mud/snow tread are mixed; radial and bias ply tires are used incorrectly; bias tube installed on radial; valve stem is damaged.
        ii) WARNING – flat tire.
      2. B) Drive axle:
        i) OUT-OF-SERVICE – missing; insufficient tread depth at any measured point of a major tread groove (less than 2/32); broken or cut cord.
        ii) 3-DAY – radial and bias ply tires are used incorrectly; regular and mud/snow tread are improperly mixed on same axle; tire exceeds diameter of its mate; regrooved or recut on tire not labeled "regroovable"; bias tube installed on radial; damaged valve stem; flat tire on dual wheel axle.
        iii) WARNING – flat tire on single wheel axle.
    OUT-OF-SERVICE − tire rubs against any portion of body, chassis, bumper; not firmly attached; holes are present.
  8. ff) Window Glazing:
  9. 1) Emergency Exits:
    1. A) OUT-OF-SERVICE − missing; shattered; any sharp edge that could inflict cuts to the skin.
    2. B) WARNING − improper "AS" rating; incorrect glazing material; any crack to glazing; visibility obstructed.
2. 2) Service Door Windows:
  1. A) OUT-OF-SERVICE − missing; shattered; any sharp edge that could inflict cuts to the skin; visibility obstructed.
  2. B) WARNING − improper "AS" rating; incorrect glazing material; any crack to glazing.
3. 3) Side Windows:
  1. A) OUT-OF-SERVICE − missing; shattered; any sharp edge that could inflict cuts to the skin; visibility obstructed in driver's side window.
  2. B) WARNING − improper "AS" rating; incorrect glazing material; any crack to glazing; visibility obstructed other than to driver's side window.
4. 4) Windshield:
  1. A) OUT-OF-SERVICE − missing; shattered; not firmly sealed or attached; any crack more than 6 inches in length in the area swept by the windshield wiper blade; any "starchip" measuring more than 1 inch in diameter in the area swept by the windshield wiper blade; driver's visibility obstructed; any sharp edge that could inflict cuts to the skin.
  2. B) WARNING − any crack more than 6 inches in length outside the area swept by the windshield wiper blade; any "starchip" more than 1 inch in diameter outside the area swept by the windshield wiper blade; discoloration more than 3 inches up from the bottom or more than 1 inch down from the top or in more than 1 inch from the left or right side (except tinting that is allowed by 625 ILCS 5/12-503).
  3. gg) Windshield Washer:
    WARNING – does not operate properly; no fluid; broken; missing components.
  4. hh) Windshield Wipers:
    1. 1) OUT-OF-SERVICE – wipers do not operate properly; broken blades or arms; driver activation knob is missing.
    2. 2) WARNING – does not cover entire cleaning area; rubber blades are damaged; does not park properly.
  5. ii) Wiring (Interior, Exterior, and Engine Compartment) and Insulation:
    WARNING – broken; not on proper circuit; frayed; not securely attached; missing.

The following components will be inspected during a nonscheduled inspection. A violation of one component may only necessitate a warning while other components may require a 3-day notice or cause the vehicle to be declared out-of-service. Certain components have criteria listed in more than one penalty category, depending on the degree of the specific violation. If any criteria listed in this Section exists, the corresponding penalty will be issued.

(Source: Amended at 38 Ill. Reg. 12941, effective June 4, 2014)