Safety Equipment
\n\nEach school bus shall be equipped with at least one fire extinguisher located in the driver's compartment which meets the standards specified in law. (Education Code 39838; 13 CCR 1242)
\n\nThe Superintendent or designee shall ensure that any school bus which is purchased or leased by the district is equipped with a combination pelvic and upper torso passenger restraint system at all designated seating positions if that bus: (Vehicle Code 27316, 27316.5; 13 CCR 1201)
\n\nThe Superintendent or designee shall prioritize the allocation of school buses purchased, leased, or contracted to ensure that elementary students receive first priority for new school buses equipped with passenger restraint systems whenever feasible.
\n\nWhen a school bus or student activity bus is equipped with a passenger restraint system, all passengers shall use the passenger restraint system. (5 CCR 14105)
\n\nBus drivers shall be informed of procedures to be followed to reasonably enforce proper use of the passenger restraint system.
\n\nSafe Bus Operations
\n\nSchool buses and student activity buses shall not be operated whenever the number of passengers exceeds bus seating capacity, except when necessary in emergency situations which require that individuals be moved immediately to ensure their safety.
\n\nSchool bus operations shall be limited when atmospheric conditions reduce visibility on the roadway to 200 feet or less during regular home-to-school transportation service. Bus drivers for school activity trips shall have the authority to discontinue bus operation whenever they determine that it is unsafe to continue operation because of reduced visibility. (Vehicle Code 34501.6)
\n\nA driver shall not use a wireless telephone while driving a school bus, student activity bus, or other motor vehicle, except under the following conditions: (Vehicle Code 23123, 23125)
\n\nThe Superintendent or designee may place a notice at bus entrances that warns against unauthorized entry. The driver or another school official may order any person to disembark if that person enters a bus without prior authorization. (Education Code 39842; 13 CCR 1256.5)
\n\nThe Superintendent or designee shall review all investigations of bus incidents and accidents to develop preventative measures.
\n\nTransportation Safety Plan for Boarding and Exiting Buses
\n\nThe Superintendent or designee shall develop a transportation safety plan containing procedures for school personnel to follow to ensure the safe transport of students. The plan shall include all of the following: (Education Code 39831.3)
\n\nA copy of the plan shall be kept at each school site and made available upon request to the California Highway Patrol. (Education Code 39831.3)
\n\nNotifications
\n\nThe Superintendent or designee shall provide written safety information to the parents/guardians of all students in grades prekindergarten through 6 who have not previously been transported in a school bus or student activity bus. This information shall be provided upon registration and shall address: (Education Code 39831.5)
\n\nStudent Instruction
\n\nAll students who are transported in a school bus or student activity bus shall receive instruction in school bus emergency procedures and passenger safety. (Education Code 39831.5)
\n\nThe Superintendent or designee shall ensure that instruction is provided to students as follows:
\n\nThis instruction also may include responsibilities of passengers seated next to an emergency exit. (Education Code 39831.5)
\n\n\n", "contentText": "Safety Equipment\n\nEach school bus shall be equipped with at least one fire extinguisher located in the driver's compartment which meets the standards specified in law. (Education Code 39838; 13 CCR 1242)\n\nThe Superintendent or designee shall ensure that any school bus which is purchased or leased by the district is equipped with a combination pelvic and upper torso passenger restraint system at all designated seating positions if that bus: (Vehicle Code 27316, 27316.5; 13 CCR 1201)\n\n- Is a Type 1 school bus designed for carrying more than 16 passengers and the driver and is manufactured on or after July 1, 2005\n\n- Is a Type 2 school bus or student activity bus designed for carrying 16 or fewer passengers and the driver, or designed for carrying 20 or fewer passengers and the driver and having a manufacturer's vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less, and is manufactured on or after July 1, 2004\n\nThe Superintendent or designee shall prioritize the allocation of school buses purchased, leased, or contracted to ensure that elementary students receive first priority for new school buses equipped with passenger restraint systems whenever feasible.\n\nWhen a school bus or student activity bus is equipped with a passenger restraint system, all passengers shall use the passenger restraint system. (5 CCR 14105)\n\nBus drivers shall be informed of procedures to be followed to reasonably enforce proper use of the passenger restraint system.\n\nSafe Bus Operations\n\nSchool buses and student activity buses shall not be operated whenever the number of passengers exceeds bus seating capacity, except when necessary in emergency situations which require that individuals be moved immediately to ensure their safety.\n\nSchool bus operations shall be limited when atmospheric conditions reduce visibility on the roadway to 200 feet or less during regular home-to-school transportation service. Bus drivers for school activity trips shall have the authority to discontinue bus operation whenever they determine that it is unsafe to continue operation because of reduced visibility. (Vehicle Code 34501.6)\n\nA driver shall not use a wireless telephone while driving a school bus, student activity bus, or other motor vehicle, except under the following conditions: (Vehicle Code 23123, 23125)\n\n- For emergency purposes, including, but not limited to, an emergency call to a law enforcement agency, health care provider, fire department, or other emergency service agency or entity\n\n- For work-related purpose\n\n- When he/she uses a wireless telephone that is specifically designed and configured to allow hands-free listening and talking, provided it is used in that manner while driving\n\nThe Superintendent or designee may place a notice at bus entrances that warns against unauthorized entry. The driver or another school official may order any person to disembark if that person enters a bus without prior authorization. (Education Code 39842; 13 CCR 1256.5)\n\nThe Superintendent or designee shall review all investigations of bus incidents and accidents to develop preventative measures.\n\nTransportation Safety Plan for Boarding and Exiting Buses\n\nThe Superintendent or designee shall develop a transportation safety plan containing procedures for school personnel to follow to ensure the safe transport of students. The plan shall include all of the following: (Education Code 39831.3)\n\n- Procedures for determining if students in grades prekindergarten through 8 require an escort to cross a private road or highway at a bus stop pursuant to Vehicle Code 22112\n\n- Procedures for all students in grades prekindergarten through 8 to follow as they board and exit the bus at their bus stops\n\n- Procedures for boarding and exiting a school bus at a school or other trip destination\n\nA copy of the plan shall be kept at each school site and made available upon request to the California Highway Patrol. (Education Code 39831.3)\n\nNotifications\n\nThe Superintendent or designee shall provide written safety information to the parents/guardians of all students in grades prekindergarten through 6 who have not previously been transported in a school bus or student activity bus. This information shall be provided upon registration and shall address: (Education Code 39831.5)\n\n- A list of school bus stops near each student's home\n\n- General rules of conduct at school bus loading zones\n\n- Red light crossing instructions\n\n- The school bus danger zone\n\n- Safety while walking to and from school bus stops\n\nStudent Instruction\n\nAll students who are transported in a school bus or student activity bus shall receive instruction in school bus emergency procedures and passenger safety. (Education Code 39831.5)\n\nThe Superintendent or designee shall ensure that instruction is provided to students as follows:\n\n- Each school year, the Superintendent or designee shall provide appropriate instruction in safe riding practices and emergency evacuation drills. Each student who receives home-to-school transportation in a school bus shall be required to receive this instruction. (5 CCR 14102)\n\n- At least once each school year, all students in grades prekindergarten through 8 who receive home-to-school transportation shall receive safety instruction which includes, but is not limited to: (Education Code 39831.5)\n\n- Proper loading and unloading procedures, including escorting by the driver\n\n- How to safely cross the street, highway, or private road\n\n- In school buses with passenger restraint systems, instruction in the use of such systems as specified in 5 CCR 14105, including, but not limited to, the proper fastening and release of the passenger restraint system, acceptable placement of passenger restraint systems on students, times at which the passenger restraint systems should be fastened and released, and acceptable placement of the passenger restraint systems when not in use\n\n- Proper passenger conduct\n\n- Bus evacuation procedures\n\n- Location of emergency equipment\n\n\t\tAs part of this instruction, students shall evacuate the school bus through emergency exit doors. Instruction also may include responsibilities of passengers seated next to an emergency exit. (Education Code 39831.5)\n\n\t\tEach time the above instruction is given, the following information shall be documented: (Education Code 39831.5)\n\n- District name\n\n- School name and location\n\n- Date of instruction\n\n- Names of supervising adults\n\n- Number of students participating\n\n- Grade levels of students\n\n- Subjects covered in instruction\n\n- Amount of time taken for instruction\n\n- Bus driver's name\n\n- Bus number\n\n- Additional remarks\n\n\t\t\tThis documentation shall be kept on file at the district office or the school for one year and shall be available for inspection by the California Highway Patrol. (Education Code 39831.5)\n\n- Before departing on a school activity trip, all students riding on a school bus or student activity bus shall receive safety instruction which includes, but is not limited to: (Education Code 39831.5)\n\n- Location of emergency exits\n\n- Location and use of emergency equipment\n\nThis instruction also may include responsibilities of passengers seated next to an emergency exit. (Education Code 39831.5)", "footnotes": [ { "type": "State", "references": [ { "code": "13 CCR 1200-1294", "description": "Motor carrier safety", "url": "" }, { "code": "13 CCR 2480", "description": "Vehicle idling; limitations", "url": "https://govt.westlaw.com/calregs/Document/I9F7694335A1E11EC8227000D3A7C4BC3?viewType=FullText&originationContext=documenttoc&transitionType=CategoryPageItem&contextData=(sc.Default)" }, { "code": "19 CCR 574-575.3", "description": "Inspection and maintenance of fire extinguishers", "url": "https://govt.westlaw.com/calregs/Browse/Home/California/CaliforniaCodeofRegulations?guid=I100034505BE511EC98C8000D3A7C4BC3&transitionType=Default&contextData=%28sc.Default%29#I100760435BE511EC98C8000D3A7C4BC3" }, { "code": "49 CCR 571.1-571.500", "description": "Motor vehicle standards, including school buses", "url": "" }, { "code": "5 CCR 14100-14105", "description": "School buses and student activity buses", "url": "https://govt.westlaw.com/calregs/Browse/Home/California/CaliforniaCodeofRegulations?guid=I404B0C604C6911EC93A8000D3A7C4BC3&transitionType=Default&contextData=%28sc.Default%29#I404D2F434C6911EC93A8000D3A7C4BC3" }, { "code": "Ed. Code 39830-39843", "description": "School buses", "url": "https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=EDC&division=3.&title=2.&part=23.5.&chapter=1.&article=3." }, { "code": "Ed. Code 39860", "description": "Transportation to school activities", "url": "https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=EDC§ionNum=39860." }, { "code": "Ed. Code 51202", "description": "Instruction in personal and public health and safety", "url": "https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=EDC§ionNum=51202." }, { "code": "Pen. Code 241.3", "description": "Assault against school bus drivers", "url": "https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=PEN§ionNum=241.3." }, { "code": "Pen. Code 243.3", "description": "Battery against school bus drivers", "url": "https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=PEN§ionNum=243.3." }, { "code": "Veh. Code 22112", "description": "School bus signals; roadway crossings", "url": "https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=VEH§ionNum=22112." }, { "code": "Veh. Code 23123.5", "description": "Mobile communication devices; text messaging while driving", "url": "https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=VEH§ionNum=23123.5." }, { "code": "Veh. Code 23125", "description": "Wireless telephones in school buses", "url": "https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=VEH§ionNum=23125." }, { "code": "Veh. Code 27316-27316.5", "description": "Passenger restraint systems", "url": "https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=VEH§ionNum=27315." }, { "code": "Veh. Code 28160", "description": "Child safety alert system", "url": "https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=VEH&division=12.&title=&part=&chapter=5.&article=18." }, { "code": "Veh. Code 34500", "description": "California Highway Patrol responsibility to regulate safe operation of school buses", "url": "https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=VEH§ionNum=34500." }, { "code": "Veh. Code 34501.5", "description": "California Highway Patrol responsibility to adopt rules re: safe operation of school buses", "url": "https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=VEH§ionNum=34501.5." }, { "code": "Veh. Code 34501.6", "description": "School buses; reduced visibility", "url": "https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=VEH§ionNum=34501.6." }, { "code": "Veh. Code 34508", "description": "California Highway Patrol responsibility to adopt rules re: equipment and bus operations", "url": "https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=VEH§ionNum=34508." }, { "code": "Veh. Code 415", "description": "Definition of motor vehicle", "url": "https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=VEH§ionNum=415." }, { "code": "Veh. Code 545-546", "description": "Definition of school bus and student activity bus", "url": "https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=VEH&division=1.&title=&part=&chapter=&article=" } ] }, { "type": "Management Resources", "references": [ { "code": "California Department of Education Publication", "description": "Passenger Restraints Frequently Asked Questions", "url": "https://www.cde.ca.gov/" }, { "code": "Website", "description": "CSBA District and County Office of Education Legal Services", "url": "https://legalservices.csba.org/" }, { "code": "Website", "description": "American School Bus Council", "url": "http://www.americanschoolbuscouncil.org" }, { "code": "Website", "description": "California Association of School Transportation Officials", "url": "http://www.castoways.org" }, { "code": "Website", "description": "National Transportation Safety Board", "url": "http://www.ntsb.gov" }, { "code": "Website", "description": "U.S. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration", "url": "http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov" }, { "code": "Website", "description": "California Department of Education, Office of School Transportation", "url": "http://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/tn" }, { "code": "Website", "description": "California Highway Patrol", "url": "http://www.chp.ca.gov" }, { "code": "Website", "description": "California Association of School Business Officials", "url": "http://www.casbo.org" } ] } ], "crossRefs": [ { "code": "0400", "title": "Comprehensive Plans", "type": "AR" }, { "code": "0450", "title": "Comprehensive Safety Plan", "type": "AR" }, { "code": "0450", "title": "Comprehensive Safety Plan", "type": "AR" }, { "code": "1240", "title": "Volunteer Assistance", "type": "AR" }, { "code": "1240", "title": "Volunteer Assistance", "type": "AR" }, { "code": "1340", "title": "Access To District Records", "type": "AR" }, { "code": "1340", "title": "Access To District Records", "type": "AR" }, { "code": "3000", "title": "Concepts And Roles", "type": "AR" }, { "code": "3515.2", "title": "Disruptions", "type": "AR" }, { "code": "3515.2", "title": "Disruptions", "type": "AR" }, { "code": "3516", "title": "Emergencies And Disaster Preparedness Plan", "type": "AR" }, { "code": "3516", "title": "Emergencies And Disaster Preparedness Plan", "type": "AR" }, { "code": "3516.3", "title": "Earthquake Emergency Procedure System", "type": "AR" }, { "code": "3516.5", "title": "Emergency Schedules", "type": "AR" }, { "code": "3530", "title": "Risk Management/Insurance", "type": "AR" }, { "code": "3530", "title": "Risk Management/Insurance", "type": "AR" }, { "code": "3540", "title": "Transportation", "type": "AR" }, { "code": "3540", "title": "Transportation", "type": "AR" }, { "code": "3541.1", "title": "Transportation For School-Related Trips", "type": "AR" }, { "code": "3542", "title": "School Bus Drivers", "type": "AR" }, { "code": "3580", "title": "District Records", "type": "AR" }, { "code": "3580", "title": "District Records", "type": "AR" }, { "code": "4112.42", "title": "Drug And Alcohol Testing For School Bus Drivers", "type": "AR" }, { "code": "4231", "title": "Staff Development", "type": "AR" }, { "code": "5131.1", "title": "Bus Conduct", "type": "AR" }, { "code": "5131.1", "title": "Bus Conduct", "type": "AR" }, { "code": "5141.22", "title": "Infectious Diseases", "type": "AR" }, { "code": "5141.22", "title": "Infectious Diseases", "type": "AR" }, { "code": "5144", "title": "Discipline", "type": "AR" }, { "code": "5144", "title": "Discipline", "type": "AR" }, { "code": "5145.6", "title": "Parent/Guardian Notifications", "type": "AR" }, { "code": "5145.6-E PDF(1)", "title": "Parent/Guardian Notifications", "type": "AR" }, { "code": "6142.8", "title": "Comprehensive Health Education", "type": "AR" }, { "code": "6142.8", "title": "Comprehensive Health Education", "type": "AR" } ], "attachments": [] }