Special Education Buses

PURPOSE: This rule establishes inspection standards for the inspection of power lifts, ramps, aisles, restraint systems, special service entrance doors and identification on special education school buses. (1) Power Lift. (A) Power lift shall be located on the right side of the bus body within the perimeter of bus body and in no way attached to the outside of the bus. (B) Lift must be equipped with controls to allow operation of the lift from either the inside or outside of the bus. Buses manufactured after October 1, 1981, must be equipped with a mechanism to allow for manual manipulation in the event of a power failure or a single component mechanical failure. (C) Lift platform shall be fitted with full-width shields and restraining device(s) on the outer (curb) edge. (D) School buses manufactured after March 1, 1987, equipped to accommodate individuals with special transportation needs must have a lift opening and platform sufficient to accommodate a thirty-inch (30") wheelchair. (E) Inspect the power lift for proper location, attachment and operation. (F) Reject vehicle if: 1. Lift is not in proper location or attached properly; 2. Not equipped with a mechanism that allows for at least one (1) manual operation; 3. Shields or restraining devices are not fitted on lift; or 4. Lift opening and platform are not of sufficient width. (2) Aisles. On buses manufactured after October 1, 1981, the aisle leading to the emergency door from the wheelchair area shall be at least thirty inches (30") wide to permit passage of a maximum size wheelchair. (A) Reject vehicle if: 1. Aisles are not of sufficient width. (3) Restraint Systems. (A) School buses manufactured after March 1, 1987, designed to transport individuals with special transportation needs shall contain wheelchair securement devices attached to the floor or walls, or both, to allow securement of wheelchairs in a forward facing position. These devices must require human intervention to unlatch or disengage and contain tightening clamps on front and rear assemblies. (B) School buses designed to accommodate individuals with special transportation needs shall contain a system of positive occupant restraint that secures the occupant. (C) Reject vehicle if: 1. Proper restraining devices are not installed. (4) Special Service Entrance Doors. (A) Doors on 1981 and later models shall be equipped with a device that will actuate an audible or flashing signal located in the driver’s compartment when doors are not securely closed and ignition is on. (B) A switch shall be installed so that the lifting mechanism will not operate when the lift platform doors are closed. (C) Reject vehicle if not equipped with: 1. Warning signal; or 2. The proper switch. (5) Identification. (A) Buses with power lifts used for transporting children with physical disabilities may display the universal handicap symbols below the window line. The emblem shall meet United States Department of Transportation standards. (B) Reject vehicle if: 1. Symbols are improperly displayed; or 2. Symbols are incorrect size. AUTHORITY: section 307.360.2, RSMo 2000, and section 307.375, RSMo Supp. 2013.* Original rule filed Aug. 18, 1987, effective Nov. 12, 1987. Amended: Filed Aug. 30, 1989, effective Nov. 26, 1989. Amended: Filed June 2, 1993, effective Nov. 8, 1993. Emergency rescission and rule filed Oct. 1, 1997, effective Nov. 2, 1997, expired April 30, 1998. Rescinded and readopted: Filed Oct. 1, 1997, effective March 30, 1998. Amended: Filed July 14, 1998, effective Jan. 30, 1999. Amended: Filed Nov. 1, 2001, effective April 30, 2002. Amended: Filed Nov. 18, 2014, effective July 30, 2015. *Original authority: 307.360.2., RSMo 1967, amended 1971, 1973, 1979, 1999 and 307.375, RSMo 1967, amended 1971, 1975, 1976, 1997, 1999, 2001, 2004, 2009.