280-RICR-30-15-8. RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR EXTRACURRICULAR VEHICLES (version Periodic Refile, 01/25/2007 to 12/31/2018)

RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR EXTRACURRICULAR VEHICLES Pursuant to the provisions of 31-22-10 and 31-22-11.6 of the Rhode Island General Laws and the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for school buses contained in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 49, part 571, the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles, Department of Administration, proposes to adopt the within rules and regulations for the use of extracurricular vehicles. 1.0 Authority and Purpose 1.1 The following rules and regulations are promulgated to administer Sections 31-22-10 and 31-22-11.6 of the Rhode Island General Laws of 1956, as amended, and supercede any regulations adopted heretofore which are inconsistent with the provisions contained herein. 1.2 The purpose of these regulations is to state the policy and procedure of the Division of Motor Vehicles governing the use of extracurricular vehicles. 2.0 Scope 2.1 These rules and regulations pertain to all vehicles purchased new or used after July 1, 2000 and are used as school extracurricular vehicles as defined in 31-22-11.6 of the Rhode Island General Laws. All school extracurricular vehicles subject to these regulations are also subject to the requirements established in 31-22-11.6 including certain requirements involving safety belts, vehicle registration with “public plates”, inspections, vehicle identification, fire extinguishers, and first aid kits. 3.0 Definitions 3.1 School Extracurricular Vehicle - a vehicle designed to transport less than fifteen (15) students to and from school-sponsored activities including athletics, internships, work experiences, and extracurricular activities where school buses are not used because of the small number of students being transported. Two door sedans shall not be considered school extracurricular vehicles. 4.0 Adoption of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for School Buses 4.1 All school extracurricular vehicles as defined in 31-22-11.6 and in these regulations, designed with a capacity of at least 11 and not more than 15 people (including the driver), and purchased after July 1, 2000 must meet the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for school buses contained in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 49, part 571. This includes Federal Motor Vehicles Safety Standard #220 School Bus Rollover Protection, #221 School Bus Body Joint Strength, and #222 School Bus Passenger Seating and Crash Protection. 5.0 Exceptions from Adoption of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for School Buses 5.1 School extracurricular vehicles are prohibited from having amber or red flashing lights. Such systems must be removed prior to bringing the vehicles for inspection at the Safety and Emission Control Section of the Division of Motor Vehicles. 5.2 School extracurricular vehicles are prohibited from having school bus pedestrian stop arms. Such systems must be removed prior to bringing the 2 vehicle for inspection at the Safety and Emission Control Section of the Division of Motor Vehicles. 6.0 Additional Safety Requirements 6.1 Safety Devices Mandated by State and Federal Law or Regulation- School extracurricular vehicles must be equipped with all lights, brakes, and other safety devices mandated by federal and state laws or regulations. 6.2 Driver Seat Belt – The driver’s seat must be equipped with a safety seat belt meeting the requirements provided in 31-23-41 of the Rhode Island General Laws. 6.3 Passenger Seat Belt – Each passenger seat must be equipped with a safety seat belt assembly that is designed to restrain the pelvic and upper torso of the passenger. The seat belt must comply with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 571.209. 6.4 Drive Shaft – The drive shaft shall be guarded by the vehicle frame or a separate guard designed to prevent the drive shaft from dropping to the ground while the vehicle is moving. 6.5 Exits - Each passenger seat shall be provided with a clear walking path to at least 2 doors. Each door, excluding the driver’s door, must be located on different sides of the vehicle. 7.0 Color 7.1 School extracurricular vehicles shall not be any shade of yellow. 8.0 Vehicle Identification 3 8.1 School extracurricular vehicles must have the name of the owner or lessee conspicuously placed on the side of the vehicle. The identification shall be required to possess two inch (2”) letters. 8.2 The identification shall be permanently affixed to the vehicle if it is owned by the provider of school extracurricular transportation. On vehicles leased by school extracurricular transportation providers the display of identification may be accomplished through the use of removal device so prepared as to otherwise meet the above identification and legibility requirements. 9.0 Proof of Ownership or Lease (Grandfathered Vans) 9.1 All vehicles in service as extracurricular vehicles prior to July 1, 2000 that do not conform to the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for school buses, must provide documentation to the Safety and Emission Control Section of the Division of Motor Vehicles showing that the extracurricular vehicle was owned or leased to the registrant prior to July 1, 2000. Such proof may include a registration certificate or an original bill of sale. 10.0 Owner/Lessee Responsibility 10.1 The owner or lessee of the school extracurricular transportation provider is responsible for purchasing a new or used extracurricular vehicle that meets the requirements enumerated in this rulemaking. 11.0 Severability 11.1 If any provision of these rules and regulations or the application thereof to any person or circumstances shall be held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect the provisions or application of the rules and regulations which can 4 be given effect, and to his end the provisions of these rules and regulations are declared to be severable. I hereby certify that the above is a true copy. John DiTomasso for Date: 6/9/00 Signed: Thomas Harrington Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State: June 09, 2000 5