1. (1) When examining a school bus, the inspector shall:

   1. (a) check the front and rear loading lights for proper operation and condition; and

      1. (i) advise the owner when any lens is cracked or broken; and
      2. (ii) issue a rejection inspection certificate when any amber or red loading light on the front or rear fail to operate;

   2. (b) check each stop arm for proper operation; and

      1. (i) advise the owner when there is an air leak from the bellows; and

      2. (ii) issue a rejection inspection certificate when:

         1. (A) the stop arm fails to extend or retract; or
         2. (B) more than 50% of the stop arm lights are inoperative;

   3. (c) visually check the convex cross view mirror for a clear view of the front bumper and area in front of the bus from the driver's position, and inspect for stable mounting, cracks, and sharp edges; and

      1. (i) issue a rejection inspection certificate when:

         1. (A) the exterior cross view mirror is missing;
         2. (B) the mirror will not maintain a set position; or
         3. (C) the mirror is cracked, broken, has sharp edges, is pitted or clouded to the extent vision is obscured;

   4. (d) check emergency exit windows for proper operation; and

      1. (i) advise the owner when the emergency exit window warning device does not operate, if equipped; and

      2. (ii) issue a rejection inspection certificate when:

         1. (A) an emergency exit window does not open freely or completely; or
         2. (B) an emergency exit window is obstructed;

   5. (e) check emergency exit doors for proper operation; and

      1. (i) issue a rejection inspection certificate when:

         1. (A) the emergency exit door warning device does not operate, if equipped;
         2. (B) the emergency exit door does not open freely or completely;
         3. (C) the emergency exit door is obstructed, including when the retractable seat bottom does not automatically retract and stay in the retracted position; or
         4. (D) any emergency exit door is equipped with a padlock or non-OEM locking device, not including an interlock system;

   6. (f) check tire load rating; and

      1. (i) issue a rejection inspection certificate when the tire load rating is less than the required tire load rating on bus data plate;

   7. (g) check the fire extinguisher, aisle clearance, handrails and seat or barriers; and

      1. (i) issue a rejection inspection certificate when:

         1. (A) the fire extinguisher has been discharged or is missing;
         2. (B) the aisle is not clear of obstructions or the center aisle strip is missing or not secured;
         3. (C) the left side handrail is missing, has a portion of the handrail that is completely unattached from its securement position, or if it does not meet OEM specifications;
         4. (D) any seat cushion or seat assembly is completely unattached from the structure that secures it;
         5. (E) any seat or barrier material is defective so that it compromises the integrity of occupant protection and compartmentalization;
         6. (F) the driver's seat fails to adjust or hold proper adjustment; or
         7. (G) any part of the driver's safety restraint assembly is missing, not properly installed, or is so defective as to prevent proper securement;

   8. (h) check the step well, floors, and panels; and

      1. (i) issue a rejection inspection certificate when:

         1. (A) any part of the step well or support structure is damaged;
         2. (B) there is a step well condition that would present a tripping hazard;
         3. (C) the floor pan or inner panels have excessive perforated areas or openings sufficient to cause a hazard to an occupant; or
         4. (D) any panel, such as ceiling, side, or wheel well, protrudes, has sharp edges, or is not secured, to the point that may cause injuries; and
      2. (i) check body exterior; and

      3. (i) issue a rejection inspection certificate when:

         1. (A) any school bus body part is loose, torn, dislocated, or protruding from the surface of the bus and creates a hazard; or
         2. (B) a school bus is any color other than school-bus yellow.

KEY: motor vehicle safety, safety inspection manual

Date of Last Change: July 18, 2017

Notice of Continuation: April 29, 2026

Authorizing, and Implemented or Interpreted Law: 53-8-204; 53-8-205; 41-6a-1601