Articles/News - School Bus Regulations

Displaying 21  -  40  of  343
Another bill aims to allow ads on Fla. school buses
December 6, 2012
Under the legislation, commercial advertisements that are “family and child friendly” could be placed on the exterior of a school bus. The idea has been proposed in Florida before but hasn’t passed.
Background check changes proposed for Ontario bus drivers
December 4, 2012
The Highway Traffic Act would be amended to eliminate the requirement for a criminal record search as a condition of getting a school bus driver’s license. Instead, the Education Act would be amended to require that school bus drivers have a vulnerable sector search, which is a criminal check that includes a search of the pardoned sexual offender database. The Ontario School Bus Association says the changes would save “a lot of time and hassle by only having to do the one check.”
DOT: 'Recreational' pot still off-limits for bus drivers
December 3, 2012
Addressing some states' recent initiatives to allow so-called "recreational" use of marijuana, the Department of Transportation clarifies that the initiatives will have no bearing on the agency's drug testing program for safety-sensitive transportation employees — including school bus drivers.
Bill would require alcohol interlocks on school buses
October 25, 2012
The breath test device links to a vehicle’s ignition system and prevents it from starting if alcohol is detected in the driver’s breath. Under the legislation, all school buses manufactured after July 1, 2013, for use in New York state would be required to come equipped with the device.
Iowa adopts increased sanctions for illegal bus passing
August 15, 2012
The emergency administrative rule that took effect on Wednesday provides that a person’s driving privilege in the state will be suspended 30 days for a first conviction, 90 days for a second conviction and 180 days for a third or subsequent conviction. The rule adopted by the Iowa Department of Transportation is in response to the provisions of “Kadyn’s Law,” which was signed by Gov. Terry Branstad earlier this year.
Bill would set inspection standards for wheelchair lifts
August 1, 2012
Under the Ohio legislation, the rules adopted and enforced by the state Department of Safety would require that each lift installed on a vehicle used for pupil transportation be inspected by a person certified by the lift’s manufacturer. The inspector would need to sign a form attesting to the lift’s compliance with the rules.
Law aims to protect adult bus riders with disabilities
July 13, 2012
Under the legislation signed by acting N.J. Gov. Kim Guadagno, when a school bus is picking up or discharging any person with disabilities, including adults, the bus driver is required to use the flashing red lights and other motorists must stop. The legislation also establishes penalties for violators.
NTSB calls for speed limiters on trucks, buses
July 13, 2012
In response to last year's motorcoach crash in New York City that killed 15 people, the National Transportation Safety Board recommends that all new heavy vehicles be equipped with advanced speed-limiting technology.
Crossing arms mandated on new school buses in Minn.
July 12, 2012
All Minnesota school buses built after Jan. 1 of next year will have to be equipped with crossing arms, which deter kids from crossing too close to the front of the bus. State pupil transportation director Lt. Brian Reu discusses the bill that was passed and how it will impact school bus operations.
Bill would create stopping requirements for school vans
July 10, 2012
Under the Pennsylvania legislation, school van drivers would need to activate the vehicle’s four-way flashers at least 100 feet before stopping, or at least 300 feet when traveling more than 35 mph. Other vehicles could not pass the van when children are boarding or exiting.
Mich. removes exception to school bus stop law
July 5, 2012
Gov. Rick Snyder signs a bill that prohibits cars from passing school buses in any case when they are loading or unloading students. The state vehicle code previously allowed cars to pass stopped school buses at less than 10 mph at intersections controlled by a traffic signal or an officer.
Funding formula for Pa. school bus service stays
July 5, 2012
The reimbursement formula remains unchanged under the state’s final 2012-13 education budget, which is welcome news to the Pennsylvania School Bus Association. The association had expressed concerns over the potential ramifications of the governor’s proposal to replace the funding formula with a new student achievement block grant.
House passes measure to bolster illegal bus passing laws
June 28, 2012
Lawmakers approve “Kadyn’s Amendment,” which would devote at least $10 million of federal funding for NHTSA to strengthening the enforcement of existing state laws that target motorists who pass stopped school buses when students are boarding or disembarking. The amendment is named after Kadyn Halverson, who was fatally struck by a pickup truck last year as she crossed a street to board her bus.
Take a stand against school bus funding cuts
June 27, 2012

The school bus industry is repeatedly asked by policymakers to do more with less. It's time to take a stand.

Feds’ sweep takes 287 bus, truck drivers off the road
June 26, 2012
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s drug and alcohol strike force also results in pending enforcement actions on more than 128 truck and bus companies for alleged violations, such as using a driver who has tested positive for illegal drugs or not instituting a testing program.
Ala. bus drivers required to complete physical exam
June 20, 2012
Under legislation signed into law by Gov. Robert Bentley, drivers must successfully complete the exam by a licensed physician, at their own expense, by Aug. 14 in order to operate a school bus. Drivers may be “grandfathered” for any condition if the doctor states that it will not adversely affect their ability to control and safely operate a school bus.
New bus drivers in La. won't get tenure
June 14, 2012
Previously, Louisiana school bus operators attained the job protection after passing a three-year probationary term. Under newly enacted legislation, drivers hired on or after July 1 of this year won’t be eligible for tenure.
R.I. bus drivers, monitors can administer epinephrine
June 4, 2012
Under the legislation approved by Gov. Lincoln Chafee, drivers and monitors who have received training may give an epinephrine injection (or EpiPen shot) to a student suffering from severe allergies while traveling to or from school or a school-related event. School bus providers must be given medical documentation by parents that the epinephrine has been legitimately prescribed.
School buses excluded from stability control proposal
May 22, 2012
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration proposes a new federal motor vehicle safety standard to require ESC systems on large commercial trucks, motorcoaches and some other large buses — but not school or transit buses. Mike Martin, executive director of the National Association for Pupil Transportation, discusses the issue with SBF.
S.C. aims to study school bus privatization
April 30, 2012
The state’s House of Representatives votes to form a committee that would study the most cost-effective, efficient and safe way to provide school transportation services to students. The proposal, which comes after an agreement could not be reached to require the state's school districts to take over operation of their bus systems, will undergo a procedural vote before heading to the state Senate for consideration.

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