Inspection and maintenance required

(a) Every carrier shall systematically inspect, maintain and repair every school bus and student transportation vehicle (STV) which it owns or operates. Such inspection and necessary repairs shall be performed by the carrier in accordance with the published inspection standards in regular intervals not to exceed three (3) months. Routine maintenance shall be conducted on a schedule as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. (b) Said regular inspection, maintenance and repair shall pertain to and include the following: brakes; tires and wheels; suspension and steering; lighting and electrical equipment; vehicle glazing; body and sheet metal; fuel system and exhaust; and additional parts and accessories which may affect safe operation, including but not limited to frame and frame assemblies, axles and attaching parts. Carriers shall be responsible for compliance of their vehicles with the construction requirements set forth in the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies. (c) In addition to the foregoing requirements, pushout windows, emergency doors, emergency door marking lights, seats and seat belts, as may be required, shall be inspected by the carriers at least once every ninety (90) days and shall be repaired and kept in good working order at all times. (d) Inspection, maintenance and repair as herein required shall be conducted by or performed under the supervision of a qualified mechanic who has thorough knowledge of the inspection standards and inspection procedure of the department. A qualified mechanic is a person who is knowledgeable and experienced in the technical specialty in which the inspection, maintenance or repair of the vehicle, its parts or equipment, is conducted or to be conducted. If such work is performed by a repair facility licensed under Section 14-52 of the Connecticut General Statutes, the work shall be reviewed by a qualified mechanic. (e) Copies of the "School Transportation Vehicle Inspection Guideline" shall be made available without cost at the department. (f) A motor vehicle not used for the business of transporting school children but otherwise used for transporting school children and for which mileage or other compensatory remuneration is paid by any local or regional board of education or other authority responsible for primary, secondary or special education, and which vehicle is not subject to the provisions of subsections (a), (b), (c) and (d) of this section, shall be presented for inspection at least once during each calendar year at any designated state motor vehicle inspection facility.