N.M. Admin. Code § 6.41.4.12 - SCHOOL BUS SAFETY AND EQUIPMENT

All school buses used to transport students on school bus routes and LEA-sponsored activities shall meet requirements pursuant to 6.40.2 NMAC and the state of New Mexico guide for school bus maintenance and safety audit program, school bus inspection guide.

A. Each school bus shall be equipped with an operable seat belt for the driver that shall be used when the school bus is in motion.

B. Each school bus shall have seat belts or a seat harness as required on school buses when required in a student's IEP.

C. Each school bus shall have at least one seat belt cutter properly secured in a location within reach of the driver while the driver is belted into the driver's seat pursuant to Paragraph (1) of Subsection YY of 6.40.2.10 NMAC. The seat belt cutter shall be durable and designed to eliminate the possibility of the operator or others being cut during use.

D. Each school bus shall carry a first aid kit with contents pursuant to Paragraph (2) of Subsection P of 6.40.2.10 NMAC.

E. Each school bus shall carry a body fluid clean-up kit pursuant to Paragraph (3) Subsection P of 6.40.2.10 NMAC.

F. Each school bus shall be equipped with at least one UL-approved pressurized dry-chemical fire extinguisher complete with hose. The fire extinguisher shall have a total rating of 2A10BC or greater and meet the requirements of Paragraph (1) of Subsection P of 6.40.2.10 NMAC. The extinguisher shall be securely mounted in the driver's compartment, fully charged and in working condition.

G. Each school bus shall be equipped with a minimum of three triangular warning reflectors pursuant to Paragraph (4) of Subsection P of 6.40.2.10 NMAC, and the driver shall be knowledgeable as to their proper placement. Drivers shall use reflectors in the event of prolonged stops on the roadway.

(1) On a two-lane road:

(a) a warning reflector shall be placed on the traffic side of the school bus 10 feet from the front or rear of the school bus, depending on traffic direction;

(b) a warning reflector shall be placed in the center of the traffic lane or shoulder occupied by the disabled school bus 100 feet from the rear of the school bus; and

(c) a warning reflector shall be placed in the center of the traffic lane or shoulder occupied by the disabled school bus 100 feet from the front of the school bus.

(2) On a one-way or divided highway, warning reflectors shall be placed on the traffic side of the school bus at 10, 100, and 200 feet from the rear of the school bus and placed so as to direct traffic away from the school bus.

(3) If the school bus is disabled within 500 feet of a curve, crest of a hill, or other obstruction:

(a) a warning reflector shall be placed on the traffic side of the school bus 10 feet from the rear of the school bus in the direction of the obstruction;

(b) a warning reflector shall be placed on the traffic side of the school bus 100 feet from the rear of the school bus in the direction of the obstruction; and

(c) a warning reflector shall be placed on the traffic side of the school bus up to 500 feet from the rear of the school bus in the direction of the obstruction.

H. The hazard warning lights shall be used only when it is necessary to stop the bus on the shoulder of the roadway or on the roadway. The hazard warning lights shall also be used when the speed of the school bus is less than one-half of the posted speed limit.

I. The emergency door(s), windows, and roof hatches shall not be fastened or wired so as to prevent opening from the inside or outside.

J. Loose items shall be properly stowed underneath in equipment compartments or securely fastened if carried inside the school bus.

K. Trailers shall not be attached to a school bus.

L. Trailers shall not be hitched to school-owned vehicles while the vehicle is transporting students.

Notes

N.M. Admin. Code § 6.41.4.12

12-31-98; 6.41.4.12 NMAC - Rn, 6 NMAC 9.5.3.12 & A, 07-01-01; A, 11-15-05, Adopted by New Mexico Register, Volume XXIX, Issue 06, March 27, 2018, eff. 3/27/2018