Utah Admin. Code R277-601-3 - Additional Required Standards

In addition to the Standards For Utah School Buses and Operations manual, an LEA shall enforce the following:

(1) a school bus operator's primary responsibility, consistent with training and policy, is always the safety of passengers and the safety of the public.

(2) a school bus operator's proper use of electronic and telecommunications devices including:

(a) except as described in Subsection (2)(d) a prohibition on the use of a cell phone, wireless electronic device, or any headset, earpiece, earphones or other equipment that might distract a school bus operator;

(b) the prohibition described in subsection (2)(a) does not apply to the safe and appropriate use of two-way radios or to mounted GPS systems;

(c) an LEA that regularly transports students shall maintain documentation of training for a school bus operator and employees in the safe and appropriate use of two-way radios; and

(d) a school bus operator may use an electronic device once the bus is stopped and safely secured for:

(i) emergencies;

(ii) to assist special needs students;

(iii) for behavior management;

(iv) for appropriate assistance for field/activity trips;

(v) for other business-related issues; or

(vi) personal use if all passengers are safely off the bus and at a safe distance.

(3) Any use of an electronic device inconsistent with this section for emergency or compelling reasons may require documentation and will be addressed by the employing education entity.

(4) Violations of this section may result in personnel action(s) against the school bus operator consistent with an LEA's policies.

(5) A private contractor employed by an LEA for student transportation shall adhere strictly to this section in addition to the policies of the employer.

(6) A school bus operator's end of bus route inspection shall include the following:

(a) at the end of a student delivery, both during the day and after the final route of the day, a school bus operator shall:

(i) complete the delivery;

(ii) stop and park the bus; and

(iii) insure that all students are off the bus;

(b) where possible, be completed at each school site when delivering students to school;

(c) following each from-school route of the day, the bus operator shall complete the same type of inspection described in subsection (6)(a) at a safe location a short distance from where the final student(s) left the bus; and

(d) if a student is found on the bus, the student shall be immediately returned to the student's assigned bus stop location or to an alternate location, consistent with an LEA's policy and with express permission from the parent.

Notes

Utah Admin. Code R277-601-3

Amended by Utah State Bulletin Number 2020-07, effective 3/12/2020 Amended by Utah State Bulletin Number 2021-17, effective 8/12/2021