R13-13-108. Inspection, Maintenance, and Alterations

A. A school bus shall be inspected by the Department before the school bus is introduced into Arizona to transport passengers. 1. After inspecting a school bus, the Department shall place a decal that contains a number used by the Department to identify the school bus above the school bus driver’s side window in the driver’s compartment. This decal shall not be removed from the school bus while it is operated in Arizona except by the Department. Before the school bus is transferred or retired from service, the school bus owner shall contact the Department to have this decal removed. 2. If the Department finds that no major defect exists on a school bus, the Department shall place a safety inspection decal that contains the month and year of inspection on the right side of the centerline of the windshield of the school bus in a position that does not interfere with the school bus driver’s line of vision. 3. If the Department finds a major defect on the school bus, the Department shall place the school bus out of service. Before the school bus may be placed back into service, the Department shall reinspect the school bus to determine that the major defect has been corrected. If the major defect has been corrected, the Department shall place a safety inspection decal on the school bus in accordance with subsection (A)(2). 4. If the Department finds a minor defect on a school bus, the Department shall issue an inspection order, but the school bus may be operated to transport passengers while the minor defect is being corrected. A copy of the inspection order shall be returned to the Department within 15 working days from the date of inspection and shall show that the minor defect has been corrected unless, in accordance with the provisions of subsection (A)(5), the school bus owner obtains an extension of time to correct the minor defect. 5. Upon receipt of a written request from the school bus owner, the Department shall grant one or more extensions of time to correct a minor defect if: a. The school bus owner submits to the Department written documentation that the: i. School bus owner’s action or inaction did not cause or contribute to the delay in completing the repair; ii. School bus owner has secured a written estimated expedited delivery or completion date from the provider of the materials or services required to complete the repair; and iii. School bus owner made reasonable attempts to secure the materials or services, or materials or services of equivalent quality, at a substantially similar price from alternate sources; and b. The Department determines that an extension of time to correct the minor defect will not increase the probability of an accident involving the school bus or passengers or the risk of injury to the school bus driver or passengers. 6. Each extension of time shall be for 60 days or less. The Department shall determine the length of each extension of time after giving consideration to the information provided under subsection (A)(5)(a). When the minor defect is corrected, the school bus owner shall return to the Department a copy of the inspection order issued by the Department. 7. If a minor defect on a school bus is not corrected within 15 working days or at the end of an extension period, if applicable, the Department shall remove the safety inspection decal and the school bus shall be placed out of service until further inspection by the Department shows that the minor defect is corrected. B. The Department shall use the following criteria to determine whether a major or minor defect is present on a school bus introduced into Arizona on or after May 31, 2008. For a school bus introduced into Arizona before May 31, 2008, the Department shall determine whether the school bus is in an unsafe condition by using the following criteria or if the item does not comply with the criteria due to its original design, the Department shall determine if the school bus is in an unsafe condition by determining if the school bus is maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s original design specifications for the specific make and model of school bus. INSPECTION ITEM MAJOR DEFECT MINOR DEFECT Air conditioning system, if installed Missing hose covers or trim panels Missing air conditioning louvres Loose or missing air conditioning mounting fasteners Refrigerant leaks from evaporators or hoses in the interior of the bus Broken compressor brackets Broken mounting bolts Electrical wiring hanging out of evaporator covers Missing evaporator covers Missing air diffusers Evaporators not secured to ceiling or bulkhead Broken or loose evaporator covers Unsecured refrigerant hoses Loose, missing or severely cracked belts Alarm, back-up, if installed Low volume Not working Auxiliary fan, if installed Obstructs school bus driver’s view of any mirror Used in place of defrosting or defogging system Not covered by protective cage Battery (Types C and D buses only) Not mounted according to the manufacturer’s instructions Belt cutter Missing Body fluid cleanup kit Absence of body fluid cleanup kit Incorrect size Not controlled by independent switch Incorrect or no identification Any item missing from body fluid cleanup kit Brakes, compressed air Inoperative or missing visual or audible low air signal Compressed-air gauge missing Grease or oil leakage into brake system Exposed or damaged ply on any air hose Air capacity less than 90 pounds per square inch at idle speed Wet-reservoir valve missing or inoperative Leaking, cracked, or broken hose or connection Audible air leak Pushrod exceeds limitation Low-air warning system does not activate at 60 psi and remains activated at less than 60 psi Brakes, hydraulic-assisted Inoperative or missing visual or audible signal Brakes, emergency-brake system Inoperative Does not activate when service brake system reaches 20 to 40 pounds psi Bumpers Break or rip Loose bumper Foothold or handle present on rear bumper Not painted black Cooling system Leak in system Fluid level in radiator not full Crossing control arm, if installed Has sharp edges or projections that could injure a student Will not retract Not working Fails to open completely (Continued) INSPECTION ITEM MAJOR DEFECT MINOR DEFECT Defroster Inoperative Ventilation opening blocked Drive shaft Absence of protective metal guard installed by the manufacturer around the drive shaft to any driving axle Dust boots Missing, torn, split, or loose around floor-mounted gear shift, parking brake handle, or steering column. Emergency warning devices Having fewer than two operable Missing one Emergency door Inoperative latch Broken or missing portion of seal around door Window not of safety glass Inoperative warning device Lock is not the ignition shut-off type No header pad Emergency exit Inoperative warning device or latch on all emergency exits except roof exit Not properly identified Header pad missing or damaged Broken seal around window Inoperative roof exit Engine compartment Inoperative hood latch Deterioration of hose, belt, or wiring Deterioration of battery hold-down clamp, corrosive acid buildup on terminal Exhaust system Exhaust leak Exhaust tailpipe extends more than 2 inches beyond the outer edge of the rear bumper or fails to terminate flush with the outside edge of the school bus body in the rear of the school bus Exhaust pipe bracket not attached to the chassis and the tailpipe End of tailpipe pinched or bent Exterior paint Exposed metal or base primer Incorrect color Fire extinguisher Absence of fire extinguisher Not at full charge First-aid kit Absence of first-aid kit Three or more items missing from first-aid kit Frame Crack in frame Cracked, loose, or missing body mount or body- mount bolt Welded repair not performed by body or chassis manufacturer or manufacturer’s certified agent Fuel system Fuel tank not mounted to the chassis frame or not vented to outside of engine compartment Fuel system extends above chassis frame (does not apply to filler tube or Type A bus) Fuel tank bracket cracked or broken Leaking tank or fuel line Fuel line attached to bottom of fuel tank Missing or improper fuel cap Handrail Handrail does not pass the inspection procedure described in R13-13-107(13) Not mounted in required position One or two items missing from first-aid kit (Continued) INSPECTION ITEM MAJOR DEFECT MINOR DEFECT Heating system Heater missing or inoperative Heater line in interior of school bus not covered by protective shield No shutoff valve Horn (Air or electrical) Missing or inoperative Instrument panel Missing or inoperative ignition power-deactivation switch if the ignition does not use a key. Any inoperative gauge or switch, except auxiliary fan switch Improper illumination Interior, aisles Incorrect clearance Interior, seats Broken, cracked, exposed, or loose seat frame Screw or mounting bolt missing Interior, floor covering Hole Improper material Improperly bonded Loose metal trim Lamps, clearance Inoperative Unsecured heater hose Inadequate heat-producing capacity Inoperative auxiliary fan switch Incorrect color Dust behind lens Lamps, head Low beam inoperative Cracked, broken, or missing lens Not mounted as required by 49 CFR 393.24 One high beam inoperative Inoperative dimmer switch on a bus not operated when head lamps are required Cracked, broken, or missing lens Lamps, back-up Inoperative Incorrect color Both high beams inoperative Cracked, broken, or missing lens Dust behind lens Lamps, interior Over aisle Inoperative Cracked, broken, or missing lens Lamps, interior Over step-well Inoperative Cracked, broken, or missing lens Lamps, turn signal Inoperative Cracked, broken, or missing lens Dust behind lens Incorrect size Incorrect location Lamps, strobe, if installed Pilot or strobe lamp missing or inoperative Cracked, broken, or missing lens Incorrect color Incorrect location Lamps, identification Inoperative Incorrect color Cracked, broken, or missing lens Dust behind lens Lamps, hazard Inoperative Lamps, stop Both inoperative One inoperative Cracked, broken, or missing lens Dust behind lens (Continued) INSPECTION ITEM MAJOR DEFECT MINOR DEFECT Lamps, tail Both inoperative One inoperative Cracked, broken, or missing lens Dust behind lens Lamps, side marker Inoperative Incorrect color Cracked, broken, or missing lens Dust behind lens Lamps, alternately flashing signal One or more inoperative lamps Incorrect color Lamp hood missing Cracked, broken, or missing lens Dust behind lens Lettering and numbering Missing any lettering or numbering Incorrect size, color, or location Unauthorized sign, letter, or object Mirrors, cross-view Missing Broken or loose mounting Broken or clouded glass Mirrors Interior or exterior mirror missing Loose or broken mounting bracket Crack, break, or flaking of reflective material affixed to back of mirror glass Crack or break of mirror glass Loose or missing mounting bracket bolt or screw Incorrect size Do not meet safety standards contained in 49 CFR 571.111 Miscellaneous Object not secured inside the school bus Any item noted by the Department that could cause injury or present a danger to a passenger or school bus driver Any item noted by the Department that needs to be repaired because it could interfere with the safe operation of the school bus but that is not a major defect Noise suppression switch Out of service Malfunctioning Parking brake Inoperative, missing part, or not in proper adjustment Restraining barrier Missing Incorrect size Loose Rub rails Missing more than one Loose or dangling Missing one Incorrect location Incorrect color Incorrect width School bus body Damage resulting in cut or rip to the exterior of school bus body Hole that would allow exhaust gases or dust to enter the passenger compartment Bolt attaching body to chassis loose, broken, or missing Exceeds length or width limitations Absence of undercoating Loose or missing rivet, screw, or bolt (Continued) INSPECTION ITEM MAJOR DEFECT MINOR DEFECT Seat belt Absence of driver seat belt or inoperative driver seat belt buckle or retraction system Frayed seat belt material Seats One or more missing Incorrect size or location Driver seat does not meet requirements for adjustment Loose seat cushions Exposed frame Service door Incomplete closing of door assembly Does not contain safeguards to prevent accidental opening Window not made of safety glass Broken or cracked window panel Inoperative door control Does not open towards exterior of the school bus Scissors or butterfly door prohibited Absence of flexible material on outer edge of service door Absence of header pad Special needs school bus Incorrect location or size of special-service entrance Incorrect size of special-service entrance door Window not made of safety glass Inoperative pressure switch No safety device in wheelchair lift No restraining barrier on wheelchair-lift platform Fails to provide wheelchair-securement device or anchorage Special-service entrance door does not open towards exterior of school bus (except Type A school bus) Wheelchair lift inoperable Torn seat cushions Drip molding not installed above the special-service entrance Special-service entrance door not weather-sealed Incorrect color of door material or panel Lacks wheelchair emblem Missing fastening device for special- service entrance door Dome light missing or inoperative Splash guards Bottom edge of guard is more than 8 inches above the ground Does not cover entire width of single or dual tire Missing splash guard (Continued) INSPECTION ITEM MAJOR DEFECT MINOR DEFECT Steering Distance of movement not within parameters of R13- 13-106(22)(c) Steering wheel does not move freely when turning the wheel Missing or cracked steering-wheel ring or bracing from center of steering wheel to steering-wheel ring Steering column not in a fixed position or locking mechanism missing or inoperative on adjustable steering column Steering column mounting bracket cracked or missing Loose or missing mounting bolt in steering gear housing Loose connecting arm on steering gear power source Steps Loose or missing grab handle in step-well Leakage of lubricant Power-steering belt cracked, frayed, or slipping Fluid does not fill power steering reservoir to the full level on the dipstick Incorrect distance between steps Incorrect floor covering Stop signal arm Any stop arm inoperative Missing stirrup step or handle Air leak If equipped with a light-emitting diode system, one or more lights missing Missing any stop arm Incorrect lettering or color on stop signal arm Incorrect size of stop signal arm Sun shield or visor (if required) Broken, cracked, or missing Not transparent Suspension Broken, damaged, or missing suspension part U-bolt loose, broken, cracked, or missing Tires Tires on same axle not of the same size Combination of bias and radial tires Tires vary more than one size between axles Tires not correct size for gross vehicle weight rating of school bus Single rear tire on school bus with gross vehicle weight rating of more than 10,000 pounds Regrooved, recapped, or retreaded tire mounted on a front wheel Tread groove depth less than 4/32 of an inch, measured in a tread groove on a tire on a front wheel Tire is mounted or inflated so it comes in contact with any part of the school bus or other tire Tread groove depth less than 2/32 of an inch, measured in a tread groove on a tire on a rear wheel Bump, knot, or bulge present on any tire Sidewall is cut, worn, or damaged to the extent that ply cord is exposed Separation of tread from tire casing Exposed ply or belting on any tire Flat tire or audible leak from a tire on any wheel If present, spare tire on Type C or D school bus not mounted outside passenger compartment Ventilation Non-closing exhaust ventilator missing Wheel housing Incorrect size or construction of wheel housing or opening Leaking shock absorber (Continued) INSPECTION ITEM MAJOR DEFECT MINOR DEFECT Wheels Not correct size for gross vehicle weight rating of school bus Loose or missing lug nut Broken stud bolt Crack or welded repair in wheel assembly Windows Not of safety glass Opening too small Cracked or broken Placement of non-transparent material Inoperative latch Windshield Placement of non-transparent material Crack, chip, or pitting that interferes with the school bus driver’s vision Not painted black Crack, chip or pitting that does not interfere with the school bus driver’s vision Windshield washer system Missing Low or no cleaning solution Windshield wipers Inoperative or missing wiper on school bus driver’s side Inoperative or missing wiper on side opposite the school bus driver Wiring Incorrect color or number coding Wiring circuit not protected by fuse or circuit breaker One or more non-metal grommets missing Electrical wires outside the school bus body improperly secured C. A school bus shall be inspected annually, according to a schedule established by the Department and the standards contained in subsections (A) and (B) and this Section. 1. If the Department finds a major defect, the Department shall remove the current safety inspection decal and replace with a new safety inspection decal only after the major defect is repaired. 2. If the Department finds a minor defect, the Department shall remove the current safety inspection decal and replace with a new safety inspection decal and allow the school bus owner to make repairs in accordance with the provisions at R13-13-108(A)(4) through (A)(7). D. A school bus driver shall perform the following operations checks and tasks on the school bus: 1. Before a school bus is operated for the first time each day, conduct a pre-trip operations check of the school bus to determine that the following are operational and are not damaged: a. All lamps, including alternately flashing, back-up, clearance, hazard, head, identification, interior, side marker, stop, tail, turn signal, and strobe lamps, if any, and emergency warning devices; b. Tires, wheels, and wheel fasteners; c. Service door; d. Steps and step wells; e. Emergency exits and signals; f. Emergency doors and signals; g. Wheelchair lift and wheelchair lift dome lamp; h. Wheelchair-securement devices; i. Wheelchair-securement anchorages; j. Special-service entrance door; k. Special-service entrance door signal; Inoperative speed control Split or hardened wiper blade l. Windows; m. Windshield; n. Windshield wipers; o. Instrument panel and gauges; p. Service brakes; q. Service brake warning devices; r. Parking brake; s. Bumpers; t. Seats and seat frames; u. Floor coverings; v. School bus body; w. Engine fluid levels; x. Engine compartment steering components; y. Stop arm; z. Horn; aa. Mirrors; bb. Engine fluid gauges; cc. Noise suppression switch; dd. Child alert notification system, if installed; ee. Crossing control arm, if installed; and ff. Air conditioning system, if installed. 2. Each time a pre-trip operations check of a school bus is conducted, check all emergency equipment to determine that the emergency equipment complies with the standards at R13-13-107(11) and R13-13-110. 3. Each time a school bus is operated subsequent to the first time the school bus is operated each day, conduct a walk- around operations check to determine whether there is an obvious engine fluid leak and the following are operational and are not damaged: a. All lamps listed in subsection (D)(1)(a); b. Tires, wheels, and wheel fasteners; c. Bumpers; d. School bus body; e. Windows; f. Stop arm; and g. Windshield. 4. Once daily, sweep and clean the interior of the school bus. 5. After completing each operations check, the school bus driver shall complete the portions of a written monthly operations check report that provide the following information: a. Date and time of the operations check; b. Name of the school bus driver conducting the operations check; c. Name of the employer; d. Number assigned to the school bus by the school bus owner and painted on the outside of the school bus body; and e. Indication of whether an item is operational, inoperative, or damaged. 6. A school bus driver who performs an operations check and finds any item listed in subsections (D)(1) through (D)(3) inoperative or damaged shall immediately complete and submit a written repair order to the school bus owner through the employer. a. The school bus owner shall use the standards contained in subsection (B) to determine whether an item reported on a repair order as inoperative or damaged is a major or minor defect. b. If the school bus owner finds that a major defect exists, the school bus owner shall place the school bus out of service until the major defect is repaired. c. If the school bus owner finds that a minor defect exists, the school bus may be used to transport passengers, but the school bus owner shall repair the defect in accordance with the provisions at R13-13- 108(A)(4) through(A)(7). Time in which to make the minor repair shall be calculated from the date of the written repair order. 7. After a school bus makes its final trip on the last day the school bus is driven in a particular month the school bus driver operating the school bus shall submit the written monthly operations check report to the school bus owner through the employer. E. In addition to the operations checks described in subsection (D), a school bus owner shall systematically inspect, repair, and maintain, or cause to be systematically inspected, repaired, and maintained, all parts of a school bus chassis and body described in Sections R13-13-106 and R13-13-107 and any other parts and accessories that may affect safe operation of the school bus. The school bus owner shall ensure that the maintenance of a school bus and repair of major defects is done by: 1. An ASE-certified technician, 2. An individual working under the supervision of an ASE- certified master school bus technician, 3. An individual with at least one year of participation in a school bus manufacturer-sponsored or commercial vehicle maintenance training program, or 4. An individual with at least one year of experience as a school bus mechanic. F. Records 1. A school bus owner shall maintain the following records in a separate file for each school bus for as long as the school bus is in operation in Arizona: a. Number assigned to the school bus by the school bus owner, b. Name of the school bus body manufacturer, c. Name of the school bus chassis manufacturer, d. Identification number of the school bus located in the driver’s compartment, e. Year the school bus body was assembled upon the school bus chassis, and f. Size of the tires placed on the school bus. 2. A school bus owner shall maintain all records of initial inspection, subsequent inspections, and repairs and maintenance procedures performed on the school bus for three years from the date of inspection, repair, or maintenance. The school bus owner shall ensure that all records of repairs and maintenance procedures include verification from the owner of the business responsible for the repairs and maintenance procedures that the individual who actually performs the repairs and maintenance procedures is qualified under subsection (E). 3. If a school bus is sold, the school bus owner shall transfer the records required by subsections (F)(1) and (F)(2) to the purchaser. 4. A school bus owner shall maintain monthly operations check reports for three months from the date of the report. G. Alterations 1. Before a school bus owner alters a school bus, the school bus owner shall submit a request in writing to the Department describing the proposed alteration and the reason for the proposal. 2. Within 60 days of receiving a request for alteration, the Department shall inform the school bus owner in writing whether the request has been approved or denied. The Department shall base its decision to approve or deny on an assessment of whether the proposed alteration affects the operations of a school bus, complies with the statutes and rules applicable to school buses, or affects the health, safety, or welfare of any individual.