Iowa Admin. Code r. 281-44.5 - Type III vehicles
(1)
General information. These vehicles may be used for student
transportation in accordance with the following general provisions:
a. The vehicle will be an OEM product and
manufactured as a family-type or multipurpose passenger vehicle (MPV).
Vehicles used exclusively for driver's education are exempt from these provisions.
b.
The manufacturer's rated capacity of this vehicle, which is determined only by
the OEM on the date of manufacture, will not exceed 12 persons including the
driver. The capacity rating may not be changed or modified except by the OEM,
dealer, or remanufacturer. Secondary stage or vehicle conversion manufacturers
will not establish vehicle capacity. Seating capacities that vary from the OEM
are required by NHTSA to be identified by an alterer's certification and
information label that shall be affixed to the frame of the driver's door.
(1) Vehicles with a capacity of ten or fewer
passengers including the driver may be acquired new or used.
(2) Vehicles with a capacity of 11 or 12
passengers, including the driver, may only be acquired used. For purposes of
this subrule, "used" means a vehicle that has had a title transfer from a
dealer to one or more previous retail owners.
c. Alteration of a vehicle, following
manufacture by the OEM, is prohibited. This includes the addition or removal of
seats and the addition of wheelchair lifts. The following exceptions apply:
(1) OEM options or other manufacturer's
accessories not in violation of these standards may be installed.
(2) Seats may be added or removed as long as
the seating capacity does not exceed the capacity as certified by the OEM or on
the label installed according to paragraph
44.5(1)"b."
(3)
Wheelchair ramps are allowed to be added to the passenger side of the vehicle
only and will comply with all applicable FMVSS and ADA requirements. When
wheelchair ramps are added, the vehicle must also be equipped with the
appropriate wheelchair securement system, which must also meet all applicable
FMVSS and ADA requirements.
d. The vehicle will not carry more passengers
than there are seat belts as installed by the manufacturer.
e. The vehicle will not be painted the color
known as National School Bus Glossy Yellow.
f. The vehicle will not be equipped with a
stop arm or flashing warning signal lamps.
g. This vehicle will load and unload students
off the traveled portion of the roadway.
(2)
Special equipment.
a. Interior liner. An interior liner that
covers all exposed ceiling girders, sidewall posts, or other structural
projections is to be provided and installed by the manufacturer.
b. The vehicle, while transporting students
to and from school, will display a sign, visible to the rear, with the words
"SCHOOL BUS." The sign will be National School Bus Glossy Yellow with black
letters 6 inches high. The sign will be a type that can be removed, dismounted,
or covered when the vehicle is not transporting pupils to and from
school.
c. A sign with the words
"THIS VEHICLE STOPS AT ALL RAILROAD CROSSINGS," visible to the rear, may be
used where appropriate and not in conflict with current statutes. If used, the
words will be black letters on a yellow background. The sign will be of a type
that can be dismounted, turned down, or covered when the vehicle is not
transporting pupils to and from school.
d. Special brake lamps. The vehicle may be
equipped with two roof-mounted lights not greater than 4 inches in diameter and
positioned horizontally on the roof at least 36 inches apart. The lights will
be connected to the brake lamp circuit of the vehicle's electrical system and
will operate only when the brakes are applied. When lit, the lamps will be red
and visible only to the rear.
e.
First aid kit. A first aid kit meeting the national recommendations (most
current National School Transportation Specifications and Procedures
Manual-first aid kit) is required on all vehicles used for student
transportation.
f. Fire
extinguisher. The vehicle will carry a dry chemical fire extinguisher of at
least 21/2-pound capacity with a rating of 2A-10BC. The extinguisher will
be equipped with a calibrated or marked gauge. Plastic discharge heads and
related parts are not acceptable.
g. Each vehicle will be equipped with a
durable webbing cutter having a full-width handgrip and a protected,
replaceable or noncorrodible blade. This device will be mounted in a location
accessible to the seated driver in an easily detachable manner.
h. Each vehicle will be equipped with a body
fluid cleanup kit.
i. Each vehicle
will be equipped with a backup alarm beeper capable of a minimum of 112 db.
Note: This is effective for 2007 model year vehicles and newer.
j. Trailer hitches are allowed on Type III
vehicles in accordance with the manufacturer's rated towing capacity. Students
are not allowed to be transported in the vehicle when the vehicle is being used
to tow.
(3)
Applicability of standards. The above standards apply to all
vehicles (except as noted in paragraph 44.5(2)"i") of this
type and those currently in service used to transport students.
Notes
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