ILLINOIS REGISTER             15029  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED REPEALER  
 
 1) Heading of the Part :  Minimum Safety Standards for Construction of Type I School 
Buses  
 
2) Code Citation :  92 Ill. Adm. Code 440  
 
3) Section Numbers :  Proposed Actions : 
440.10     Repealed  
440.20     Repealed  
440.30     Repealed  
440.110    Repealed  
440.120    Repealed  
440.130    Repealed  
440.140    Repealed  
440.150    Repealed  
440.160    Repealed  
440.205    Repealed  
440.210    Repealed  
440.220    Repealed  
440.305    Repealed  
440.310    Repealed  
440.320    Repealed  
440.405    Repealed  
440.420    Repealed  
440.505    Repealed  
440.520    Repealed  
440.ILLUSTRATION B  Repealed  
440.ILLUSTRATION C  Repealed  
 
4) Statutory Authority :  Implementing Article VIII of Chapter 12 of the Illinois Vehicle 
Code [625 ILCS 5/Ch. 12, Art. VIII] and Section 14 -3(m) of the Criminal Code of 1961 
[720 ILCS 5/14 -3(m)] and authorized by Section 12 -812 of the Illinois Vehicle Code 
[625 ILCS 5/12 -812].  
 
5) A Complete Description of the Subjects and Issues Involved :  The Department is 
proposing to c onsolidate its type I and type II school bus construction standards into one 
Part.  This rulemaking proposes to repeal the type I standards in their entirety so that the 
Department may recreate this Part to include both bus types.  
      ILLINOIS REGISTER             15030  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED REPEALER  
 
 6) Published studies or reports, and sources of underlying data, used to compose this 
rulemaking :  None  
 
7) Will this rulemaking replace any emergency rule currently in effect ?  No  
 
8) Does this rulemaking contain an automatic repeal date ?  No  
 
9) Does this rulemaking contain inc orporations by reference ?  Yes  
 
10) Are there any other rulemakings pending on this Part ?  No  
 
11) Statemen t of Statewide Policy Objective :  This rulemaking does not create or expand a 
State m andate as defined in Section 3(b) of the State Mandates Act [30 ILCS 805/3(b)].   
 
12) Time, Place and Manner in which interested persons may comment on this proposed 
rulemaking :  Any interested party may submit written comments or arguments 
concerning this proposed rulemaking.  Written submissions shall be filed with:  
 
Greg Stucka, Rules Manager  
Illinois Department of Transportation  
Office of Chief Counsel  
2300 South Dirksen Parkway, Room 317  
Springfield I L 62764  
 
Comments received within 45 days after the date of publication of this Illinois Register  
will be considered.  Comments received after that time will be considered, time 
permitting.  
 
13) Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis : 
 
A) Types of small businesses, small municipalities and not -for-profit corporations 
affected :  This rulemaking affect s manufacturers of school buses; however, the 
Department is unaware of any school bus manufacturers that are small businesses.  
This rulemaking may have an indirect impact on small businesses, small 
municipalities, and not -for-profit corporations that sell , own, or operate school 
buses in this State.  
 
B) Reporting, bookkeeping, or other procedures required for compliance :  No impact 
is anticipated.       ILLINOIS REGISTER             15031  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED REPEALER  
 
  
C) Types of professional skills necessary for compliance :  No impact is anticipated.  
 
14) Regulatory Agenda o n which this rulemaking was summarized :  July 2017  
 
The full text of the Proposed Repealer begins on the next page : 
       ILLINOIS REGISTER             15032  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED REPEALER  
 
 TITLE 92:  TRANSPORTATION  
CHAPTER I:  DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
SUBCHAPTER e:  TRAFFIC SAFETY (EXCEPT HAZARDOUS MATERIALS)  
 
PART 440  
MINIMUM SAFETY STANDARDS FOR CONSTRUCTION  
OF TYPE I SCHOOL BUSES  (REPEALED)  
 
SUBPART A:  INTRODUCTION  
 
Section  
440.10  Order  
440.20  Guidelines  
440.30  Responsibilities  
 
SUBPART B:  GENERAL  
 
Section  
440.110  Purpose  
440.120  Scope  
440.130  Applicability  
440.140  Effective Date  
440.150  Quantified Requirements  
440.160  Incorporation by Reference  
 
SUBPART C:  DEFINITIONS  
 
Section  
440.205  Dictionary Used  
440.210  Federal Definitions  
440.220  State Definitions  
 
SUBPART D:  CERTIFICATION  
 
Section  
440.305  Certification by Manufacturer  
440.310  Federal Standards  
440.320  State Standards  
      ILLINOIS REGISTER             15033  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED REPEALER  
 
 SUBPART E:  BODY REQUIREMENTS  
 
Section  
440.405  Conformance to the Requirements  
440.410  Incorporation by Reference of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards 
(Repealed)  
440.420 State Requirements  
 
SUBPART F:  CHASSIS REQUIREMENTS  
 
Section  
440.505  Conformance to the Requirements  
440.510  Incorporation by Reference of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards 
(Repealed)  
440.520  State Requirements  
 
440.APPENDIX A  Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and Related 
Regulations (Repealed)  
440.APPENDIX B  First Aid Kit Requirements (Referred to in Section 440.420(l)) 
(Repealed)  
440.APPENDIX C  Specification Sheet Reflective Material – Encapsulated Lens 
(Based o n FHWA Notice N 5040.17, June 15, 1976) (Repealed)  
440.ILLUSTRATION A  Hexagon Shaped Stop Signal Arm (Repealed)  
440.ILLUSTRATION B  Octagon Shaped Stop Signal Arm Panel  
440.ILLUSTRATION C  Exhaust Discharge Prohibited Zones  
 
AUTHORITY:  Implementing Arti cle VIII of Chapter 12 of the Illinois Vehicle Code [625 ILCS 
5/Ch. 12, Art. VIII] and Section 14 -3(m) of the Criminal Code of 1961 [720 ILCS 5/14 -3(m)] 
and authorized by Section 12 -812 of the Illinois Vehicle Code [625 ILCS 5/12 -812].  
 
SOURCE:  Filed Jun e 20, 1977; amended at 6 Ill. Reg. 7147, effective June 2, 1982; codified at 
8 Ill. Reg. 15502; amended at 11 Ill. Reg. 15947, effective September 21, 1987; amended at 12 
Ill. Reg. 8463, effective May 3, 1988; amended at 16 Ill. Reg. 1655, effective Januar y 14, 1992; 
amended at 17 Ill. Reg. 3530, effective March 2, 1993; amended at 18 Ill. Reg. 14764, effective 
September 20, 1994; amended at 22 Ill. Reg. 19354, effective October 15, 1998; expedited 
correction at 23 Ill. Reg. 5918, effective October 15, 1998 ; emergency amendment at 24 Ill. Reg. 
4993, effective March 10, 2000, for a maximum of 150 days; amended at 24 Ill. Reg. 12111, 
effective July 31, 2000; emergency amendment at 24 Ill. Reg. 16391, effective October 20, 2000, 
for a maximum of 150 days; amend ed at 25 Ill. Reg. 3307, effective February 20, 2001; amended      ILLINOIS REGISTER             15034  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED REPEALER  
 
 at 26 Ill. Reg. 3219, effective February 19, 2002; amended at 31 Ill. Reg. 1881, effective January 
8, 2007; amended at 32 Ill. Reg. 17983, effective November 10, 2008; repealed at 42 Ill. Reg. 
______, effective ____________.  
 
SUBPART A:  INTRODUCTION  
 
Section 440.10  Order   
 
The Department, through its Division of Traffic Safety, has the responsibility to ensure that the 
public and private agencies engaged in the transportation of passengers on school buses are 
cognizant of and meet minimum safety standards related to vehicle construction.  
 
Section 440.20  Guidelines   
 
This Part provides:  
 
a) General information on the appropriate portions of the Illinois Vehicle Code [625 
ILCS 5], the applicability of the standards to public and private agencies, the 
purpose of the standards  and the scope of the standards.  
 
b) Definitions of terms used in this Part.  
 
c) Requirements for manufacturer's certification related to federal and State 
standards.  
 
d) Federal and State standards applicable to the bodies of school buses.  
 
e) Federal  and State standards applicable to the chassis of school buses.  
 
Section 440.30  Responsibilities   
 
The Bureau of Safety Programs, Division of Traffic Safety, is responsible for enforcement of 
these standards.  
 
SUBPART B:  GENERAL  
 
Section 440.110  Purpose   
 
These standards are intended to heighten the safety of school bus passengers in compliance with      ILLINOIS REGISTER             15035  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED REPEALER  
 
 the oft -expressed desires of parents and other promoters of school bus safety features.  
 
Section 440.120  Scope   
 
These standards show the basic federal motor vehicle safety standards that must be met and in 
addition set forth certain minimum requirements established by the State to govern aspects not 
governed by the federal motor vehicle safety standards.  In complia nce with the desires of school 
bus owners and operators, some of the State requirements relate to bus traffic characteristics and 
to durability and maintenance rather than to safety.  
 
Section 440.130  Applicability   
 
These standards apply to the construct ion of any new Type I School Bus obtained by a person or 
organization for operation on the public roads in Illinois. Requirements for body and chassis are 
stated separately, in order to facilitate application of the standards to the commonly used body -
on-chassis bus. In the case of an integral type bus the body and chassis requirements (Subpart E 
& F) should be read together as one set of requirements.  In any case, these standards apply to 
the completed bus.  
 
Section 440.140  Effective Date   
 
These standa rds become effective July 1, 1977, on each incomplete vehicle manufactured on or 
after April 1, 1977, and on each component either assembled to or altered on such incomplete 
vehicle so as to construct a school bus; provided, however, a new school bus const ructed of an 
incomplete vehicle manufactured before April 1, 1977, may not be sold or used in Illinois if its 
final stage of manufacture is completed after October 1, 1977.  
 
Section 440.150  Quantified Requirements   
 
Nearly all quantified requirements are stated in SI (metric) units as well as U.S. customary units.  
Where a requirement stated in U.S. customary units is not identical to the requirement stated in 
SI units, the SI requirement shall prevail.  
 
Section 440. 160  Incorporation by Reference  
 
a) Each bus body and chassis must conform to the applicable provisions of the 
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) (49 CFR 571.1 through 
571.404).  Those applicable provisions of the FMVSS are incorporated by      ILLINOIS REGISTER             15036  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED REPEALER  
 
 reference as that part of the FMVSS was in effect on October 1, 2007 .  No later 
amendments to or editions of 49 CFR 571 are incorporated.  
 
b) Each bus body and chassis must conform to the applicable provisions of 49 CFR 
567, Certification, and 49 CFR 568, Vehi cles Manufactured in Two or More 
Stages, that were in effect on the first day of the month in which the chassis 
manufacturer completed the last manufacturing operation on the incomplete bus.  
Those applicable provisions are incorporated by reference as the y were in effect 
on October 1, 2007 .  No later amendments to or editions of 49 CFR 567 and 49 
CFR 568 are incorporated.  
 
c) Each school bus must conform to the applicable Standards and Recommended 
Practices of the Society of Automotive Engineers Handbook  (Society of 
Automotive Engineers, Inc., 400 Commonwealth Drive, Warrendale PA 15096 -
0001, (724)776 -4841) .  Those applicable provisions of the SAE Standards and 
Recommended Practices are incorporated by reference as of the 2005 edition date.  
No later amendm ents to or editions of the SAE Standards and Recommended 
Practices are incorporated.  
 
d) Copies of the above materials incorporated by reference are available for 
inspection at the Division of Traffic Safety, 3215 Executive Park Drive, 3rd Floor, 
Springfie ld, Illinois  62703 or by calling (217)785 -1181.  The federal standards 
are available on the National Archives and Records Administration 's website at 
http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov.  The Division of Traffic Safety 's rules are available on 
the Department 's webs ite at http://www.dot.il.gov/safety.html  . 
 
SUBPART C:  DEFINITIONS  
 
Section 440.205  Dictionary Used   
 
Words and terms are used in the appropriate meaning defined in Webster's Third New 
International Dictionary of the English Language unless a different meaning is referred to or 
stated herein below.  
 
Section 440.210  Federal Definitions   
 
Terms are used as  defined in 49 CFR 567, 568, or 571.  
 
Section 440.220  State Definitions        ILLINOIS REGISTER             15037  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED REPEALER  
 
  
The terms referred to in Section 440.210 are applicable to this Section unless any definitions are 
displaced either by a statutory definition in 625 ILCS 5 or by a definition found  in this Section:  
 
"ANSI" means the American National Standards Institute (11 West 42nd Street, 
New York NY  10036).  
 
"Body" means the portion of a bus that encloses the occupant and cargo spaces 
and separates those spaces from the chassis frame, engine compartment, driveline, 
and other chassis components, except certain chassis controls used by the driver.  
 
"Body -on-Chassis" means a completed vehicle consisting of a passenger seating 
body mounted on a truck type chassis (or other separate chassis) so th at the body 
and chassis are separate entities, although one may reinforce or brace the other.  
 
"Child Check System " means an optional mechanical or electronic monitoring 
system used for ensuring that no passengers remain on the school bus at the end 
of a route, a work shift, or the work day.  The system shall require the school bus 
driver to walk to the rear of the bus to deactivate the system before the driver 
leaves the bus.  The vehicle 's interior lights must illuminate when the ignition is 
turned off t o assist the driver in seeing in and under the seats during a visual 
sweep of the bus.  (See P.A. 95 -0260, effective August 17, 2007.)  
 
"Code" means the Illinois Vehicle Code [625 ILCS 5].  
 
"Driver" means every  person who drives or is in actual physical control of a 
vehicle . (Section 1 -116 of the Code)   
 
"Empty Weight" means the unloaded vehicle weight; i.e., the weight of a vehicle 
with maximum capacity of all fluids necessary for operation of the vehicle but 
without cargo or occupant (49 CFR 571.3), plus 350 lbs allowance for driver and 
equipment.  
 
"FMV SS" means the Rules and Standards set forth in 49 CFR 571 and known as 
the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.  
 
"Forward Control" means a configuration in which more than half of the engine 
length is rearward of the foremost point of the windshield bas e and the steering 
wheel hub is in the forward quarter of the vehicle length (49 CFR 571.3) −      ILLINOIS REGISTER             15038  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED REPEALER  
 
 includes mid -engine and rear -engine  "pusher" buses.  
 
"Gross Vehicle Weight Rating" or "GVWR" means the value specified by the 
manufacturer as the loaded weight of the school bus.  (See Section 1 -124.5 of the 
Code.)  
 
"Incomplete Vehicle" means an assemblage consisting, as a minimum, of frame 
and chassis structure, power train, steering system, suspension system, and 
braking system, to the extent that those systems are to be part of the completed 
vehicle, that requires further manufacturing operations (other than the addition of 
readily attachable components such as mirrors or tire and rim assemblies or minor 
finishing operations, such as painting) to become a comple ted school bus for use 
in Illinois. (Based on 49 CFR 568.3)  
 
"Integral Type" bus means a completed vehicle either without separate body and 
chassis or with body and chassis joined into one unit.  
 
"m", following a numeral, means either "meter" or "meters. "  
 
"mm", following a numeral, means either "millimeter" or "millimeters."  
 
"Manufacturer" (unless otherwise indicated at the point of use) means the person 
or organization whose name follows "MANUFACTURED BY" OR "MFD BY" 
on the label required in Section 440.310.  
 
"Multiple Glazed Unit" means two or more sheets of safety glazing material 
separated by air spaces and assembled in a common mounting (ANSI Z26.1 -
1996).  
 
"Passenger" means every bus occupant who is not the driver.  
 
"SAE" means the Society of Automotive Engineers (400 Commonwealth Drive, 
Warrendale PA 15096).  
 
"School Bus" –  
 
Every motor vehicle, except as provided below, owned or operated by or 
for any of the following entities for the transportation of persons reg ularly 
enrolled as students in grade 12 or below in connection with any activity      ILLINOIS REGISTER             15039  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED REPEALER  
 
 of such entity:   
 
Any public or private primary or secondary school;   
 
Any primary or secondary school operated by a religious 
institution; or   
 
Any public, private or religio us nursery school.   
 
This definition shall not include the following:   
 
A bus operated by a public utility, municipal corporation or 
common carrier authorized to conduct local or interurban 
transportation of passengers when such bus is not traveling a 
specific school bus route but is:   
 
On a regularly scheduled route for the transportation of 
other fare paying passengers;   
 
Furnishing charter service for the transportation of groups 
on field trips or other special trips or in connection with 
other special events; or   
 
Being used for shuttle service between attendance centers 
or other educational facilities.   
 
A motor vehicle of the first division.   
 
A motor vehicle designed for the transportation of not less than 7 
nor more than 16 persons that is operated by or for a public or 
private primary or secondary school, including any primary or 
secondary school operated by a religious institution, for the 
purpose of transporting not more than 15 students to and from 
interscholastic athletic or other interscholasti c or school 
sponsored activities.  (Section 1 -182 of the Code)   
 
"SI" means Systeme International d'Unites (International System of Units); 
officially abbreviated SI in all languages; the modernized metric system defined 
in ANSI IEEE -ASTM -SI-10-1997.       ILLINOIS REGISTER             15040  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED REPEALER  
 
  
The symbol ", following a numeral, means either "inch" or "inches."  
 
"Type I School Bus" means  a school bus with a GVWR of more than 10,000 
pounds.  (Section 1 -213.4 of the Code)  
 
"Type I -A School Bus" means a term commonly used by school bus 
manufacturers to classify a certain type of school bus that is a conversion or body 
constructed upon a van -type or cutaway front -section vehicle with a left side 
driver's door, designed for car rying more than 10 persons.  The Type I -A school 
bus has a GVWR of more than 10,000 pounds.  
 
"Type II School Bus " means a school bus with a GVWR  of 10,000 pounds or less.  
(Section 1 -213.5 of the Code)  
 
SUBPART D:  CERTIFICATION  
 
Section 440.305  Certific ation by Manufacturer   
 
The manufacturer shall certify the bus conforms to the applicable federal standards in effect on 
the first day of the month shown in the statement, "This Vehicle Conforms To All Applicable 
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards In E ffect in (month, year)" on the label required under 
Section 440.310.  The manufacturer must also certify that the bus conforms to all applicable 
State standards. (See Section 440.320.) The certification shall be present in the bus when 
delivered to the pur chaser as well as when submitted to the safety test conducted under 
provisions of Section 13 -109 of the Code [625 ILCS 5/13 -109].  
 
Section 440.310  Federal Standards   
 
The manufacturer, and all incomplete vehicle and intermediate manufacturers, shall comp ly with 
the applicable provisions of Part 567, "Certification", and Part 568, "Vehicles Manufactured in 
Two or More Stages", in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR 567 & 568), 
including the permanent affixing of a label in conformance with the above mentioned federal 
regulations. This label shall constitute the manufacturer's certification to the People of the State 
of Illinois that the bus conforms to all applicable provisions of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety 
Standards (49 CFR 571).  
 
Section 440.320  State Standards   
      ILLINOIS REGISTER             15041  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED REPEALER  
 
 The manufacturer shall prepare a certification bearing his name, identifying the bus by Vehicle 
Identification Number (VIN), and stating the bus conforms to all applicable provisions of 
"Illinois Minimum Safety Standards For Construction of Type I School B uses" in effect on the 
first day of (month and year appearing in the statement quoted in Section 440.305, above or a 
later month).  This certification shall be in the form of an additional label manufactured, lettered, 
and affixed in the same manner and lo cation as the label required in Section 440.310, above.  
 
SUBPART E:  BODY REQUIREMENTS  
 
Section 440.405  Conformance to the Requirements   
 
At the time of the safety test conducted under provisions of Section 13 -109 of the Code [625 
ILCS 5/13 -109], and whe n delivered to the purchaser, the body of each Type I School Bus shall 
conform to the requirements stated or referred to in this Subpart.  Some chassis requirements also 
applicable to the body are stated or referred to herein.  
 
Section 440.410  Incorporat ion by Reference of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards  
(Repealed)  
 
Section 440.420  State Requirements   
 
Except for mirrors, which may project 153 mm (6") beyond each side of the bus, a school bus 
shall not exceed 2.44 m (8 feet) in width, 4.12 m (13 f eet 6 inches) in height, nor 12.81 m (42 
feet) in length.  (Sections 15 -102, 15 -103 and 15 -107 of the Code)  Each bus body shall be 
constructed so as to preclude road splash, road dust, or the bus engine's fumes or gas entering 
either the driver, passenger,  or service entrance space through any joint, crack, hole, or opening 
other than an opened door or window.  In addition, various portions of the bus body shall 
conform to the requirements set forth under the following subsections.  
 
a) Aisle.  An aisle, ea sily negotiated ("easily negotiated" means that an aisle meets 
the dimension requirements set forth in this subsection from front of bus to back 
of bus) and free of tripping hazards ("tripping hazards" are tears, wrinkles and 
other imperfections in the flo or covering material, or the floor itself causing the 
walking surface to be uneven), shall extend from the forward edge of the service 
entrance stairway to the emergency door in the rear of the bus or, when such door 
is absent, to the forward edge of the r earmost seat.  This aisle shall be no less than 
305 mm (12") wide at every location between floor covering and the top of each 
seat cushion and, in a bus manufactured in July 1987 or later, shall be no less than 
380 mm (15") wide at and above a level 50 mm  (2") below the top of any seat      ILLINOIS REGISTER             15042  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED REPEALER  
 
 back.  At least 1.75m (68.9") floor -to-ceiling height shall be provided above the 
entire required width of this aisle between the forward edge of the rearmost seat 
and the forward edge of the service entrance stairway.  A de dicated aisle that 
conforms to 49 CFR 571.217 may be adjacent to any side emergency door.  
 
b) Barriers, Guard.  A restraining guard barrier shall be installed in front of the right 
and left front passenger seats.  (See 92 Ill. Adm. Code 444 for exceptions  for 
special education school buses.)  
 
1) Barriers shall be constructed to guard passengers from being thrown into 
the stairwell, dash, windshield or driver 's compartment.  Barriers shall be 
padded to give knee and head impact protection.  Barriers shall c onform to 
S5.2 through S5.2.3 of FMVSS 222.  
 
2) The vertical distance from the floor covering to the top of a barrier 
positioned in front of a student 's seat shall measure not less than the 
vertical distance from the floor covering to the top of the seat back on the 
seat back installed behind that barrier.  
 
c) Battery.  Either one battery or two or more suitably connected batteries may be 
installed.  
 
1) When rated in conformance with SAE Standard J537 (September 2000) 
the batteries shall provide a current  flow for engine cranking no less than 
the engine manufacturer's recommended Cold Cranking Current (amperes 
for 30 seconds) at -18˚ C (0˚ F) or, at the purchaser's option, at  
-29˚ C ( -20˚ F).  
 
2) When rated in conformance with SAE Standard J537 (Septembe r 2000) 
the batteries shall provide a Reserve Capacity (duration of 25 ampere 
current flow) at 27˚ C (80˚ F) no less than 135 minutes.  
 
d) Battery Carrier.  When the battery is mounted outside the engine compartment it 
shall be attached securely in a clos ed, weather -tight, and vented compartment that 
is located and arranged so as to provide for convenient routine servicing.  The 
battery compartment door, or cover, shall be secured by an adequate manually 
operated latches or other fasteners.  Each electrica l cable connecting the batteries 
in this carrier to the body or chassis shall be one -piece between the battery 
terminal connector and the first body or chassis terminal connector.       ILLINOIS REGISTER             15043  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED REPEALER  
 
  
e) Bumper, Rear.  The rear bumper shall be of channel type cross section w ith the 
top edge at least 225 mm (8.9") above the bottom edge, shall be formed from 
rolled steel at least 4.55 mm (.18") thick, and shall wrap around the rear corners 
of the body to a point at least 300 mm (11.8") forward of the rearmost point of the 
body at floor line.  The rear bumper shall be attached to the chassis frame with 
provisions for removal by means of commonly available hand tools and the 
prevention of hitching -to or riding thereon.  The rear bumper shall be of sufficient 
strength to permit the  bus being pushed by another vehicle without permanent 
distortion.  
 
f) Capacity, Passenger.  The vehicle maximum passenger capacity recommended by 
the manufacturer of the bus shall be based upon a provision for 13 inches of 
seating space for each passenge r, exclusive of the driver.  (Section 12 -802 of the 
Code)  Examples:  A seat 990 mm (39") in width provides 3 passenger spaces; A 
seat 985 mm (38.8") in width provides 2 passenger spaces; A device resembling a 
seat but less than 330 mm (13") in width would not provide a passenger space.  
Neither a space not conforming to FMVSS 222 nor the driver's space shall be 
counted as a passenger space. However, any space used for transporting an 
orthopedically challenged passenger shall be counted as a passenger space when 
computing passenger capacity to be displayed on the exterior of the bus as 
required in subsection (v)(7).  
 
g) Certificate and Registration Card Holder.  At least 1 card holder with a 
transparent face no less than 150 mm by 100 mm (5.9" by 3.9") shall  be securely 
affixed to the interior header panel out of the students' easy reach.  
 
h) Child Check System (Optional).  If a mechanical or electronic child check system 
is installed, the system must illuminate the interior lights on the bus when the 
ignition is turned off. (See P .A. 95-0260, effective August 17, 2007.)  
 
i) Color and Paint, Exterior.  The exterior of each school bus shall be national 
school bus glossy yellow except as indicated in subsections (i)(1) -(6):  
 
1) The rooftop may be white.   Optional white roof shall terminate at any point 
from top of drip rail to 6" above drip rail.  The front and rear roof caps 
shall remain national school bus glossy yellow.  
 
2) Body trim, rub rails, lettering other than on a stop signal arm and      ILLINOIS REGISTER             15044  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED REPEALER  
 
 bumpers s hall be glossy black  (Federal Standard No. 595a, glossy black 
enamel No. 170381).  
 
3) Lettering on a stop signal arm shall be white on a red background.   
 
4) The hood and upper cowl may be lusterless black  (595a, 37038) or 
lusterless school bus yellow.   
 
5) Grilles on the front, lamp trim and hubcaps may be a bright finish.   
Wheels and rims may be black or gray.  
 
6) The name or emblem of a manufacturer may be colorless or any color.   
 
7) The exterior paint of any school bus shall match the central value, hue and 
chroma set forth  in this Part.  (Section 12 -801 of the Code)  
 
8) Each opening for a required emergency exit window or door must be 
outlined around its exterior perimeter with, at a minimum, 1 inch (2.54 
cm) wide yellow retroreflective tape.  All r etroreflective tape must be on 
the exterior surface of the bus and conform to all requirements of 49 CFR 
571.217. Emergency roof exits may be outlined in either yellow or white 
retroreflective tape.  
 
9) Yellow retroreflective tape can be located on the re ar bumper or rub rail 
provided the space under the emergency exit door or emergency exit 
window is not adequate to accommodate the tape, or, provided rivets are 
present that prohibit the tape from being applied properly.  
 
AGENCY NOTE:  To be certain of glare reduction, a purchaser should specify a 
lusterless paint.  
 
j) Crossing Control Arm:  
 
1) Must meet or exceed the wiring requirements of  SAE Recommended 
Practice J1133 (November 2004).  
 
2) Must be capable of full opera tion between, and including, the temperatures 
-40º F and 160º F.  
      ILLINOIS REGISTER             15045  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED REPEALER  
 
 3) The arm, when activated, must extend a minimum of five feet from the 
front face of the bumper.  
 
4) The arm must be mounted on the far right side (entry side) of the front 
bumper.  
 
5) Appropriate brackets shall be used to attach the arm to the front bumper 
for proper operation and storage.  
 
6) All component parts must meet or exceed any applicable federal motor 
vehicle safety standards in effect at the time of manufacture.  
 
7) The arm must extend at the same time the stop arm panel extends. An 
independent "on/off" switch is prohibited.  
 
8) If the driver can stop the arm from extending with the use of an optional 
override switch, the arm sequence must automatically reset once the 
servic e door is closed.  
 
9) Red lights and/or red reflectors are prohibited.  
 
k) Defrosters.  Defrosting equipment shall be installed so as to help keep the window 
to the left of the driver and the glass in the service door clear of fog or frost.  This 
defrosting equipment shall conform to those FMVSS 103 (49 CFR 571.103) 
performance r equirements that are applicable to school bus windshields.  
 
l) Emergency Exits.  All emergency exits shall conform to the applicable 
requirements of FMVSS 217 (49 CFR 571.217).  
 
1) Each emergency exit shall be equipped with an interior opening device 
that may be quickly released but that is designed to offer protection 
against accidental release.  Each exterior release handle must be 
nonhitchable.  
 
AGENCY NOTE:  "Nonhitchable" is defined as the rear of the bus being 
designed and maintained to prevent or discourage riding or grasping rear 
of bus so as to "hitch" rides.  
 
2) Each opening for a required emergency exit window or door must be      ILLINOIS REGISTER             15046  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED REPEALER  
 
 outlined around its exterior perimeter with, at a minimum, 1 inch (2.54 
cm) wide yellow retroreflective tape.  All retr oreflective tape must be on 
the exterior surface of the bus and conform to all requirements of 49 CFR 
571.217.  Yellow retroreflective tape can be located on the rear bumper or 
rub rail provided the space under the emergency exit door or emergency 
exit win dow is not adequate to accommodate the tape, or, provided rivets 
are present that prohibit the tape from being applied properly.  Emergency 
roof exits may be outlined in either yellow or white retroreflective tape.  
 
3) Both audible and visible alarms shal l alert the driver when the engine is 
running and any emergency exit door either:  
 
A) Is not fully latched, or  
 
B) Is locked and not readily operated manually.  
 
4) An audible alarm shall alert the driver when the engine is running and any 
emergency exit window either:  
 
A) Is not fully latched, or  
 
B) Is locked and not readily operated manually.  
 
5) The engine starting system shall not operate while any emergency e xit 
door or window (optional or required) is locked from either inside or 
outside the bus.  "Locked" means that the release mechanism cannot be 
activated and the exit cannot be opened by a person at the exit without a 
special device such as a key or specia l information such as a combination.  
 
6) An alarm cut -off or "squelch" control is prohibited.  
 
7) Exception:  No alarm is required for roof hatches.  
 
m) Fire Extinguisher.  
 
AGENCY NOTE:  A fire extinguisher is required to be carried on each school bus 
transporting pupils.  The manufacturer may elect to install the fire extinguisher at 
the time the school bus is manufactured; however, a fire extinguisher can also be 
installed by the owner after the school bus is purchased.       ILLINOIS REGISTER             15047  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED REPEALER  
 
  
The fire extinguisher shall be of the dry chemical type, with pressure gauge, 
mounted in a quick -release bracket of automotive type located in view of and 
readily accessible to the driver, except when carried in the locked compartment 
authorized under subs ection (w).  The fire extinguisher shall be of a type 
approved by the Underwriters' Laboratories, Inc., with a rating not less than 10 -
BC.  The operating mechanism shall be sealed with a type of seal that will not 
interfere with the use of the fire extingu isher.  Halon fire extinguishers (10 -BC) 
are approved.  
 
n) First-Aid Kit.  
 
AGENCY NOTE:  A first aid kit is required to be carried on each school bus 
transporting pupils.  The manufacturer may elect to install the first aid kit at the 
time the school bus  is manufactured; however, a first aid kit can also be installed 
by the owner after the school bus is purchased.  
  
1) The first aid kit must be readily identifiable and readily accessible to the 
driver.  The kit must be dust tight and substantially constru cted of durable 
material.  If the kit is not carried in the locked compartment as authorized 
in subsection (w)(2), it must be in view of the driver.  
 
2) The first aid kit must include, but is not limited to, the following:  
 
A) 4" bandage compress – 2 pac kages  
 
B) 2" bandage compress – 2 packages  
 
C) 1" bandage or adhesive compress – 1 package  
 
D) 40" triangle bandage with two safety pins – 1  
 
E) Splint, wire or wood – 1  
 
3) A tourniquet or any type of ointment, antiseptic or other medicine cannot 
be included.  
 
o) Floor Covering.  
      ILLINOIS REGISTER             15048  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED REPEALER  
 
 1) All portions of the floor that come in contact with passengers' or driver's 
footwear shall be covered with a waterproof material.  This floor c overing 
shall not crack when subjected to sudden temperature change and shall be 
bonded securely to the floor with a waterproof substance.  All seams and 
openings shall be filled with a waterproof sealer.  
 
2) The floor covering in the aisles and entrance area shall be of non -skid, 
wear -resistance type material commonly used in commercial passenger 
transportation vehicles.  
 
p) Fuel System.  The fuel system shall conform to all applicable provisions of 
FMVSS 301 (49 CFR 571.301).  
 
q) Glazing Materials.  
 
1) The following applies to glazing on Type I school buses:  
 
A) Laminated safety glass is optional on Type I school buses.  All 
applicable provisions of FMVSS 205 (49 CFR 571.205) apply to 
the optional laminated safety glass and also to any plastic materia l 
used in multiple -glazed unit, including meeting the pertinent tests 
indicated below, that are specified in ANSI Standard Z26.1 -1996, 
Z26.1a -1996, and are grouped in Table No. 1 of that Standard.  
Glazing shall be identified as shown below.  
 
Glazing inst alled in:  Shall meet tests 
grouped in Z26.1 
Table No. 1 under:  Shall bear one of the 
following identification 
markings:  
   
Windshield  Item 1, either 
laminated glass or 
multiple glazed unit.  AS 1 Glass;  
   
Window or door 
forward of rearmost 
location of driver's 
seat back   AS 1 Glass; or AS 2 
Glass  
   
All Other locations   AS 1 Glass, or AS 2      ILLINOIS REGISTER             15049  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED REPEALER  
 
 Glass, or AS 3 Glass  
 
B) In addition, any exposed plastic layer of a multiple glazed unit 
shall be identified in conformance with FMVSS 205 (49 CFR 
571.205).  
 
2) All glazing shall be installed so the identification markings are legible.  
 
3) All glazing in the rear of the bus, except a rear emergency exit window, 
shall be the fixed type.  
 
r) Heaters.  
 
1) An interior temperature of not less than 10º Celsius (50º F ) shall be 
maintained throughout the bus while the bus is moving at 75 kilometers 
per hour (46.6 miles per hour) in calm air at the average minimum January 
temperature, as established by the Weather Bureau, U.S. Department of 
Commerce, for the area in whic h the bus is to be operated.  
 
2) Each heater shall bear a nameplate that shall identify the heater 
manufacturer and state the heater capacity rating when tested as 
recommended in SAE Recommended Practice J638 (November 1998), or 
when tested in accordance with other nationally recognized s tandard or 
code.  The recommended practice, standard, or code under which the 
heater is rated shall be identified on the nameplate.  Such nameplate shall 
constitute certification by the heater manufacturer that the heater 
performance is as shown on the pla te.  
 
3) Heater hoses shall be supported so as to prevent wear due to vibration. The 
hoses shall not dangle or rub against the chassis or sharp edges and shall 
neither interfere with nor restrict the operation of any engine function 
(such as an emission or  ignition control mechanism).  Heater hoses shall 
be protected or baffled between the point at which they enter the passenger 
compartment and the point of attachment to the heater so that, in the event 
of hose rupture or disconnection, passengers and/or dr iver will not be 
subject to hot water burns.  
 
4) Auxiliary fuel -fired heating systems are permitted, provided they comply 
with the following:       ILLINOIS REGISTER             15050  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED REPEALER  
 
  
A) The auxiliary heating system fuel shall utilize the same type of fuel 
as specified for the vehicle engine;  
 
B) The heater or heaters may be direct hot air or connected to the 
engine 's coolant system;  
 
C) An auxiliary heating system, when connected to the engine 's 
coolant system, may be used to preheat the engine coolant or 
preheat and add supplementary heat to th e bus 's heating system;  
 
D) Auxiliary heating systems must be installed pursuant to the 
manufacturer 's recommendations and shall not direct exhaust in 
such a manner that will endanger bus passengers.  The auxiliary 
heating system must not direct exhaust in to any portion of the 
prohibited zone as shown in Illustration C of this Part;  
 
E) Auxiliary heating systems that operate on diesel fuel shall be 
capable of operating on:  
 
i) a hot water and/or combustion type heater; or  
 
ii) if only one heater is used, a fresh -air or combination fresh -
air and recirculation type heater; or  
 
iii) blended diesel fuel without the need for system adjustment; 
and 
 
F) The auxiliary heating system shall be low voltage.  
 
s) Heater Hose Connections at Engine.  Each heater hose conne ction to the engine 
shall include a shutoff valve located as close to the engine as practical.  Such 
connection and valve shall not interfere with any engine function whether closed, 
partially open, or fully open, with heater hoses installed properly.  
 
t) Interior.  
 
1) Thermal and acoustic materials shall be installed in the ceiling and the 
sides of the body to reduce heat transfer and the interior noise level.       ILLINOIS REGISTER             15051  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED REPEALER  
 
  
2) The passenger compartment of the bus, including the ceiling, shall be free 
of any visible or concealed projections likely to cause injury.  Exposed 
lapped joints shall be connected and/or treated to reduce likelihood of 
injury from exposed edges.  Materials or components in the passenger 
compartment located within 59 inches from the floor shall  be free of any 
sharp corner or projections or shall be padded so as to make injury 
unlikely.  
 
u) Lamps and Signals.  Light Emitting Diode (LED) lamps that meet applicable 
FMVSS or SAE Standards or SAE Recommended Practices are acceptable.  
 
1) Alternately  Flashing Signal Lamps. Each bus shall be equipped with an 
eight lamp alternately flashing signal system that conforms to S5.1.4(b) of 
FMVSS 108 (49 CFR 571.108) and Section 12 -805 of the Code. A 
separate circuit breaker and a master switch shall be provid ed for this 
signal system.  When in its "off" position, this master switch shall prevent 
operation of the eight lamp system; shall prevent operation of any lamps 
mounted on the stop signal arm panel required under subsection (hh); and 
shall prevent operati on of any electrically controlled mechanism that 
would cause the stop signal arm panel to extend.  The controls for the 
eight lamp flashing signals, the stop signal arm panel, and the service 
entrance door shall be arranged so as to provide for the followi ng 
sequence of operations while the engine is running:  
 
A) Place the alternately flashing signal system master switch in its 
"off" position.  Close and secure the service entrance door.  
Actuate the alternately flashing signal system hand or foot control.  
The alternately flashing signal lamps of either yellow (am ber) or 
red color shall not go on.  
 
B) With the master switch "off" and the hand or foot control actuated, 
open the service door.  The alternately flashing signals of either 
color shall not go on and the stop signal arm panel shall not extend.  
 
C) Deacti vate the hand or foot control.  Place the alternately flashing 
signal system master switch in its "on" position.  Close and secure 
the service door.  Then open the service door.  The alternately 
flashing signal lamps of either color shall not go on and the  stop      ILLINOIS REGISTER             15052  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED REPEALER  
 
 signal arm panel shall not extend.  
 
D) Close and secure the service door.  Actuate the alternately flashing 
signal system by hand or foot control.  A yellow pilot lamp in the 
view of the driver and the yellow alternately flashing signals shall 
go on .  
 
E) Desecure but do not open the service door.  The yellow pilot and 
the yellow alternately flashing signals shall go off.  A red pilot 
lamp in the view of the driver and the red alternately flashing 
signals shall go on.  The stop signal arm panel shall  extend.  
 
F) Fully open the service door.  The red pilot and red signals shall 
remain on and the stop arm shall remain extended.  
 
G) Close but do not secure the service door.  The red pilot and red 
signals shall remain on and the stop arm shall remain ex tended.  
 
H) Open the service door.  The red pilot and red signals shall remain 
on and the stop arm shall remain extended.  
 
I) Close and secure the service door.  The red pilot and red signals 
shall go off and the stop arm shall retract.  
 
J) Open the ser vice door.  Alternately flashing signals of either color 
shall not go on and the stop arm shall not extend.  
 
2) Interior Lighting.  At least the white nosings of the service entrance steps 
(subsection (gg)(3)), the floor around the stepwell, the entire ai sle, and 
each emergency door and emergency exit shall be illuminated by lamps 
emitting a white light.  For buses designed to transport 33 or more 
passengers, at least two interior illumination lamps shall be installed.  At 
least the nosings of the service entrance steps and the floor around the 
stepwell shall be illuminated automatically by opening of the service door.  
No lamp shall be installed at or near the eye level of a pupil moving 
through the service entranceway to the aisle unless such lamp does no t 
shine directly into the eyes of any such pupil.  
 
3) Rear Turn Signals.  Yellow turn signal lamps shall be mounted on the rear      ILLINOIS REGISTER             15053  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED REPEALER  
 
 as far apart as practical and as high as practical but below the rear 
window.  The effective projected illuminated area of thes e turn signal 
lamps shall be no less than required for the yellow alternately flashing 
signal lamps required under subsection (u)(1); i.e., .0122 m2 (19 in2).  
 
4) Side Turn Signals.  Two yellow side turn signal lamps conforming to SAE 
Standard J914 (July 2003) shall be installed on each bus designed to 
transport 33 or more passengers.  Except as provided in this subsection, 
this SAE Standard shall be read as setting  forth mandatory requirements.  
The lamps shall be "armored" and mounted on the body between the rub 
rails required under subsection (dd).  The right lamp shall be within 1 m 
(39.4") of the rear of the service entrance but, on a forward control bus, 
not fo rward of the front axle. The left lamp shall be approximately the 
same distance from the front bumper as the right lamp.  
 
5) Stop Signals.  Red stop lamps shall be mounted on the rear as far apart as 
practical but closer to the vertical centerline of the bus than the rear turn 
signal lamps required under subsection (u)(3), and at the same height as 
those turn signal lamps.  The effective projected illuminated area of these 
stop lamps shall be no less than required for the red alternately flashing 
signal la mps required under subsection (u)(1); i.e., .0122 m2 (19 in2).  
 
6) Strobe.  
 
A) One per bus;   
 
B) Shall emit white or bluish -white light;   
 
C) Shall be visible from any direction;   
 
D) Shall flash 60 to 120 times per minute;   
 
E) Shall be visible in norma l sunlight;   
 
F) Mounted at or behind center of rooftop and equal distance from 
each side.  Distance from rear will be calculated by measuring 
height of filament and multiplying same by 30 inches  (i.e., filament 
height measured from the base of the strobe x 30 = distance from 
rear of bus where lamp is to be located).  (Section 12 -815 of the      ILLINOIS REGISTER             15054  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED REPEALER  
 
 Code)  
 
G) If a roof exit, air conditioner, or the size of the bus interferes with 
the placement of a strobe  as required by (u)(6)(F), the strobe can 
be placed to the rear of the roof exit or air conditioner as near as 
practicable above the rear axle, horizontally centered between the 
rear tires.  
 
v) Lettering.  
 
1) General.  Except where otherwise required or allowed, lettering on the 
exterior of the body shall be black against a national school bus glossy 
yellow background.  All required letters and numerals shall conform to 
Series "B", or heavier series, of the Standard Alphabets for Highway Signs 
issued by t he Federal Highway Administration, Washington, D.C. 20591.  
Decals may be used instead of paint. Signs, numbers, or letterings, other 
than those either required by Section 12 -802  of the Code or required or 
permitted by this Part shall not be affixed perma nently on either the 
exterior or the interior of the bus.  Interior lettering shall contrast with its 
background.  
 
2) The words "SCHOOL BUS" shall be displayed against a national school 
bus glossy yellow background as high as practical and approximately 
centered on the front and rear of the bus body, in letters at least 200 mm 
(8") high (see Section 12 -802 of the Code).  These words may be painted 
on or applied to the bus body or displayed on a sign firmly attached to or 
built into the body. The background of an illuminated sign shall 
approximate the national school bus glossy yellow color as closely as 
feasible.  
 
3) A school bus identification number, supplied by the purchaser, shall be 
displayed as high as practical on the front and rear of the bus in numerals 
not less than 100 mm (4") high.  Such number may be displayed on the 
sides of the bus as specified by the purcha ser.  As an option, identification 
numbers may also be located on the rooftop.  
 
4) Either the owner's name or the school district number or both must be 
displayed on both sides of the bus at least four inches high, approximately 
centered and as high as pra cticable below the window line.  (Section 12 -     ILLINOIS REGISTER             15055  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED REPEALER  
 
 802 of the Code)  The lettering must be located on one line.  
 
5) The body and/or chassis manufacturer's name, emblem, or other 
identification may be displayed, colorless or in any color, on any unglazed 
surface of the bus so as not to be mistaken for the name required in 
subsection (v)(4), and so as not to interfere with any required letters or 
numerals.  
 
6) The words "EMPTY WEIGHT", or the abbreviation "EMPTY WT.", or 
the letters "E.W.", followed by the empty w eight of the bus, as defined in 
Section 440.220, stated in pounds, shall be displayed on the exterior of the 
body near the rear edge of the service entrance in numerals and letters at 
least 50 mm (2") high (see Section 12 -802 of the Code).  
 
Examples:  EMP TY WEIGHT  16,800 lb  E.W. 16,800 lb  
 
7) The word "CAPACITY", or the abbreviation "CAP.", and the rated 
passenger capacity (see subsection (f) of this Section) followed by the 
word "PASSENGERS", or the abbreviation "PASS.", shall be displayed 
on the exterio r of the body near the rear edge of the service entranceway, 
and on the interior above the right portion of the windshield, in numerals 
and letters at least 50 mm (2") high (see Section 12 -802 of the Code).  
 
8) The words "NO STANDEES" shall be displayed o nly on the interior 
above the windshield, approximately opposite the aisle but to the right of 
the mirror and sun visor, in letters at least 50 mm (2") high.  
 
9) The words "EMERGENCY DOOR" or "EMERGENCY EXIT" in letters 
at least 5 cm high must be displayed on the interior and exterior of the bus.  
"EMERGENCY DOOR" must be displayed at the top of, or directly 
above, any emergency exit door.  "EMERGENCY EXIT" must be  
displayed at the top of, or directly above, or at the bottom of, any 
emergency exit window.  They may be displayed on a separate colorless 
background (such as white, aluminum, or silver) that extends no more than 
15 mm (.6") above or below the words and n o more than 25 mm (1") to 
the right or left of the words.  
 
10) A black arrow, curved or straight, at least 150 mm (5.9") in length and 15 
mm (.6") in width, showing the direction each exterior emergency exit      ILLINOIS REGISTER             15056  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED REPEALER  
 
 release mechanism is to be moved to open the em ergency exit, shall be 
painted or permanently affixed on the exterior yellow portion of the bus 
within 150 mm (5.9") of each release mechanism.  
 
11) An arrow showing the direction each interior emergency exit release 
mechanism is to be moved to open the e mergency exit shall be painted or 
permanently affixed on the interior of the bus within 150 mm (5.9") of 
each emergency exit release mechanism.  Each interior arrow shall 
contrast with its background and, where suitable space is limited, may be 
smaller tha n the exterior arrows but must be conspicuous.  
 
12) Alternate Fuel  
 
A) If the bus uses alternate fuel (e.g., propane, CNG), the vehicle must 
be marked with an identifying decal.  Such decal shall be diamond 
shaped with white or silver scotchlite letters one inch in height and 
a stroke of the brush at least ¼ inch wide on a black background 
with a white or silver scotchlite border bearing either the words or 
letters:   
 
 "PROPANE" = If propelled by liquefied petroleum gas 
other than liquefied natural gas; o r  
 
 "CNG" = If propelled by compressed natural gas.  The sign 
or decal shall be maintained in good legible condition.   
 
B) The alternate fuel decal shall be displayed near the rear bumper 
and visible from the rear of the vehicle.  (Section 12 -704.3 of the 
Code)  
 
13) The vehicle's length (rounded up to nearest whole foot) must be displayed 
on or adjacent to the interior bulkhead clearly within the driver's view.  
(For example:  vehicle length of 39.1 feet will be displayed as 40 feet.)  
Each letter or numer al must be at least two inches high and black in color.  
The measurement must be taken from the front bumper to the rear bumper.  
 
14) A "Stop Line" in contrasting color is required between 5.9 and 6.1 inches 
below the top of each side window opening.  The  line shall be located 
between each window that slides downward.       ILLINOIS REGISTER             15057  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED REPEALER  
 
  
15) The decal described in this subsection (v)(15) is required to be displayed 
on every school bus registered in Illinois.  The school bus manufacturer 
may elect to apply the decal at the time the school bus is manufactured or 
the decal may be applied by the school bus owner after the school bus is 
purchased.   A white decal with black lettering and numerals that measure 
one inch high must be displayed on the rear of the bus.  The decal must  
display the words TO REPORT ERRATIC DRIVING followed by the 
area code and phone number of the bus owner .  The decal shall be located 
on the rear window glazing below the rear seat back, on the bus body 
below the window line, or on the rear bumper.  The de cal must be visible 
to the motoring public from the rear of the bus and cannot obstruct any 
required lettering or numerals.  The decal cannot be located on any 
emergency door glazing or any emergency window glazing.  Magnetic 
signs are not allowed.  (See P .A. 95-0176, effective January 1, 2008.)  
 
16) The decals described in this subsection (v)(16) are required to be 
displayed on every school bus registered in Illinois if an audio and/or 
visual recording will be made of the interior of the school bus.  The school 
bus manufacturer may elect to apply the decals at the time the school bus 
is manufactured or the decals may be applied by the school bus owner 
after the school bus is purchased.   Two white decals with black lettering 
measuring one inch high shall be  displayed, one on the exterior of the 
service (e.g., entrance) door or on the bus body adjacent to the service 
door if the door is not adequate to accommodate the decal and a second on 
the front interior bulkhead.  The decals shall serve as a notice of au dio 
and/or visual recordings.  The exterior decal must not be located on any 
service door glazing and the interior decal must not obstruct any other 
required lettering on the bulkhead.  Magnetic signs are not allowed.  (See 
P.A. 95-0352, effective August 2 3, 2007.)  
 
w) Locked Compartment (Optional).  If specified by the purchaser, a lockable 
compartment may be installed for storage of fire extinguisher, first -aid kit, 
warning devices, wheel chocks, or other items.  
 
1) The compartment locking device shall b e connected with an automatic 
audible and visible alarm that will alert the driver when the engine is 
running and the compartment is locked.  No alarm disconnect, "squelch 
control", or other alarm defeating mechanism shall be installed.       ILLINOIS REGISTER             15058 
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED REPEALER  
 
  
2) A red cross, f ormed of five equal squares, and the words "FIRST -AID 
KIT" shall be displayed on the compartment door, or cover, if the first -aid 
kit is to be carried in the locked compartment.  
 
3) The words "FIRE EXTINGUISHER" shall be displayed on the 
compartment door,  or cover, if the fire extinguisher is to be carried in the 
locked compartment.  
 
x) Metal Treatment.  
 
1) Unless excluded below, all steel or iron used in construction of the bus 
body and attached equipment shall be either resistant to atmospheric 
corrosi on, or zinc coated, or treated by equivalent process.  Particular 
attention shall be given to each fastener or attaching device, lapped 
surface, welded connection or fastening, cut edge, punched or drilled hole, 
surface subjected to abrasion, closed or box  section, and any unvented or 
undrained area or space.  The number of unvented or undrained areas or 
spaces is to be minimized. Excluded are door handles, grab handles, and 
interior decorative parts.  
 
2) As evidence that above requirements have been met, a sample of fastener, 
material, or section of body, coated or finished as installed in the bus, 
when subjected to a 1,000 -hour salt spray test in accordance with 
American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Standard B -117-
1997 "Method of Salt Spray (F og) Testing" shall not exhibit more than 10 
percent reduction in weight after all adherent corrosion products are 
removed.  
 
y) Mirrors.  
 
1) Interior Mirror – A mirror that measures at least 6 inches x 30 inches 
overall shall be located inside the bus.  T he mirror shall afford the operator 
a good view of the bus interior and portions of the roadway to the rear.  It 
shall be firmly supported, constructed of clear -view safety glass and 
securely backed and framed.  It shall have rounded corners.  Edges shall 
be padded to reduce danger of injury upon impact.  Exception: For buses 
that meet the definition of a Type I -A school bus, as defined in Section 
440.220, the interior mirror may meet manufacturer's specifications.       ILLINOIS REGISTER             15059  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED REPEALER  
 
  
2) All exterior mirror systems shall conform to the applicable requirements 
of FMVSS 111 (49 CFR 571.111).  
 
3) More convex mirrors than required above may be installed, if specified by 
the purchaser.  
 
4) The reflecting surface on the backside of each mirror  glass shall be 
protected from abrasion, scratching, and atmospheric corrosion.  
 
z) Mounting of Body.  This subsection does not apply to an integral type bus.  
 
1) After the date of manufacture of the incomplete vehicle, the chassis frame 
shall not be alt ered so as to extend the wheelbase.  Other extensions of the 
chassis frame may be accomplished only by the incomplete vehicle, 
intermediate, or final -stage manufacturer or by an agent of such 
manufacturer properly instructed and authorized by such manufact urer to 
make such extensions.  
 
2) Insulating material shall be placed at all mounting points between the 
body and chassis frame.  This material shall be at least 5 mm (.2") thick, 
may have the quality of the sidewall of an automobile tire, and shall be so  
secured that it will not move, vibrate, or "crawl" out of place during 
normal operations.  
 
3) The body front shall be attached and sealed to the chassis cowl so as to 
prevent the entry of water, dust, or fumes through the joint between the 
chassis cowl a nd the body.  
 
aa) Radio Noise.  Radio/stereo speakers must be located at least four feet behind the 
rearmost position of the driver's seat.  
 
AGENCY NOTE:  Two -way communication radios are allowed.  
 
bb) Rack, Book.  Not permissible.  
 
cc) Reflectors.  
 
1) Front       ILLINOIS REGISTER             15060  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED REPEALER  
 
  
A) Two yellow rigid or sheet type (tape) front reflex reflectors shall be 
attached securely and as far forward as practicable.  (Section 12 -
202 of the Code)  They shall be located between 15 and 60 inches 
above the roadway at either fender, cowl,  or body and installed so 
as to mark the outer edge of the maximum width of the bus.  No 
part of the required reflecting material may be obscured by a lamp, 
mirror, bracket, or any other portion of the bus.  No part of the 
required reflecting material may be more than 11.8 inches (300 
mm) inboard of the outer edge of the nearest rub rail.  The reflector 
may be any shape (e.g., square, rectangle, circle, oval, etc.).  A 
rigid type reflex reflector may be any size if permanently marked 
either DOT, SAE A, or S AE J 594; otherwise, it shall display at 
least seven square inches of reflecting material (about three inch 
diameter if a solid circle).  
 
B) A sheet type (tape) reflex reflector which conforms to FMVSS 108 
(49 CFR 571.108 (S5.7.1.2)) may be used but its f orward projected 
reflecting area shall be at least eight square inches.  
 
2) Left Side.  One amber  no more than 12 inches from  the front and one red  
no more than 12 inches from  the rear.  Mounted at a height not less than 
15 inches and not more than 60 inc hes above the surface of the road.   
(Section 12 -202 of the Code) On buses 20 feet or more in length, one 
amber reflector as near center as practicable must also be provided.  The 
reflector must measure a minimum of three inches in diameter.  
 
3) Right Side .  One amber  no more than 12 inches from  the front and one red  
no more than 12 inches from  the rear.  Mounted at a height not less than 
15 inches and not more than 60 inches above the surface of the road.   
(Section 12 -202 of the Code)  On buses 20 feet or more in length, one 
amber reflector as near center as practicable must also be provided.  The 
reflector must measure a minimum of three inches in diameter.  
 
4) Rear.   Two red reflectors on rear body within 12 inches of lower right 
and lower left corners.  (Section 12 -202 of the Code)  The reflectors must 
measure a minimum of three inches in diameter.  
 
dd) Rub Rails.       ILLINOIS REGISTER             15061  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED REPEALER  
 
  
1) Each rub rail shall be 4" or more in width in its finished form, shall be 
constructed of 16 -gauge steel or suitable material of equivale nt strength 
and shall be constructed in corrugated or ribbed fashion.  
 
2) There shall be one rub rail located approximately at seat level that shall 
extend from the rear of the service entrance completely around the exterior 
of the bus body without interr uption, except at a rear emergency door or a 
rear compartment, to a point of curvature near the front of the body on the 
left side.  
 
3) There shall be one rub rail on each side located approximately at floor line 
that shall extend over the same longitudin al distance as the rub rail 
required under subsection (dd)(2), except:  
 
A) This rub rail need not extend across a wheel housing, and  
 
B) This rub rail may terminate at the radii of the right and left rear 
corners of the body.  
 
4) More than two rub rails may be installed on a side and/or the rear of a bus.  
 
ee) Seating.  Each seat and each barrier are required to conform to FMVSS 222 (49 
CFR 571.222).  
 
1) Seat, Driver's.  The driver's seat shall be rigidly positioned, and shall 
afford both vertical and fore -and-aft adjustments of not less than 100 mm 
(3.9"), without the use of a tool or other non -attached device.  The shortest 
distance between the steering wheel and the back rest of the operator's seat 
shall be no less than 280 mm (11").  
 
2) Seats, Students'.  
 
A) Each seat (except as provided in subsection (ee)(2)(E)) shall be 
constructed so that the shortest straight -line distance from the top 
of the seat back to the empty seat cushion is 28" when measured 
near the transverse cen ter of the seat at the front of the seat back 
and along the angle of rearward inclination of the seat back.  Since 
the height of a seat back is difficult to measure precisely on a      ILLINOIS REGISTER             15062  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED REPEALER  
 
 repeated basis, a measurement of 27.5" or more is deemed 
acceptable.  
 
B) Each seat shall be forward facing (except as provided in subsection 
(ee)(2)(E)).  
 
C) A flip -up seat may be located only immediately adjacent to any 
side emergency door.  The flip -up seat must conform to the 
following:  
 
i) The seat must be designed so that,  when in the folded 
position, the seat cushion is flat against the seat back to 
prevent a child's limb from becoming lodged between the 
seat cushion and seat back.  
 
ii) The seat must be designed to discourage a child from 
standing on the seat cushion when  in the folded position.  
 
iii) The working mechanism under the seat must be covered to 
eliminate any tripping hazard.  
 
iv) All sharp metal edges on the seat must be padded to 
prevent any snagging hazard.  
 
v) No portion of the door latch mechanism can be obstructed 
by a seat.  
 
vi) There must be at least 11.7 inches (30 cm) measured from 
the door opening to the seat back in front.  
 
D) Optional seat safety belts must be installed according to 
specifications pro vided by the bus body manufacturer.  This may 
include reinforced seats and seat frames.  
  
E) In the case of a seat to be occupied by a student with special needs, 
seating requirements shall be changed only as necessary to meet 
the needs of the student wit h special needs (e.g., seat missing to 
accommodate wheelchair, hard surfaced stretcher installed to 
accommodate child who is not capable of sitting in an upright      ILLINOIS REGISTER             15063  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED REPEALER  
 
 position) (see 92 Ill. Adm. Code 444).  
 
ff) Safety Belt, Driver's.  
 
1) Each driver's safety belt assembly shall be arranged so that all portions of 
the assembly remain above the floor when not in use.  If retractors are 
installed, they shall be the emergency locking type.  
 
2) Buses must be equipped with a lap belt/shoulder harness design for the  
driver.  
 
gg) Service Entrance and Door.  
 
1) The service entrance shall be located on the right side near the front, in 
unobstructed and convenient view of the driver.  The service entrance 
shall have a minimum vertical opening of 1.7 m (67") and a minimum 
horizontal opening of 610 mm (24").  
 
2) A steel grab handle not less than 250 mm (9.8") in length shall be firmly 
attached in an unobstructed location on the left side of the entranceway as 
a person enters the bus. An optional grab handle can also be located on the 
right side of the entranceway.  
 
3) The bottom step in the entranceway shall not extend beyond the exterior of 
the body.  With all seats empty, the bottom step shall be not less than 300 
mm (11.8") and not more than 400 mm (15.7") from the roadway.  At least 
two steps shall be provided.  T he steps shall be enclosed.  Risers shall be 
approximately equal.  Each step, including the floor at the top riser, shall 
be surfaced with a nonskid material with a 40 mm (1.6") to 80 mm (3.1") 
white nosing as an integral piece.  
 
4) The service door shall  be either manually or power operated by the seated 
driver.  When in the closed and secured position, the door operating 
mechanism shall prevent accidental opening but shall afford prompt 
release and opening by the driver.  No exposed parts of a door opera ting 
mechanism shall come together so as to shear or crush fingers.  The 
vertical closing edges of a service door shall be padded to lessen chance of 
injury.  
      ILLINOIS REGISTER             15064  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED REPEALER  
 
 5) A power operated door shall be equipped for emergency manual operation 
in case of power failu re.  Instructions for emergency operation of a power 
operated door shall be affixed permanently on the interior of the door in 
letters at least 12 mm (.5") high.  
 
6) A single -section service door shall be hinged at the front of the service 
entrance.  
 
7) Glazed panels shall be installed in the service door to afford the driver a 
view of small children outside the door, traffic signs, and intersecting 
roadways.  The bottom of each lower glass panel shall not be more than 10 
inches from the top surface of th e bottom step.  The top of each upper 
glass panel when viewed from the interior shall be not more than 3 inches 
below the interior door control cover or header pad.  
 
8) Service Door Lock (Optional).  If ordered by the purchaser, a lock may be 
installed on  or at the service door.  Any type service door locking system 
installed in the bus shall conform to at least one of the following 
requirements.  
 
A) Requirement 1:  A locking system shall not be capable of 
preventing the driver from easily and quickly ope ning the service 
door; or  
 
B) Requirement 2:  A locking system that is capable of preventing the 
driver from easily and quickly opening the service door shall 
include an audible and visible alarm to alert the driver when the 
engine is running and the serv ice door is locked.  No alarm 
disconnect, "squelch control", or other alarm defeating or 
attenuating device shall be installed; or  
 
C) Requirement 3:  A locking system shall not be capable of 
preventing the driver from easily and quickly opening the servi ce 
door except when, and only when, a person outside the bus uses a 
key that is not capable of locking more than one of at least 1000 of 
the door manufacturer's key locking systems.  
 
hh) Steering Wheel Clearance.  The rim grip of the steering wheel shall have at least 
50 mm (2") clearance in all directions, except at the spokes.       ILLINOIS REGISTER             15065  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED REPEALER  
 
  
ii) Steps, Body Front.  On each side at the front of the body at least one grab handle 
and recessed foothold o r folding stirrup step shall be installed so as to provide 
easy access to the windshield for cleaning purposes.  Exception: Type I -A school 
buses are exempt.  
 
jj) Stop Signal Arm Panel.  
 
1) A stop signal arm panel must be installed on the left side of the  bus that 
conforms to 49 CFR 571.131.  Decals may be used in lieu of painting.  
Strobe lamps are acceptable on stop signal arm panels.  
   
2) Section 440.Illustration B depicts the octagon shaped semaphore required 
in subsection (jj)(1).  
 
3) Additional st op signal arm panels may be added at the purchaser's request.  
Additional panels must be located on the left side of the bus. Additional 
panels must operate in conjunction with the required panel and meet all 
stop arm panel requirements except as follows.  The additional panel must 
not contain any marking or reflective material on the front side of the 
panel.  The additional panel must be located in the rear half of the bus 
adjacent to the rearmost window.  
 
kk) Storage Compartments (Optional).  
 
1) If inst alled, the storage compartments shall be fire -resistant and of 
adequate strength and capacity for the storage of the items to be carried, 
such as tire chains, tow chains, tools for roadside or minor repairs, school 
activity equipment, etc.  The compartment s shall provide reasonable 
security for the contents and shall be constructed and installed so as to 
preclude passenger injury due to the compartments or the contents 
becoming dislodged when the bus is subjected to the maximum possible 
braking force and to  minimize chances of such injury when the bus is 
subjected to a collision impact.  
 
2) If a relatively small storage compartment is located inside the passenger 
compartment, seat cushions alone may not serve as the cover for the 
compartment.  
      ILLINOIS REGISTER             15066  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED REPEALER  
 
 ll) Sun Viso r.  An interior, adjustable, transparent, tinted sun visor not less than 150 
mm (5.9") high by 760 mm (29.9") wide shall be so installed that it can be turned 
up and will remain up when not in use.  It may be supported so that it can be 
moved for use on th e driver's left, but when used in front of the driver and in a 
position approximately parallel to the windshield it shall be supported at or near 
each of its ends so as to minimize its vibration.  Exception: For school buses that 
meet the definition of a T ype I -A school bus, as defined in Section 440.220, the 
sun visor may meet manufacturer's specifications.  
 
mm)  Tow Hook, Rear (Optional).  Any tow hooks installed on the rear shall be 
attached or braced to the chassis frame, or to an equivalent structural member of 
an integral type bus.  A tow hook may not extend beyond the rear face of the rear 
bumper.  
 
nn) Undercoating. The underside of the body, including floor members and the side 
panels below the floor, shall be coated with a fire -resistant undercoati ng material 
applied by the spray method so as to seal, insulate, reduce corrosion, and reduce 
interior noise.  Non -metallic components need not be coated.  
 
oo) Ventilation. The body shall be equipped with a controlled ventilation system of 
sufficient capa city to maintain a satisfactory ratio of outside to inside air under 
cool and cold operating conditions without opening of windows.  With a powered 
ventilation system, air outlet openings shall be located, sized, and manufactured 
so that, with doors and wi ndows closed, a positive pressure is maintained in the 
driver and passenger spaces, to lessen chances of dangerous gas entering such 
spaces.  Fresh air inlets shall be located so as to minimize entrance of either 
dangerous engine gas or obnoxious engine fu mes.  
 
pp) Warning Devices.  
 
AGENCY NOTE:  Warning devices are required to be carried on each school bus 
transporting pupils.  The manufacturer may elect to install the warning devices at 
the time the school bus is manufactured; however, warning devices can also be 
installed by the owner after the school bus is purchased.  
 
1) Emergency warning devices are required to be carried on school buses 
weighing more than 8,000 pounds and operated upon any highway outside 
an urban district.   The warning devices mus t be securely stored. The 
warning devices required for use when lighted lamps are required (see      ILLINOIS REGISTER             15067  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED REPEALER  
 
 Section 12 -201(b) of the Code)  shall consist of:   
 
A) At least three liquid -burning flares and three red -burning 15 -
minute fus ees; or  
 
B) Three red electric lanterns; or  
 
C) Three portable red emergency reflectors that meet FMVSS No. 
125. 
 
2) In addition, the following warning devices are also required for use when 
lighted lamps are not required (see Section 12 -201(b) of the Code):  
 
A) Two red cloth flags (not  less than 12 inches square with standards 
to support flags); or  
 
B) Two portable emergency reflectors that meet FMVSS No. 125.  
(The reflectors in subsection (pp)(1)(c)  qualify for this option.)  
(See Section 12 -702(a) and (c) of the Code.)  
  
qq) Weight Distribution and Gross Weight.  Storage or cargo spaces, if installed, and 
seats shall be located so that when the bus is fully loaded as specified or 
advertised by the manufacturer the loads exerted on the roadway will exceed 
neither a tire load ra ting, nor a gross axle weight rating, nor the gross vehicle 
weight rating indicated by the data displayed on the label permanently affixed in 
compliance with Section 440.310.  
 
rr) Wheel Housings.  
 
1) Each wheel housing opening shall allow for unimpeded w heel and tire 
service or removal.  
 
2) Each rear wheel housing shall provide the clearance recommended in SAE 
Information Report J683 (August 1985) for installation and use of tire 
chains on the dual or single tires installed on the rear wheels.  
 
ss) Wind ows or Glazed Panels, Rear.  Glazed panels, or windows, shall be installed 
in the rear of the bus so as to afford the seated driver a reflected view through the 
rear of the bus as wide and as high as practical without unduly weakening or      ILLINOIS REGISTER             15068  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED REPEALER  
 
 increasing the cos t of the body structure.  Such view shall be as low as allowed by 
the backs of the rear seats except that, when the aisle required under subsection 
(a), extends to a rear emergency door, an additional lower glazed panel shall be 
installed to afford the dri ver an additional view through such panel at least the 
width of the required aisle and as low and high as practical.  
 
tt) Window Openings, Side. This subsection does not apply to a window or glazed 
panel installed forward of a front passenger seat, and is  optional for a window 
installed either beside a rear passenger seat, special service door, or in a side 
emergency exit.  
 
1) All side windows shall open from the top only and shall operate freely.  
 
2) There shall be one vertical opening side window for e ach seat.  
 
3) Each side window shall provide an unobstructed emergency egress 
opening at least 9" high and 22" wide.  The opening may extend to 18" 
above the unoccupied passenger seat cushion but no closer (to the seat 
cushion).  
 
4) A stop line for the w indow opening shall be applied 6" from the top of the 
window opening.  
 
5) The side windows may be split sash.  
 
6) The window latches shall be recessed.  
 
AGENCY NOTE:  See Section 440.420(q) for glazing material requirements.  
 
uu) Windshield.  
 
1) The windshield shall be large enough to permit the operator to see the 
highway clearly, and shall be curved or slanted to reduce glare.  The front 
cornerposts and other supports shall be shaped and located so as to cause 
as little obstruction to the driver 's view of the highway as practical.  
 
2) The windshield shall have a graduated glazing shade band across the top. 
The definition and boundary of this shade band shall be as recommended 
in SAE Recommended Practice J100 (November 1999).       ILLINOIS REGISTER             15069  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED REPEALER  
 
  
vv) Windshield Wip ers.  See the FMVSS for requirements (49 CFR 571.104).  
 
ww) Windshield Washer.  See the FMVSS for requirements (49 CFR 571.104).  
 
xx) Wiring.   
 
1) All wiring for lamps and other electrical devices shall be as recommended 
for automobiles, motor coaches, and heavy duty starting motor circuits in 
SAE Recommended Practices J1292 (October 1981) and J541a (October 
1996) and in other practices or standards referenced therein, unless 
preempted by FMVSS. (See the FMVSS (49 CFR 571) for requirements.)  
 
2) All circ uits, except those for the alternately flashing signal lamps and the 
stop signal arm lamps, may be divided into independent circuits.  
Whenever feasible, all other electrical functions (sanders, windshield 
wipers, heaters, defrosters, etc.) shall be provid ed with independent and 
properly protected circuits.  
 
3) Each body circuit shall be coded either by numerals and/or letters at 
approximately 100 mm (3.9") intervals, or by color and numerals and/or 
letters, or by colors only.  The codes shall appear on a diagram of the 
circuits in a readily accessible location.  
 
4) A separate fuse, circuit breaker, or electronic circuit protection shall be 
provided for all circuits, except that components of the engine starter and 
ignition circuits may be protected by other means.  
 
5) Wires not enclosed within the body shall be  fastened securely at intervals 
of not more than 460 mm (18.1").  
 
6) All terminals and splice clips shall be accessible.  
 
7) The chassis manufacturer shall install a readily accessible electrical 
terminal so that the net body and chassis electrical curre nt flow can be 
indicated through a chassis ammeter without dismantling or disassembling 
the chassis component.  The chassis wiring to this terminal shall have a 
current carrying capacity at least equal to the maximum generator output.  
      ILLINOIS REGISTER             15070  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED REPEALER  
 
 8) All school buses  manufactured on or after January 1, 2006 must be 
manufactured with a noise suppression switch that is capable of turning 
off noise producing accessories, including, but not limited to, heater 
blowers, defroster fans, auxiliary fans and radios. (See Sectio n 12-815.2 of 
the Code.)  
 
SUBPART F:  CHASSIS REQUIREMENTS  
 
Section 440.505  Conformance to the Requirements   
 
At the time of the safety test conducted under provision of Section 13 -109 of the Code, and when 
delivered to the purchaser, the chassis of each Type I School Bus shall conform to the 
requirements stated or referred to in this Subpart. Some body requirements also applicable to the 
chassis are repeated or referred to herein.  
 
Section 440.510  Incorporation by Reference of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards   
(Repealed)  
 
Section 440.520  State Requirements   
 
Except for mirrors, which may project 152 mm (6 inches), a school bus shall not exceed 2.625 m 
(8 feet) in width, 4.429 m (13 feet 6 inches) in height, nor 13.78 m (42 feet) in length  (Sections 
15-102 and 15 -107 of the Code).  Exceptions to the above are shown in Section 440.420 of this 
Part.  Various portions of the bus chassis shall conform to the requirements set forth under the 
following subsections.  
 
a) Air Cleaner.  
 
1) A dry element  type air cleaner shall be provided.  
 
2) All diesel engine air filters shall include a latch -type restriction indicator 
that retains the maximum restriction developed during operation of the 
engine.  The indicator should include a reset control so the ind icator can 
be returned to zero when desired.  Diesel -powered school buses that meet 
the definition of a Type I -A school bus, as defined in Section 440.220, are 
exempt from the restriction indicator requirement.  
 
b) Axles.  Must meet federal chassis requir ements as indicated on the federal 
certification label as required by 49 CFR 567 and 49 CFR 568.       ILLINOIS REGISTER             15071  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED REPEALER  
 
  
c) Battery.  See Section 440.420(c) of this Part.  
 
d) Brakes.  See the FMVSS for requirements (49 CFR 571.105).  
 
e) Bumper, Front.  The front bumper shall be of channel type cross section, shall be 
formed from rolled steel at least 4.5 mm (.177 inches) thick, shall have not less 
than a 200 mm (7.9 inches) vertical face, and shall extend to protect the outer 
edges of the fenders, or the body of a forward cont rol bus.  The bumper shall be 
of sufficient strength to permit pushing another vehicle of equal gross weight 
without permanent distortion.  Exception: For school buses that meet the 
definition of a Type I -A school bus, as defined in Section 440.220, the bu mper 
may meet manufacturer's specifications when the Type I -A school bus is equipped 
with a driver side air bag.  
 
f) Clutch.  A bus having a manual shift transmission shall be equipped with the type 
and size of clutch recommended by the incomplete vehicle  manufacturer for 
heavy duty service between the engine and transmission installed in the bus.  
 
g) Color and Paint.  See Section 440.420(i) of this Part.  
 
h) Drive Shaft.  A suitable guard shall be provided for each segment of the drive 
shaft to prevent accident or injury if the shaft breaks or becomes disconnected.  
 
i) Engine.  Type and displacement may be specified by the purchaser.  
 
j) Exhaust System.  
 
1) The exhaust pipe, muffler and tail pipe shall be outside the bus body and 
attached to the chassis.  
 
AGENCY NOTE:  As mandated by the United States Environmental 
Protection Agency (USEPA), diesel -powered engines manufactured after 
December 31, 2006 are re quired to meet stricter standards that will reduce 
emissions of particulate matter and nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere.  
School bus manufacturers may be required to modify exhaust systems to 
meet the USEPA requirements, e.g., mufflers may be replaced w ith after -
treatment devices that significantly reduce toxins released into the 
atmosphere.  Modifications to exhaust systems made in compliance with      ILLINOIS REGISTER             15072  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED REPEALER  
 
 the USEPA requirements are acceptable provided they do not impact the 
safe operation of the school bus.  
 
2) The exhaust system shall be insulated from any insulated wire, flammable 
material, brake hose or line, or fuel system component by a securely 
attached metal shield at any point where the exhaust system is 11.8 inches 
(300 mm) or less (four inches (101.6 m m) or less if diesel powered 
engine) from the components listed in this subsection (j)(2).  
 
3) The tail pipe shall be extended to exit the exhaust gases either to the right 
or left side, or rear of the bus, except for prohibited zones as shown in 
Illustra tion C of this Part.  
 
4) The tail pipe shall extend out to but not more than 1 inch (25.4 mm) 
beyond the perimeter of the body or the bumper.  
 
5) The shielding of engine compartment components shall be governed by 
the chassis manufacturer's standards.  
 
6) Each gas conducting component that is not of stainless steel shall be of 
commercial heat and corrosion resistant exhaust system material and shall 
be nonflexible.  
 
7) For school buses that meet the definition of a Type I -A school bus, as 
defined in Section 440.220, the tail pipe may meet the chassis 
manufacturer's standard configuration.  However, the tail pipe shall not 
exit beneath any fuel filler location or beneath any emergency exit door.  
 
k) Frame.  See Section 440.420(z)(1) of this Part.  
 
l) Generating System.  The generating system may utilize either mechanical 
rectification (commutator type) or diode rectification (alternator type).  
 
1) The generator output s hall be regulated automatically so as to provide for 
efficient battery charging without causing damaging potentials or currents 
in any part of the electrical system.  Automatic means shall be provided to 
prevent battery discharge through the generator whil e the generator is not 
delivering current.  
      ILLINOIS REGISTER             15073  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED REPEALER  
 
 2) The generator in a nominal 12 volt system shall be able to deliver a 
continuous current of 60 amperes, or more, while its automatic regulating 
devices are connected and functioning properly and the engine is running 
no faster than the speed at which it delivers its maximum net torque at the 
engine flywheel.  
 
3) The generator in a nominal 12 volt system shall be able to deliver a 
continuous current of 20 amperes, or more, while its automatic regulating 
devices  are connected and functioning properly and the engine is running 
no faster than the curb idle speed recommended by the engine 
manufacturer.  
 
4) The generator in a nominal voltage system higher or lower than 12 volts 
shall be able to deliver at least the same continuous power (watts) as 
indicated under subsections (l)(2) and(3) of this Section, at the engine 
speeds indicated therein.  
 
 AGENCY NOTE:  Where a bus must operate under adverse conditions such as 
low engine speeds, frequent periods of engine idl e, and/or with high electrical 
load (frequent use of signals and interior lamps, high heater/defroster loads, etc.) 
for prolonged periods of time, the purchaser should specify a larger generator 
commensurate with operating conditions.  
 
m) Horns.  
 
1) At least one horn shall be installed giving an audible warning at a distance 
of 200 feet. The horns shall be controlled conveniently by the seated 
driver and tested in accordance with SAE Standard J377 (March 2001).  
 
2) A siren, whistle, or bell may not be in stalled to attract attention of 
pedestrians or drivers outside the bus (Section 12 -601(b) of the Code). 
This prohibition shall not be interpreted to prohibit use of such devices 
inside the bus body to provide warnings to the bus driver.  
 
n) Instruments.  The bus shall be equipped with at least the following nonglare 
illuminated instruments and gauges mounted for easy maintenance and repair and 
in such a manner that each is clearly visible to the seated driver:  
 
1) Ampere meter or volt meter, with "charge"  and "discharge" indications,      ILLINOIS REGISTER             15074  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED REPEALER  
 
 provisions for 100 ampere, or more, continuous current indication, and 
arranged so as to remain unharmed by any ampere meter current flow 
resulting from the installed generator operating at its maximum output;  
 
2) Gauge, Air Pressure or Vacuum (where air pressure or vacuum is utilized 
either to apply or to assist in applying the service brakes);  
 
3) Gauge, Engine Coolant Temperature;  
 
4) Gauge, Engine Oil Pressure;  
 
5) Gauge, Fuel;  
 
6) Odometer (may be combined with speedometer; may indicate kilometers 
traveled if such indication is shown, clearly and conspicuously);  
 
7) Speedometer, with both miles per hour and kilometers per hour scales that 
are easily readable.  
 
o) Lamps and Signals.  See Section 440.420(u) of this Part.  
 
p) Oil Filter.  A "full flow" type engine oil filter of approximately 1 liter (1 quart) 
capacity shall be installed.  The purchaser may specify additional "full flow" or 
"by-pass" type filters, or oil treatment devices.  
 
q) Shock Absorbers .  Two front and two rear double -acting shock absorbers of 
adequate capacity shall be installed.  
 
r) Spare Tire (Optional).  The spare tire and rim, if supplied, shall be of the same 
size designation and load rating as the largest tire and rim installed o n the bus.  
Each spare tire and rim shall be suitably mounted in an accessible location outside 
the passenger compartment.  
 
s) Springs and Suspension.  Each spring and other component in any of the 
suspension systems shall be capable of supporting its sha re of the rated gross axle 
weight during normal operations.  Where spring failure could result in total loss of 
control of the bus, suitable means shall be provided to make such total loss most 
unlikely.  
      ILLINOIS REGISTER             15075  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED REPEALER  
 
 t) Steering Mechanism.  Power steering is optional .  The steering mechanisms shall 
provide safe and accurate performance at maximum load and speed and shall be 
adjustable while installed on the completed bus.  After the date of manufacture of 
the incomplete vehicle, the steering mechanisms shall not be mo dified unless such 
modification is done with the concurrence of the incomplete vehicle manufacturer 
and in accordance with the incomplete vehicle manufacturer's instructions.  
 
u) Tow Hooks, Front (Optional).  A front tow hook may not extend beyond the front 
of the front bumper.  Each front tow hook not fastened securely to the chassis 
frame shall be connected to the frame by suitable braces.  
 
v) Transmission.  Unless otherwise spe cified by the purchaser, the transmission shall 
be manual -shift.  
 
1) A manual -shift transmission shall provide not less than 4 forward gear 
ratios and 1 reverse gear ratio.  A synchromesh shifting mechanism shall 
be provided for each forward gear ratio ex cept for the highest ratio; i.e., 
"first gear" or "low gear".  (Synchromesh may be specified for "first" or 
"reverse" gears at the purchaser's option.)  
 
2) An automatic transmission may be specified by the purchaser.  Such 
transmission shall provide not l ess than 3 forward gear ratios and 1 reverse 
gear ratio.  
 
w) Undercoating.  The entire underside of front fenders or wheel wells shall be 
coated with a fire -resistant undercoating material in order to seal joints and to 
reduce corrosion and noise.  Nonmet allic components need not be coated.  
 
x) Wiring.  See Section 440.420(xx) of this Part.       ILLINOIS REGISTER             15076  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED REPEALER  
 
 Section 440.APPENDIX A  Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and Related 
Regulations (Repealed)   
 
Section 440.APPENDIX B   First Aid Kit Requirements (Refe rred to in Section 440.420(l) 
(Repealed)   
 
Section 440.APPENDIX C  Specification Sheet Reflective Material − Encapsulated Lens 
(Based on FHWA Notice N 5040.17, June 15, 1976) (Repealed)   
 
Section 440.ILLUSTRATION A   Hexagon Shaped Stop Signal Arm (Repealed )       ILLINOIS REGISTER             15077  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED REPEALER  
 
 Section 440.ILLUSTRATION B   Octagon Shaped Stop Signal Arm Panel   
 
 
 
 
     ILLINOIS REGISTER             15078  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED REPEALER  
 
 Section 440.ILLUSTRATION C   Exhaust Discharge Prohibited Zones   
 
 
     ILLINOIS REGISTER             15079  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULES  
 
 1) Heading of the Part :  Construction Standards for School Buses  
 
2) Code Citation :  92 Ill. Adm. Code 440 
 
3) Section Numbers :  Proposed Action s: 
440.1000  New Section  
440.2000  New Section  
440.3000  New Section  
440.4000  New Section  
440.5000  New Section  
440.Table A  New Section  
 
4) Statutory Authority :  Implementing Article VIII of Chapter 12 of the Illinois Vehicle 
Code [625 ILCS 5/Ch. 12, Art. VIII] and Section 14 -3(m) of the Criminal Code of 1961 
[720 ILCS 5/14 -3(m)] and authorized by Sectio n 12-812 of the Illinois Vehicle Code 
[625 ILCS 5/12 -812].  
 
5) A Complete Description of the Subjects and Issues Involved :  The Department is 
proposing this rulemaking to combine the Type I and Type II school bus construction 
standards which are currently codified at 92 Ill. Adm. Code 440 and 442 respectively.  
Elsewhere in the Register, the Department is proposing to repeal those standards in their 
current form to be replaced by these rules.   
 
In addition to the combination of the two Parts, this rulemaki ng adopts the latest federal 
regulations at Section 440.3000.   
 
For buses manufactured after January 1, 2019, the Department will now require buses 
measuring 28 feet or longer to be equipped with a second stop signal arm panel.  School 
buses manufactured after that date must also be equipped with a battery disconnect 
switch that is accessible from the exterior of the bus.   
 
The Department also proposes to allow an override switch for the 8 -way warning lamps 
to follow the sequence of operations as identifi ed in Table A.  
 
The Department is also removing the requirement that side turn signals must be armored.  
 
6) Published studies or reports, and sources of underlying data, used to compose this 
rulemaking :  None  
      ILLINOIS REGISTER             15080  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULES  
 
 7) Will this rulemaking  replace any emergency rule  currently in effect ?  No 
 
8) Does this rulemaking contain an automatic repeal date ?  No 
 
9) Does this rulemaking contain incorporations by reference ?  Yes 
 
10) Are there any other rulemakings pending on this Part ?  No 
 
11) State ment of Statewide Policy Objective :  This rulemaking does not create or expand a 
State mandate as defined in Section 3(b) of the State Mandates Act [30 ILCS 805/3(b)].  
 
12) Time, Place and Manner in which interested persons may comment on this proposed 
rulemaking :  Any interested party may submit written comments or arguments 
concerning these proposed amendments.  Written submissions shall be filed with:  
 
Greg Stucka, Rules Manager  
Illinois Department of Transportation  
Office of Chief Counsel  
2300 South Dir ksen Parkway, Room 317  
Springfield IL 62764  
 
Comments received within 45 days after the date of publication of this Illinois  Register  
will be considered.  Comments received after that time will be considered, time 
permitting.  
 
13) Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis : 
 
A) Types of small businesses, small municipalities , and not -for-profit corporations 
affected :  This rulemaking directly affects manufacturers of school buses; 
however, the Department is unaware of any school bus manufacturers that ar e 
small businesses.  This rulemaking may have an indirect impact on small 
businesses, small municipalities, and not -for-profit corporations that sell, own, or 
operate school buses in this State.  
 
B) Reporting, bookkeeping , or other procedures required for compliance :  No impact 
is anticipated.  
 
C) Types of professional skills necessary for compliance :  No impact is anticipated.  
      ILLINOIS REGISTER             15081  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULES  
 
 14) Regulatory Agenda on which this rulemaking was summarized :  July 2017  
 
The full t ext of the  Proposed Rules  begins on the next page: 
       ILLINOIS REGISTER             15082  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULES  
 
 TITLE 92:  TRANSPORTATION  
CHAPTER I:  DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
SUBCHAPTER e:  TRAFFIC SAFETY (EXCEPT HAZARDOUS MATERIALS)  
 
PART 440  
CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS FOR SCHOOL BUSES  
 
Section  
440.1000  Applicability  
440.2000  Definitions  
440.3000  Incorporation s by Reference  
440.4000  Certification by Manufacturer  
440.5000  Body and Chassis Requirements  
 
440.T ABLE  A  Eight Lamp Sequencing  
 
AUTHORITY:  Implementing Article VIII of Chapter 12 of the Illinois Vehicle Code [625 ILCS 
5/Ch. 12, Art. VIII] a nd Section 14 -3(m) of the Criminal Code of 1961 [720 ILCS 5/14 -3(m)] 
and authorized by Section 12 -812 of the Illinois Vehicle Code [625 ILCS 5/12 -812].  
 
SOURCE:  Filed June 20, 1977; amended at 6 Ill. Reg. 7147, effective June 2, 1982; codified at 
8 Ill. Reg. 15502; amended at 11 Ill. Reg. 15947, effective September 21, 1987; amended at 12 
Ill. Reg. 8463, effective May 3, 1988; amended at 16 Ill. Reg. 1655, effective January 14, 1992; 
amended at 17 Ill. Reg. 3530, effective March 2, 1993; amended at 18 Ill . Reg. 14764, effective 
September 20, 1994; amended at 22 Ill. Reg. 19354, effective October 15, 1998; expedited 
correction at 23 Ill. Reg. 5918, effective October 15, 1998; emergency amendment at 24 Ill. Reg. 
4993, effective March 10, 2000, for a maximum of 150 days; amended at 24 Ill. Reg. 12111, 
effective July 31, 2000; emergency amendment at 24 Ill. Reg. 16391, effective October 20, 2000, 
for a maximum of 150 days; amended at 25 Ill. Reg. 3307, effective February 20, 2001; amended 
at 26 Ill. Reg. 3219, effective February 19, 2002; amended at 31 Ill. Reg. 1881, effective January 
8, 2007; amended at 32 Ill. Reg. 17983, effective November 10, 2008; old Part repealed at 42 Ill. 
Reg. ______ and new Part adopted at 42 Ill. Reg. ______, effective ____________ . 
 
Section 440.1000  Applicability  
 
This Part applies to the construction of any Type I or Type II school bus manufactured for use in 
Illinois or operated by or for an Illinois school K -12 (public or private).  The Department 's 
Bureau of Investigations and Compliance is responsible for the enforcement of this Part.  
      ILLINOIS REGISTER             15083  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULES  
 
 Section 440.2000  Definitions  
 
"Anti-ride" means being of a design to prevent standing, riding, or grasping any 
portion of the bus.  
 
"Body " means the portion of a bus that encloses the occupant and cargo spaces 
and separates those spaces from the chassis frame, engine compartment, driveline, 
and other chassis components, except certain chassis controls used by the driver.  
 
"Chassis " means every frame or supportive element of a vehicle whether or not a 
manufacturer 's identification number, serial number, or other identifying numbers 
are present on said part. (IVC Section 1 -111.1b)  
 
"Child Check System " means an electronic or manual monitoring system used for 
ensuring  that no passengers remain on the school bus at the end of a route, a work 
shift, or the work day.    
 
"Code " or "IVC" means the Illinois Vehicle Code [625 ILCS 5].  
 
"Curb Weight " or "Empty Weight" means the weight of a motor vehicle with 
standard equipme nt; maximum capacity of engine fuel, oil, and coolant; and, if so 
equipped, air conditioning and additional weight optional engine. (49 CFR 571.3)  
 
"Diameter " means a straight line passing from side to side through the center of a 
body or figure, especiall y a circle or sphere.  
 
"Driver " means  every  person who drives or is in actual physical control of a 
vehicle . (IVC Section 1 -116)  
 
"Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards " or "FMVSS " means the rules and 
standards set forth in 49 CFR 571.  
 
"Forward Control " means a configuration in which more than half of the engine 
length is rearward of the foremost point of the windshield base and the steering 
wheel hub is in the forward quarter of the vehicle length (includes mid -engine and 
rear-engine "pusher " buses). (F MVSS 3 (b))  
 
"Gross Vehicle Weight Rating " or "GVWR " means the value specified by the 
manufacturer as the loaded weight of a single vehicle.  (IVC Section 1 -124.5)       ILLINOIS REGISTER             15084  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULES  
 
  
"Incomplete Vehicle " means an assemblage consisting, at a minimum, of frame 
and chassis structure, power train, steering system, suspension system, and 
braking system, to the extent that those systems are to be part of the completed 
vehicle, that requires further manufacturin g operations (other than the addition of 
readily attachable components such as mirrors or tire and rim assemblies or minor 
finishing operations, such as painting) to become a completed school bus for use 
in Illinois  (see 49 CFR 565.12(f)) .   
 
"Integral Typ e" bus means a completed vehicle either without separate body and 
chassis or with body and chassis joined into one unit.  
 
"Manufacturer” (unless otherwise indicated at the point of use) means the person 
or organization whose name follows "MANUFACTURED BY " or "MFD BY " on 
the certification labels required in Section 440.4000.  
 
"Multifunction School Activity Bus " or "MFSAB " means a school bus 
manufactured for the purpose of transporting 11 or more persons, including the 
driver, whose purposes do not include transporting students to and from home or 
school bus stops. A MFSAB is prohibited from meeting the special requirements 
for school buses in IVC Sections 12 -801, 12 -803, and 12 -805 and subsection (a) 
of Section 12 -802. (IVC Section 1 -148.3a -5) 
 
"Passenger " means every occupant of the bus who is not the driver.  
 
"Safety Equipment " means the fire extinguisher, first -aid kit, and warning 
devices.   
 
"School Bus " or "Bus" means:   
 
Every motor vehicle, except as  otherwise  provided  in this definition , 
owned or ope rated by or for any of the following entities for the 
transportation of persons regularly enrolled as students in grade 12 or 
below in connection with any activity of such entity:   
 
Any public or private primary or secondary school;   
 
Any primary or second ary school operated by a religious 
institution; or        ILLINOIS REGISTER             15085  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULES  
 
  
Any public, private or religious nursery school.   
 
This definition shall not include the following:   
 
A bus operated by a public utility, municipal corporation or common 
carrier authorized to conduct local or interurban transportation of 
passengers when such bus is not traveling a specific school bus route but 
is:  
 
On a regularly scheduled route for the transportation of other fare 
paying passengers;   
 
Furnishing charter service for the transportation  of groups on field 
trips or other special trips or in connection with other special 
events; or   
 
Being used for shuttle service between attendance centers or other 
educational facilities.   
 
A motor vehicle of the first division.   
 
A multifunction school -activity bus.  (IVC Section 1 -182)  
 
"Type I School Bus " means a school bus with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of 
more than 10,000 pounds.  (IVC Section 1 -213.4)  
 
"Type I -A School Bus " means a term commonly used by school bus 
manufacturers to classify  a Type I school bus that is a conversion or body 
constructed upon a van -type or cutaway front -section vehicle with a left side 
driver's door.  The Type I -A school bus has a GVWR of more than 10,000 
pounds.  
 
"Type II School Bus " means a school bus with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of 
10,000 pounds or less.  (IVC Section 1 -213.5)  
 
Section 440.3000  Incorporation s by Reference  
      ILLINOIS REGISTER             15086  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULES  
 
 a) Each bus body and chassis shall conform to the applicable provisions of the 
following , which are hereby incorporated by referenc e: 
 
1) 49 CFR 571 (October 1, 2017) – The Federal Motor Vehicle Safety 
Standards  
 
2) 49 CFR 567 (October 1, 2017) – Certification  
 
3) 49 CFR 568 (October 1, 2017) – Vehicles Manufactured in Two or More 
Stages  
 
4) Society of Automotive Engineers Standards and Practices (SAESP) 
standards:  
 
A) J1133 (June 2011) – School Bus Stop Arm Lamp  
 
B) J638 (May 2011) − Heaters  
 
C) J377 (December 2007) − Horn  
 
D) J914 (August 2014) – Side Turn Signals  
 
E) J1292 (January 2008) − Wiring  
 
5) Standard Alphabet (9 -1 through 9-52) of the Federal Highway 
Administration's Standard Highway Signs Book (2004 edition)  
 
b) All of the materials incorporated by reference in this Section are incorporated as 
of the date specified and include no later amendments or editions.  
 
c) Copies of the above materials incorporated by reference are available for 
inspection at the Illinois Department of Transportation, 2300 S. Dirksen Parkway, 
Springfield, Illinois 62764 or by calling (217)785 -1181.  The federal standards are 
available on the U.S. G overnment Publishing Office 's website at 
http://www.ecfr.gov.   
 
Section 440.4000  Certification by Manufacturer  
      ILLINOIS REGISTER             15087  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULES  
 
 a) The manufacturer shall certify that the bus conforms to all applicable federal and 
State standards in effect on the first day of the month for the month and year of 
manufacture.  
 
b) The federal certification shall be in the form of a label that meets the requirements 
of 49 CFR 567.  The federal certification label shall be affixed to the bus when 
the bus is delivered to the purchaser , as well  as when the bus is submitted for 
safety tests as required by IVC Section 13 -109. 
 
c) The State certification label shall:  
 
1) Display the manufacturer 's name;  
 
2) Identify the bus by its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN);  
 
3) State that the bus conforms  to all applicable provisions of this Part; and  
 
4) Be affixed to the bus when the bus is delivered to the purchaser.  
 
Section 440.5000  Body and Chassis Requirements  
 
a) Aisle   
 
1) For Type I and Type I -A school buses, the floor to ceiling height shall be a 
minimum of 1.75 m (69 ") above the entire width of the aisle.  
 
2) For Type II school buses, the floor to ceiling height shall be a minimum of 
1.52 m (60 ") above the entire width of the aisle.  
 
3) Optional:  A dedicated aisle that conforms to FMVSS 217 may be adjacent 
to any side emergency door.  
 
b) Barriers, Guard   
 
1) Guard barriers that conform to FMVSS 222 are required on all school 
buses.  
 
2) Guard barriers shall be installed in front of each forward -facing passenger 
seat that does not directly fa ce the rear surface of another passenger seat.        ILLINOIS REGISTER             15088  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULES  
 
  
3) See 92 Ill. Adm. Code 444 for exceptions applicable to school buses used 
in special transportation.  
 
c) Battery or Batteries  
 
1) At least one properly connected battery shall be installed.  
 
2) For buse s manufactured after January 1, 2019, a corrosion -proof (i.e., 
marine -grade) battery disconnect switch shall be provided to shut off all 
power from the battery or batteries to the body and chassis.  The switch 
shall be accessible from the exterior of the b us (i.e., a person standing 
outside of the bus must be able to access the switch without boarding the 
bus). The switch shall not be located under the hood of the bus.   
 
d) Battery Compartment   
 
1) If the battery is mounted outside the engine compartment,  it shall be 
securely attached in an exterior, closed, and vented compartment that is 
located and arranged to provide for routine servicing.  
 
2) A latch or fastener shall keep the compartment door closed when in the 
latched position.  
 
3) Each electrical cable connecting the battery or batteries in the engine  
compartment to the body or chassis shall be one piece between the battery 
terminal connector and the first body or chassis terminal connector.  
 
4) Exception:  For Type II and Type I -A buses, the battery may be located 
under the driver 's seat in a closed, sealed, and vented compartment.  The 
compartment shall have an independent cover and provide a means for 
drainage.  
 
e) Bumper, Front  
 
1) The bumper shall be channel -type cross section formed from rolled steel at 
least 4.5 mm (.177 ") thick.  The bumper shall have not less than a 20.32 
cm (8 ") vertical face and shall extend to protect the outer edges of the 
fender (or the body of a forward control bus).       ILLINOIS REGISTER             15089  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULES  
 
  
2) The bumper shall be of sufficie nt strength to permit pushing another 
vehicle of equal gross weight without permanent distortion.  
 
3) Exception: Type II and Type I -A school buses are exempt from the 20.32 
cm (8 ") vertical face requirement.  
 
f) Bumper, Rear   
 
1) The bumper shall be chann el-type cross section with the top edge at least 
22.86 cm (9 ") above the bottom edge.  The bumper shall be formed from 
rolled steel at least 4.55 mm (.177 ") thick and shall wrap around the rear 
corners of the body to a point at least 30.48 cm (12 ") forward  of the 
rearmost point of the body at floor level.   
 
2) The bumper shall be anti -ride and mounted flush with the side of the body 
or protected with an end panel.  
 
g) Cameras, Exterior and Interior (Optional)  
 
1) If equipped, exterior cameras shall be blac k, school bus yellow, or gray.  
 
2) If equipped, interior cameras shall not be located on the dash or in the 
driver 's field of view.  
 
3) See Lettering at subsections (x)(16) and (17) for applicable decal 
requirements.  
 
h) Child Check System   
 
1) If an electronic child check system is installed, the system shall assist the 
driver by illuminating the bus 's interior lights when the ignition is turned 
off or when the ignition is turned to the "accessories " position. (See IVC 
Section 12 -816.)  
 
2) The electro nic system shall require the school bus driver to walk to the 
rear of the bus to deactivate the system before the driver leaves the bus.  
 
3) A manual child check system may be utilized by the school bus owner.        ILLINOIS REGISTER             15090  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULES  
 
  
i) Communication Device  
Each school bus sha ll contain either a cellular radio telecommunication device 
(i.e., cell phone) or a two -way radio.  
 
AGENCY NOTE:  The communication device may be installed by the 
manufacturer or purchaser . 
 
j) Crossing Control Arm  
 
1) Shall meet or exceed the wiring requ irements of SAESP J1133.  
 
2) Shall be capable of full operation between, and including, the temperatures 
-40º F and 160º F.  
 
3) The arm, when activated, shall extend a minimum of 5 feet from the front 
face of the bumper.  
 
4) The arm shall be mounted on the far right side (service door side) of the 
front bumper.  
 
5) Appropriate brackets or magnets shall be used to attach the arm to the 
front bumper for proper operation and storage.  
 
6) All component parts shall meet or exceed any applicable FMVSS in effect 
at the time of manufacture.  
 
7) The arm shall extend at the same time the stop arm panel extends.   
 
8) An optional momentary cancel switch may be present. The arm sequence 
shall auto matically reset once the service door is closed.  
 
9) Red lights and/or red reflectors are prohibited.  
 
k) Dash  
The horizontal plane of the dash shall be free of all obstructions.  This includes, 
but is not limited to, two -way radios, GPS systems, and pen cil holders.  
 
l) Drive Shaft Guard       ILLINOIS REGISTER             15091  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULES  
 
 Each shaft that measures more than 45.72 cm (18 ") long shall be equipped with a 
guard.  
 
m) Emergency Exits   
 
1) All emergency exits shall conform to the applicable requirements of 
FMVSS 217.  
 
2) Each rear emergency door  or window exterior release handle shall be anti -
ride.  
 
3) Yellow retroreflective tape shall be used to outline the emergency exits 
(excluding the roof).  If the design of the bus prohibits the tape from being 
applied properly, the tape may be located on the rear bumper or on or 
immediately beneath the rub rail under the emergency exits.  Emergency 
roof exits shall be outlined in red, yellow, or white retroreflective tape.  
 
4) A continuous audible alarm and visible indicator lamp shall alert the 
driver wh en the engine is running and any emergency exit door is not fully 
latched or is locked and not readily operated manually.  
 
5) The continuous audible alarm shall be located in the driver 's area and in 
the vicinity of the emergency exit door.  The visual in dicator lamp shall be 
located in the driver 's area.  
 
6) A continuous audible alarm shall alert the driver when the engine is 
running and any emergency exit window is not fully latched.  
 
7) An alarm cut -off or "squelch" control is prohibited.  
 
8) All emergency exits shall be surrounded with weather stripping to seal 
openings.  
 
9) Exception:  Emergency roof exits are exempt from alarm requirements.  
 
n) Exhaust System  
      ILLINOIS REGISTER             15092  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULES  
 
 1) The exhaust pipe, muffler, and tail pipe shall be located outside the 
passenger an d driver compartments.  The entire system shall be supported 
and fastened to the chassis.  
 
2) All insulated wiring, flammable materials, brake hoses or lines, and fuel 
system components shall be protected from the exhaust system.  At any 
point where the ex haust system is 30.48 cm (12 ") or less (10.16 cm (4 ") or 
less if diesel powered engine) from the components, a metal shield shall 
be securely attached to the bus.  
 
3) For Type I school buses manufactured on or after January 1, 2019, the 
exhaust system sha ll discharge at the rear of the bus and shall not 
terminate to more than 2.54 cm (1 ") on either side of the rear bumper.  The 
tail pipe cannot be located under any rear emergency exit door.  
 
4) For Type II and Type I -A school buses manufactured on or after  January 
1, 2019, the following shall be met:  
 
A) The exhaust system of a bus powered by a gasoline engine shall 
discharge to the atmosphere at or within 15.24 cm (6 ") forward of 
the rearmost part of the bus.  
 
B) The exhaust system of a bus using fuels oth er than gasoline shall 
discharge to the atmosphere either:  
 
i) At or within 38.1 cm (15 ") forward of the rearmost part of 
the bus; or  
 
ii) To the rear of all doors or windows designed to be open , 
except windows designed to be opened solely as emergency 
exits.  
 
5) Exhaust components, except flexible components, shall be made of either 
stainless steel or a commercial heat and corrosion -resistant material.  All 
flexible components shall be made of st ainless steel.  
 
6) See subsection (s)(5) for exhaust discharge requirements for optional 
auxiliary fuel -fired heating systems.  
      ILLINOIS REGISTER             15093  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULES  
 
 o) Fire Extinguisher  
 
1) Except when carried in the storage compartment, a dry chemical fire 
extinguisher, with pressure gauge,  shall be mounted in an automotive -type 
quick release bracket and located in the view of, and readily accessible to, 
the driver.  
 
2) The fire extinguisher shall be approved by the Underwriters ' Laboratories, 
Inc., with a rating of not less than 10 -B:C. 
 
3) Halon fire extinguishers (10 -B:C) are permitted.  
 
AGENCY NOTE:  The fire extinguisher may be installed by the manufacturer or 
purchaser.  
 
p) First-Aid Kit  
 
1) A first -aid kit is required to be carried on each school bus and may be 
installed by either the  purchaser or manufacturer.  
 
2) If the first aid kit is not located in the storage compartment, it shall be 
readily identifiable to the driver.  The kit shall latch and be constructed of 
durable material.  
 
3) The first -aid kit shall include, at a minimum, the following individually 
wrapped items:  
 
A) 4" ba ndage compresses – 2 compresses;  
 
B) 2" ba ndage compresses – 8 compresses;  
 
C) 1" bandages or adhesive compres ses – 16 bandages or compresses.  
 
4) A tourniqu et or any type of ointment, antiseptic, or other medicines are 
prohibited.  
 
5) An epinephrine auto -injector or injectors may be present in the first -aid 
kit. (See 105 ILCS 5/22 -30(f).)  
      ILLINOIS REGISTER             15094  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULES  
 
 q) Floor Covering  
 
1) All portions of the floor that come in contact  with a person 's footwear 
shall be covered with a waterproof material.  This floor covering shall not 
crack when subjected to sudden temperature change and shall be bonded 
securely to the floor with a waterproof substance.  All seams and openings 
shall be filled with a waterproof sealer.  
 
2) The floor covering in the aisles and entrance area shall be of non -skid, 
wear -resistance type material commonly used in commercial passenger 
transportation vehicles.  
 
3) Flush -mounted access plates are permitted.  
 
r) Footholds and Grab Handles  
 
1) One exterior grab handle and one recessed foothold (or folding stirrup) 
shall be installed on each side of the bus at the front of the body to provide 
access to the windshield.  
 
2) Exception:  Type II and Type I -A school buses are exempt.  
 
s) Heaters  
 
1) An interior temperature of not less than 10º Celsius (50º F) shall be 
maintained throughout the bus while the bus is moving at 75 kilometers 
per hour (46.6 miles per hour) in calm air.  
 
2) Each heater shall bear a namepla te that identifies the heater manufacturer 
and the heater capacity rating when tested as recommended in the SAESP 
J638, or when tested in accordance with another nationally recognized 
standard or code.  The recommended practice, standard, or code under 
which the heater is rated shall be identified on the nameplate.  The 
nameplate shall constitute certification by the heater manufacturer that the 
heater performance is as shown on the plate.  
 
3) The primary heater shall be a high output, fresh -air type.  
      ILLINOIS REGISTER             15095  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULES  
 
 4) The secondary heater may be a recirculating type and located so as not to 
interfere with aisle space.   
 
5) Auxiliary fuel -fired heating systems are permitted provided they comply 
with the following:  
 
A) Utilize the same type of fuel as specified for the v ehicle 's engine;  
 
B) Be direct, hot -air type or connected to the engine's coolant system;  
 
C) If connected to the engine 's coolant system, may be used to preheat 
the engine coolant or preheat and add supplementary heat to the 
heating system;  
 
D) Be install ed pursuant to the manufacturer's recommendations;  
 
E) Not terminate to more than 2.54 cm (1 ") on either side of the bus 
body and never under a door;  
 
F) Not direct exhaust in such a manner to endanger passengers; and  
 
G) Require low voltage.  
 
6) Stepwell heaters are optional.  
 
t) Horn  
 
1) At least one horn shall be installed that is capable of emitting sound 
audible under normal conditions from a distance of not less than 200 feet.  
(IVC Section 12 -601).  The horn shall be controlled conveniently by the 
seated driver and tested in accordance with SAESP J  377.   
 
2) An optional exterior air horn is permitted.  
 
u) Instrument Panel  
The bus shall be equipped with an illuminated instrument panel that contains the 
following:  
      ILLINOIS REGISTER             15096  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULES  
 
 1) Low air or vacuum  pressure (when  air pressure or vacuum is utilized 
either to apply or to assist in applying the service brakes) (gauge and low 
air or vacuum pressure warning device);  
 
2) Alternately flashing signal system pilot lamps;  
 
3) Ampere meter, volt meter, or discharge indicator la mp; 
 
4) Diesel exhaust fluid level gauge or indicator lamp (if applicable);  
 
5) Engine coolant temperature (gauge or indicator lamp);  
 
6) Engine oil pressure (gauge or indicator lamp);  
 
7) Fuel gauge;  
 
8) Gear selection indicator;  
 
9) High beam indicator lamp;  
 
10) Odometer (may be combined with speedometer);  
 
11) Parking brake indicator lamp;  
 
12) Speedometer that measures miles per hour;  
 
13) Service brake indicator lamp; and  
 
14) Turn signal indicator lamp.  
 
v) Insulation  
The ceiling and sidewalls shall be thermally insulated with a fire -resistant 
material that reduces heat transfer and the interior noise level.   
 
w) Lamps and Signals   
 
1) General. Light Emitting Diode (LED) lamps that meet applicable FMVSS 
or SAESP are a cceptable.  Two or more lamps or reflectors may be 
combined if the requirements for each lamp or reflector are met.       ILLINOIS REGISTER             15097  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULES  
 
 However, no clearance lamp shall be combined with a tail lamp. (See 
FMVSS 108.)  
 
2) Alternately Flashing Signal Lamps. Each bus shall be eq uipped with an 
eight -lamp alternately flashing signal system that conforms to FMVSS 
108 and IVC Section 12 -805.  A separate circuit breaker and a separate 
master switch located on the instrument panel shall be provided for the 
signal system.  When in its o ff position, this master switch shall prevent 
operation of the eight -lamp system and the stop signal arm panel or panels 
(including any lamps mounted on the panel or panels).   
 
A) Buses that are equipped with air or electrically operated doors may 
be equi pped with an override switch that will allow the red lamps 
to remain energized while the bus is stopped and the service door 
is closed.  When the bus resumes movement, the stop arm panel 
must automatically retract, the red lamps must deactivate, and the 
override switch must reset.  
 
B) The controls for the eight lamp flashing signals, the stop signal arm 
panel, and the service entrance door shall be arranged to provide 
for the sequence of operations shown in Table A.  
 
3) Interior.  At least two lamps shall  illuminate the passenger aisle.  
 
4) Stepwell.  At a minimum, the nosings of the service entrance steps and the 
floor around the stepwell shall be illuminated with at least one white lamp 
when the ignition and headlights are on and the service entrance doo r is 
open.  
 
5) Turn Signals, Rear.  Amber turn signal lamps shall be mounted on the rear 
as far apart as practicable and as high as practicable but below the rear 
window.  The effective projected illuminated area of these turn signal 
lamps shall be no less  than required for the amber alternately flashing 
signal lamps (i.e., .0122 m2 (19 in2)).  
 
6) Turn Signals, Side.  Two amber side turn signal lamps conforming to 
SAESP J914 shall be installed  on both sides of the bus .  The lamps shall 
be mounted on the bo dy between the rub rails.  The right lamp shall be 
within 1 m (39.4") of the rear of the service entrance but, on a forward      ILLINOIS REGISTER             15098  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULES  
 
 control bus, not forward of the front axle.  The left lamp shall be 
approximately the same distance from the front bumper as the rig ht lamp.  
Additional (optional) side turn signals shall be amber.  Exception: Type II 
and Type I -A school buses are exempt.  
 
7) Stop Signals.  Red stop lamps shall be mounted on the rear as far apart as 
practicable but closer to the vertical centerline of the bus than the rear turn 
signal lamps and at the same height as those turn signal lamps.  The lamps 
shall be not less than 91.44 cm (3 ') apart laterally.  The effective projected 
illuminated area of these stop lamps shall be no less than required for the  
red al ternately flashing signal lamps  (i.e., .0122 m2 (19 in2)).  
 
8) Strobe  
 
A) One per bus;   
 
B) Shall emit white or bluish -white light;   
 
C) Shall be visible from any direction;   
 
D) Shall flash 60 to 120 times per minute;   
 
E) Shall be visible in normal sunlight;   
 
F) Shall be mounted on the rooftop of the bus with the light 
generating element in the lamp located equidistant from each side 
and either at or behind the center of the rooftop.  (IVC Section 12 -
815)  The location of the lamp from the re ar of the bus is 
calculated by measuring the height of the filament and multiplying 
it by 30 inches (i.e., filament height measured from the base of the 
filament x 30 = distance from rear of bus where lamp is to be 
located).  
 
G) If a roof exit, an air con ditioner, or the size of the bus interferes 
with the placement of the strobe, the strobe shall be placed to the 
rear of the roof exit or air conditioner as near as practicable above 
the rear axle, horizontally centered between the rear tires.  
 
x) Letterin g       ILLINOIS REGISTER             15099  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULES  
 
  
1) General   
 
A) Except when  otherwise required or allowed, lettering on the 
exterior of the body shall be black against a national school bus 
glossy yellow background.   
 
B) All required or optional letters, numerals, and symbols shall 
contrast with t heir background and conform to Series "B", or 
heavier series, of the Standard Alphabets for Highway Signs issued 
by the Federal Highway Administration.   
 
C) Any emergency exit lettering (interior or exterior) that is applied 
directly to a window shall be displayed on a separate colorless 
background (such as white, aluminum, or silver) that extends no 
more than 1.27 cm (.5 ") above or bel ow the words and no more 
than 1"  to the right or left of the words.  Exception:  Interior 
operating instructions for emerg ency exits are exempt.  
 
D) Decals may be used instead of paint.  
 
E) Required lettering or signs cannot be magnetic.  
 
F) Signs, numbers, or letterings, other than those either required by 
IVC Section 12 -802 or required or permitted by this Part , shall not 
be affixed permanently on either the exterior or the interior of the 
bus.   
 
G) All lettering , required or optional under subsection (x) , shall be 
unobstructed from view.   
 
2) "SCHOOL BUS " shall be displayed against a national school bus glossy  
yellow background as high as practicable and approximately centered on 
the front and rear of the bus body, in letters at least 20.32 cm (8") high. 
(See IVC Section 12 -802.)  These words may be painted on or applied to 
the bus body or displayed on a sign f irmly attached to or built into the 
body of the bus. The background of an illuminated sign shall resemble the 
national school bus glossy yellow color.   
      ILLINOIS REGISTER             15100  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULES  
 
 3) A school bus identification number shall be displayed as high as 
practicable on the front and rear of the bus in numerals not less than 10.16 
cm (4") high.  The number may be displayed on the sides of the bus and/or 
on the rooftop.  
 
4) The name of the owner, entity for which the bus is operated, or both shall 
appear on both sides of the bus, centered as  high as practicable below the 
window line in letters at least 10.16 cm (4 ") high. (See IVC Section 12 -
802.)  The lettering shall be located on one line.  
 
5) The body and/or chassis manufacturer 's name, emblem, or other 
identification may be displayed, co lorless or in any color, on any unglazed 
surface of the bus so as not to be mistaken for the name required in 
subsection (x)(4).  
 
6) "EMPTY WEIGHT ", "EMPTY WT. ", or "E.W. ", followed by the empty 
weight (i.e., curb weight) of the bus, stated in pounds, sha ll be displayed 
on the exterior of the body near the rear edge of the service entrance door 
in numerals and letters at least 5 cm (2") high. (See IVC Section 12 -802.)  
 
7) "CAPACITY " or "CAP .", and the rated passenger capacity followed by 
the word "PASSENG ERS" or "PASS.", shall be displayed on the exterior 
of the body near the rear edge of the service entrance door, and on the 
interior front bulkhead above the windshield, viewable from the passenger 
area and in numerals and letters at least 5 cm (2") high. (See IVC Section 
12-802.)  The driver 's seat is not counted as a passenger space.  
 
8) "NO STANDEES " or "NO STANDEES PERMITTED " shall be displayed 
on the interior front bulkhead viewable from the passenger area in letters 
at least 5 cm (2") high.  
 
9) A black arrow, curved or straight, at least 15.24 cm (6 ") in length and 1.27 
cm (.5 ") in width, showing the direction each exterior emergency exit 
release mechanism is to be moved to open the emergency exit, shall be 
displayed on the exterior yellow portion of  the bus within 15.24 cm (6 ") of 
each release mechanism.  
 
10) An arrow showing the direction each interior emergency exit release 
mechanism is to be moved to open the emergency exit shall be painted or      ILLINOIS REGISTER             15101  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULES  
 
 permanently affixed on the interior of the bus within  15.24 cm (6 ") of each 
emergency exit release mechanism.  Where space is limited, interior 
arrows may be smaller than the exterior arrows but must be conspicuous.  
 
11) Alternate Fuel  
 
A) If the bus is powered by an alternate fuel (e.g., propane, CNG), th e 
bus shall be marked with an identifying decal.  The decal shall be 
diamond shaped with white or silver scotchlite letters 2.54 cm (1 ") 
in height on a black background with a white or silver scotchlite 
border bearing either the words or letters:  
 
"PROPANE " − If propelled by liquefied petroleum gas; or  
 
"CNG " − If propelled by compressed natural gas.  
 
B) The alternate fuel decal shall be displayed near the rear bumper 
and visible from the rear of the bus. (See IVC Section 12 -704.3.)  
 
12) The vehicle's leng th (rounded up to nearest whole foot) preceded by the 
word "LENGTH " shall be displayed on or adjacent to the interior front 
bulkhead in at least 5 cm (2 ") high lettering and within the driver's view.  
(For example:  vehicle length of 39.1 feet will be disp layed as LENGTH 
40 FEET.)  The measurement shall be taken from the front bumper to the 
rear bumper.  
 
13) A "Stop Line" is required between 14.9 cm (5.9 ") and 15.4 cm (6.1 ") 
below the top of each side window opening.  The line shall be located 
between each  window that slides downward and may be intermittent.  
 
14) A white decal with black lettering and numerals that measure 2.54 cm (1 ") 
high shall be displayed on the rear of the bus with the words "TO 
COMMENT ON MY DRIVING CALL " followed by the area code an d 
phone number of the bus owner .  The decal shall be located on the rear 
window glazing below the rear seat back or on the bus body below the rear 
window line.  The decal shall be visible to the motoring public from the 
rear of the bus.  The decal cannot b e located on any emergency door 
glazing or any emergency window glazing.  The decal may be applied at  
the time the bus is  manufactured or by the school bus owner after the bus      ILLINOIS REGISTER             15102  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULES  
 
 is purchased.  Optional lettering may be present that requests the bus 
identific ation number , along with the date and time of the alleged 
violation. (See IVC Section 12 -821.)  
 
15) For buses manufactured on or after January 1, 2019, a black 2.54 cm (1 ") 
label identifying the location of the battery disconnect switch shall be on 
the ex terior surface of the bus.  
 
16) If an audio and/or visual recording will be made of the interior of the bus, 
decals indicating the recording shall be displayed on the bus.  Two white 
decals with black lettering measuring 2.54 cm (1 ") high shall be displaye d, 
one on the exterior of the bus 's body adjacent to the service entrance door 
and a second one on the front interior bulkhead, viewable from the 
passenger area.  The exterior decal shall be located between 1.01 m (40 ") 
and 1.65 m (65 ") from the road surface.  (See 720 ILCS 5/14 -3(m).)  The 
decals may be applied by the manufacturer or purchaser.  
 
17) "TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT CAMERA IN USE " shall be displayed if 
the bus is equipped with an exterior camera that monitors stop arm panel 
violations.  The decal shall be white with black lettering that measures 
2.54 cm (1 ") high and located on the exterior left rear window glazing, 
below the seat back, or on the left of the bus 's body, below the window 
line.  The decal shall be visible to the motoring public from the rear of the 
bus.  The decal shall not be located on the rear bumper or on any 
emergency window or door (includes glazing).  
 
18) One or more of the following labels, that measure at least 2.54 cm (1 ") 
high, shall be affixed to the interior storage compartment to identify its 
contents:  
 
A) "FIRE EXTINGUISHER " may be displayed if the fire extinguisher 
is located in the storage compartment.  
 
B) "FIRST -AID KIT " may be displayed if the first -aid kit is located in 
the storage compartment.  
 
C) "WARNING DEV ICES " may be displayed if the warning devices 
are located in the storage compartment.  
      ILLINOIS REGISTER             15103  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULES  
 
 D) "SAFETY EQUIPMENT " may be displayed to include the fire 
extinguisher, first -aid kit, and warning devices.  
 
19) Optional:  A decal or decals designating the type of fu el used, and/or the 
location of the alternate fuel shutoff, may be displayed on the exterior 
surface of the bus in lettering that measures 2.54 cm (1 ").   
 
20) Optional:  A "No Smoking " decal may be posted on the interior surface of 
the bus in 2.54 cm (1 ") lettering.  
 
21) Optional:  Interior route identification markers (numbers or symbols) are 
allowed.  They must be located in the first passenger area window on 
either side of the bus.  If interior route identification markers are installed 
in a permanent ho lder or bracket, the holder or bracket must have rounded 
edges or be padded.   
 
22) Optional:  Exterior route identification markers may be displayed in a 
holder or bracket on the left and/or right sides of the bus.  If installed on 
the right side, the hol der or bracket shall be located between 40 " and 65 " 
above the road surface directly on the body behind the service entrance 
door.  If installed on the left side, the holder or bracket shall be located 
between 40 " and 65 " above the road surface directly beh ind the stop signal 
arm panel.  The holder or bracket shall be no larger than 8 " high x 12 " 
wide.  
 
23) Optional:  A decal or decals may be present that prohibit trespassing on 
the bus.  If present, the decal or decals shall display "NO TRESPASSING " 
on the  first line and "Offenders will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of 
the law! " on the second line.  The lettering shall be black and measure 
2.54 cm (1 ") on a white background.  If present, the decal or decals shall 
be posted on the exterior surface of t he bus 's body adjacent to the service 
entrance door or on the interior riser of the top stair or both.  If present, the 
exterior decal shall be located between 53.34 cm (21 ") and 1.65 m (65 ") 
from the road surface.  
 
24) Optional:  The vehicle's height may be displayed on the interior of the 
vehicle within the driver's view.  
 
y) Mirrors       ILLINOIS REGISTER             15104  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULES  
 
  
1) Interior Mirror:  
 
A) For Type I school buses, a mirror that measures at least 15.24 cm 
(6") x 76.2 cm (30 ") overall shall be located inside the bus.  
 
B) For Type II and Type I -A school buses, a mirror that measures at 
least 15.24 cm (6 ") x 30.48 cm (12 ") overall shall be located inside 
the bus.  
 
C) The interior mirror shall afford the driver a view of the bus 's 
interior and portions of the roadway to the rear.  The mirror  shall 
be firmly supported and constructed of clear -view safety glass.  
The mirror shall be securely backed and framed with rounded 
corners and padded edges.  
 
2) All exterior mirror systems shall conform to the applicable requirements 
of FMVSS 111.  
 
3) Optional: If specified by the purchaser, additional convex mirrors may be 
installed.  
 
z) Paint, Exterior  
The exterior of each bus shall be national school bus glossy yellow except as 
follows:  
 
1) The rooftop may be white.  An optional white roof shall term inate at any 
point from the top of the drip rail to 15.24 cm (6 ") above the drip rail.  The 
front and rear roof caps shall remain national school bus glossy yellow.  
 
2) Body trim, rub rails, lettering (except on the stop signal arm panel) shall 
be glossy b lack.  
 
3) Bumpers on a Type I bus shall be glossy black.  
 
4) Bumpers on a Type II or Type I -A bus may be glossy black or a bright, 
colorless finish.  
      ILLINOIS REGISTER             15105  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULES  
 
 5) The hood and upper cowl may be lusterless black or lusterless school bus 
yellow.  
 
6) Grilles on the front and lamp trim may be a bright finish.  Grille covers 
(i.e., winter fronts) shall be yellow, black, or white.  
 
7) Hubcaps may be a bright finish.  Hubcap color is manufacturer 's option. 
Wheels and rims shall be black, gray, or aluminum.  Lug nut torqu e 
indicators may be any color.  
 
8) The name or emblem of a manufacturer may be colorless or any color.  
(See IVC Section 12 -801.)  
 
9) Areas around the eight -way flashing lamps may be black but shall not 
interfere with "SCHOOL BUS " lettering.  
 
10) Additiona l reflectorized tape is permitted anywhere on the bus 's body 
provided it reflects the same color it is applied to and is not located on any 
bumper (except reflectorized tape required to outline emergency exits).  
 
aa) Pedals  
 
1) Original Equipment Manufactu rer (OEM) or comparable aftermarket 
pedal extensions are permitted.  Makeshift pedal extensions are prohibited.  
 
2) The brake pedal and any brake pedal extension shall be a rigid nonslip 
design.  
 
bb) Projections, Interior  
 
1) Any projection located in the student seating area that is not flush with an 
interior wall or ceiling and is within 1.50 m (59 ") from the floor shall be 
padded.  All exposed lapped joints shall be connected and/or treated to 
cover exposed edges.  
 
2) Any component located in the front bulkhead area of the bus and not flush 
with the interior walls shall not be in the driver 's head impact zone nor 
interfere with passengers entering or exiting the bus.  
      ILLINOIS REGISTER             15106  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULES  
 
 3) Overhead book and/or storage racks are prohibited.  
 
cc) Reflectors  
 
1) Front  
 
A) Two amber reflectors shall be mounted on the front of the body, 
one near the lower left and one near the right hand corners of the 
vehicle. (See IVC Section 12 -202.)   
 
i) The front reflectors shall be located between 38.1 cm (15 ") 
and 1.52 m (60 ") above th e roadway at either the fender, 
cowl, or body and installed as far forward as practicable, 
marking the widest points of the bus.   
 
ii) No part of the required reflecting material shall be 
obstructed by a lamp, mirror, bracket, or any other portion 
of the bus.   
 
iii) The reflector may be any shape (e.g., square, rectangle, 
circle, oval, etc.).  A rigid type reflex reflector may be any 
size if permanently marked either DOT, SAE A, or SAE J 
594; otherwise, it shall display at least 45 square cm (7 in2) 
of reflecting material (about 7.62 cm (3 ") diameter if a 
solid circle).  
 
B) A sheet type (tape) reflex reflector that conforms to FMVSS 108 
may be used but its forward projected reflecting area shall be at 
least 51.61 square cm (8 in2).  
 
2) Side   
 
A) On buses over 6.10 m (20 ') in length, one amber reflector no more 
than 30.48 cm (12 ") from the front and one 7.62 cm (3 ") in 
diameter red reflector no more than 30.48 cm (12 ") from the rear 
shall be located on both sides of the bus.  The reflectors shall be 
mounted at a height not less than 38.1 cm (15 ") and not more than 
1.52 m (60 ") above the surface of the road. (See IVC Section 12 -
202.)       ILLINOIS REGISTER             15107  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULES  
 
  
B) On buses more than 9.14 m (30 ') in length, one amber reflector 
located at or near the midpoint between the front and  rear side 
reflectors shall also be present. (FMVSS 108 – Table 1)  The 
reflectors shall measure a minimum of 7.62 cm (3 ") in diameter.  
 
3) Rear.  Two red reflectors shall be mounted on the rear of the body, one no 
more than 12 " from the lower left hand c orner and one no more than 12 " 
from the lower right hand corner.  The reflectors shall measure a minimum 
of 7.62 cm (3 ") in diameter.  
 
dd) Registration Card Holder  
At least one card holder with a transparent face no less than 15.24 cm (6 ") x 10.16 
cm (4 ") shall be securely affixed to the interior front bulkhead.  
 
ee) Rub Rails  
 
1) Type I and Type I -A school buses shall meet the following:  
 
A) A minimum of two rub rails are required. Both rails shall be 10.16 
cm (4") or more in width. The rub rails shall b e constructed of 16 -
gauge steel, or suitable material of equivalent strength, and shall be 
constructed in a corrugated or ribbed fashion.  The rails shall be 
securely fastened to the body by bolts, rivets, or welding.  
 
B) One rub rail shall be located app roximately at seat level that 
extends from the rear of the service entrance door completely 
around the exterior of the bus 's body without interruption to a point 
of curvature near the front of the body on the left side.  Exception:  
Rub rails are not requi red at areas on the bus where no interior 
designated seating positions are located.  
 
C) One rub rail shall be located on each side approximately at the 
floor line that shall extend over the same longitudinal distance as 
the rub rail required under subsecti on (ee)(1)(B), except:  
 
i) This rub rail shall not extend across a wheel housing ; and  
      ILLINOIS REGISTER             15108  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULES  
 
 ii) This rub rail may terminate at the radii of the right and left 
rear corners of the body.  
 
D) Optional:  More than two rub rails may be installed on a side 
and/or the rear of a bus.  
 
2) Type II school buses shall meet the following:  
 
A) A minimum of one rub rail is required.  The rub rail shall be 10.16 
cm (4 ") or more in width.  The rail shall be  constructed of 16 -
gauge steel or suitable material of equivalent strength and shall be 
constructed in a corrugated or ribbed fashion.  The rail shall be 
securely fastened to the body by bolts, rivets, or welding.  
 
B) The rub rail shall be located approxim ately at seat level and shall 
extend from the rear of the entrance door on both sides to a point 
of curvature at the rear of the body.  Exception:  Rub rails are not 
required at areas on the bus where no interior designated seating 
positions are located.  
 
C) Optional:  More than one rub rail may be installed on a side and/or 
the rear of a bus.  
 
ff) Rust/Corrosion Inhibitor  
 
1) The underside of the body, including the floor members and the side 
panels below the floor, shall be coated with a fire -resistant ru st inhibiting 
compound so as to seal, insulate, reduce corrosion, and reduce interior 
noise.  
 
2) The entire underside of front fenders or wheel wells shall be coated with a 
fire-resistant rust inhibiting compound in order to seal joints and to reduce 
corro sion and noise.  
 
3) Nonmetallic components are exempt from coating.  
 
gg) Seat, Driver 's      ILLINOIS REGISTER             15109  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULES  
 
 The driver 's seat shall be rigidly positioned and have a forward and backward 
adjustment without the use of tools or other nonattached devices. Seat cushions 
shall be s ecurely fastened to the seat frame.  
 
hh) Seat Belt, Driver 's 
 
1) The bus shall be equipped with a lap and shoulder harness seat belt for the 
driver.  
 
2) Optional: The bus may be equipped with a durable seat belt webbing 
cutter with a full -width handgrip and a replaceable or non -corrodible 
protected blade.  The webbing cutter shall not be mounted on the dash but 
shall be mounted in a location accessible to the seated driver in an easily 
detachable manner.  
 
ii) Seats, Passenger  
 
1) Each passenger seat shall conform to FMVSS 222.  
 
2) A flip -up seat may be located only immediately adjacent to any side 
emergency door.  If so equipped, the flip -up seat shall con form to the 
following:  
 
A) The seat shall be designed so that, when in the folded position, the 
seat cushion is flat against the seat back to prevent a child 's limb 
from becoming lodged between the seat cushion and seat back.  
 
B) The seat shall be designed  to discourage a child from standing on 
the seat cushion when in the folded position.  
 
C) The working mechanism under the seat shall be covered to 
eliminate any tripping hazard.  
 
D) All sharp metal edges on the seat shall be padded to prevent any 
snagging hazard.  
 
E) No portion of the door latch mechanism can be obstructed by a 
seat. 
      ILLINOIS REGISTER             15110  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULES  
 
 F) There shall be at least 30.48 cm (12 ") measured from the door 
opening to the seat back in front.  
 
jj) Service Entrance Door and Area  
 
1) The service entrance door shall be located on the right side near the front, 
in an unobstructed and convenient view of the driver.  The service 
entrance door shall have a minimum vertical opening of 1.7 m (67") and a 
minimum horizontal opening of 61 cm (24 ").  
 
2) A steel handrail that measures not less than 25.4 cm (10 ") in length shall 
be firmly attached in an unobstructed location on the left side of the 
entranceway as a person enters the bus. An optional handrail can also be 
located on the right side of  the entranceway.  At least a ¾ " space shall be 
present between any handrail and the panel it is attached to for the entire 
length of the handrail.  
 
3) The bottom step in the entranceway shall not extend beyond the exterior of 
the body.  The bottom step s hall be not less than 30 cm (11.8") and not 
more than 40 cm (15.7") from the roadway.  At least two enclosed steps 
shall be provided.  Risers shall be approximately equal.  Each step, 
including the floor at the top riser, shall be surfaced with a non -skid 
material with a 4 cm (1.6") to 8 cm (3.1") white or yellow nosing as an 
integral piece.  
 
4) The service door shall be either manually or power operated by the seated 
driver.  When in the closed and secured position, the door operating 
mechanism shall prev ent accidental opening but shall afford prompt 
release and opening by the driver.  Exposed parts of a door operating 
mechanism shall come together so as to prevent injury.  The vertical 
closing edges of a service door shall be padded to lessen chance of in jury.  
 
5) A power operated door shall be equipped for emergency manual operation 
in case of power failure.  Upon release, the door shall remain in the 
unlocked position.  Instructions for emergency operation shall be affixed 
permanently within 16 cm (6 ") of the release mechanism in letters at least 
12 mm (.5") high.  
      ILLINOIS REGISTER             15111  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULES  
 
 6) A single -section service door shall be hinged at the front of the service 
entrance.  
 
7) Glazed panels shall be installed in the lower and upper service door. The 
bottom of each lower glas s panel shall be no more than 25.4 cm (10 ") 
from the top surface of the bottom step.  The top of each upper glass panel 
shall be no more than 7.62 cm (3 ") below the interior door control cover or 
header pad.  
 
8) Service Door Lock (Optional)   
The service door may be equipped with a lock , provided at least one of the 
following is met:  
 
A) The locking system does not prevent the driver from easily and 
quick ly opening the service door;  
 
B) The locking system prevents the driver from easily and quickly 
openi ng the service door but is equipped with an audible alarm and 
visible indicator lamp to alert the driver when the engine is running 
and the service door is locked.  No alarm disconnect, "squelch 
control", or other alarm defeating or attenuating device shal l be 
installed .  
 
kk) Spare Tire (Optional)  
Each spare tire and rim shall be mounted outside the passenger compartment.  
 
ll) Stop Signal Arm Panel  
 
1) A stop signal arm panel shall be installed on the left side of the bus that 
conforms to FMVSS 131.  Strobe and LED lamps are acceptable on stop 
signal arm panels.  
 
2) For buses manufactured after January 1, 2019 that measure 8.53 m (28 ') 
long or more from  bumper to bumper, a second stop signal arm panel that 
meets the requirements of FMVSS 131 shall be located on the left side of 
the bus.  The second panel shall operate in conjunction with the panel 
required in subsection (ll)(1) and be located as close as  practicable to the 
left rear corner of the bus 's body.  
      ILLINOIS REGISTER             15112  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULES  
 
 3) Optional:  A second stop signal arm panel that meets the requirements of 
FMVSS 131 may be installed on buses that measure less than 8.53 m (28 ') 
long.  
  
mm)  Storage Compartments (Optional)  
 
1) Safety equipment and  other items may be stored in an interior, unlocked 
storage compartment.  There shall be no locking mechanism on the storage 
compartment. (See subsection (x)(18) for labeling requirements.)  
 
2) An exterior, fire resistant storage compart ment of adequate strength and 
capacity used for the storage of miscellaneous items and equipment may 
also be provided.  The compartment shall provide reasonable security for 
its contents.  
 
3) If an interior storage compartment is located under a passenger  seat, seat 
cushions alone shall not serve as the cover for the compartment.  The 
compartment shall not extend into the aisle or seating area.  
 
nn) Sun Visor   
 
1) An interior, adjustable, transparent, tinted sun visor that measures not less 
than 15.24 cm (6") high by 76.26 cm (30 ") wide shall be installed so that it 
can be turned up and will remain up when not in use.  For Type II and 
Type I -A buses, the sun visor may meet manufacturer 's specifications.  
 
2) The visor may be supported so that it can be mov ed for use on the driver's 
left, but when used in front of the driver and in a position approximately 
parallel to the windshield, it shall be supported at or near each of its ends 
so as to minimize vibration.    
 
oo) Tow Hooks, Front and Rear (Optional)  
 
1) Front  
A front tow hook shall not extend beyond the front of the front bumper. 
Each front tow hook not fastened securely to the chassis frame shall be 
connected to the frame by suitable braces.  
 
2) Rear       ILLINOIS REGISTER             15113  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULES  
 
 A rear tow hook may be attached or braced to the ch assis frame or to an 
equivalent structural member of an integral type bus.  A tow hook shall 
not extend beyond the rear face of the rear bumper.  
 
pp) Ventilation  
 
1) The body shall be equipped with a controlled ventilation system of 
sufficient capacity to  maintain a satisfactory ratio of outside to inside air 
under cool and cold operating conditions without opening windows.   
 
2) If the ventilation system is powered, air outlet openings shall be located, 
sized, and manufactured so that, with doors and wind ows closed, a 
positive pressure is maintained in the driver and passenger spaces to lessen 
chances of dangerous gas entering those spaces.   
 
3) Fresh air inlets shall be located so as to minimize the entrance of 
obnoxious engine fumes.  
 
qq) Warning Devic es 
Warning devices shall consist of (at a minimum):  
 
1) 3 liquid -burning flares or 3 red electric lanterns or 3 portable red 
emergency reflectors that meet FMVSS 125;  
 
2) 3 red burning 15 minute fus ees (If red electric lanterns or portab le red 
reflectors are used, fuse es are not required.); and  
 
3) 2 red cloth flags or 2 portable red emergency reflectors that conform to 
FMVSS 125 (in addition to the 3 portable emergency reflectors). (See IVC 
Section 12 -702(a).)  
 
AGENCY NOTE:   The warning devices may be installed by the manufacturer or 
purchaser.  
 
rr) Windows  
 
1) General  
 
A) All window glazing shall meet the requirements of FMVSS 205.       ILLINOIS REGISTER             15114  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULES  
 
  
B) Laminated safety glass is optional.  
 
2) Rear  
 
A) Fixed windows shall be installed in the rear of the bus to provide 
the seated driver a view through the rear of the bus as wide and as 
high as practicable.  Rear emergency exit windows are not fixed.  
 
B) The rear emergency door shall have an additional lower glazed 
panel to provide the driver an additional view of at least the width 
of the required aisle and as low and as high as practicable.  
 
3) Side, Driver 's.  The driver shall be provided a double -paned window that 
opens and closes either horizontally or vertically.  
 
4) Side, Passenger 's 
 
A) There shall be one window tha t opens vertically from the top for 
each seat.  
 
B) All window latches shall be recessed.  
 
C) Each passenger side window shall provide an unobstructed 
opening at least 22.86 cm (9 ") high and at least 55.88 cm (22 ") 
wide, obtained by lowering the window.  
  
D) This s ubsection (rr)(4) does not apply to a window installed in a 
special service door or side emergency exit.  
 
ss) Wiring   
 
1) All wiring for lamps and other electrical devices shall be as recommended 
for automobiles, motor coaches, and heavy duty st arting motor circuits in 
SAESP J1292 and in other practices or standards referenced therein, 
unless preempted by FMVSS.  
 
2) Alternately flashing signal lamps and stop signal arm panel lamps (if 
applicable) shall have independent circuits.       ILLINOIS REGISTER             15115  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULES  
 
  
3) Wires not enc losed within the body shall be fastened securely at intervals 
of not more than 45.72 cm (18 ").  
 
4) A separate fuse, circuit breaker, or electronic circuit protection shall be 
provided for each circuit.  Exception:  Starter motor and ignition circuits 
may be protected by other means.  
 
5) A noise suppression switch that is capable of turning off noise producing 
accessories, including, but not limited to, heater blowers, defroster fans, 
auxiliary fans, and radios , shall be installed.  (See IVC Section 12 -815.2.)  
The noise suppression switch shall not silence emergency exit alarms.  
       ILLINOIS REGISTER             15116  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULES  
 
 Section 440. TABLE  A   Eight Lamp Sequencing  
 
 
Air or Electrically Operated Doors  
Master 
Switch 
Position  8-Way 
System 
Actuated  Service Door 
Position  Override 
Switch 
Actuated  Stop  Arm, 
Stop Arm 
Lights  Amber 
Student 
Warning 
and Pilot 
Lights  Red 
Student 
Warning 
and Pilot 
Lights  
Off Yes Any Position  N/A Retracted, Off  Off Off 
Off No Any Position  N/A Retracted, Off  Off Off 
On No Any Position  Yes or No  Retracted, Off  Off Off 
On Yes Closed  Yes or No  Retracted, Off  On Off 
On Yes Open  Yes or No  Extended, On  Off On 
On Yes Closed  Yes Extended, On  Off On 
On Yes Closed  No Retracted, Off  Off Off 
 
Manually Operated Doors  
Master 
Switch 
Position  8-Way 
System 
Actuated  Service Door 
Position  Stop Arm, 
Stop Arm 
Lights  Amber 
Student 
Warning 
and Pilot 
Lights  Red Student 
Warning 
and Pilot 
Lights  
Off Yes Any Position  Retracted, Off  Off Off 
On No Any Position  Retracted, Off  Off Off 
On Yes Closed  Retracted, Off  On Off 
On Yes Open  Extended, On  Off On 
On Yes Closed, not secure  Extended, On  Off On 
On Yes Closed, secure  Retracted, Off  Off Off 
      ILLINOIS REGISTER             15117  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED REPEALER  
 
 1) Heading of the Part :  Minimum Safety Standards for Construction of Type II School 
Buses  
 
2) Code Citation :  92 Ill. Adm. Code 442  
 
3) Section Numbers :  Proposed Actions : 
442.110    Repealed  
442.120    Repealed  
442.130    Repealed  
442.205    Repealed  
442.208    Repealed  
442.210    Repealed  
442.213    Repealed  
442.214    Repealed  
442.215    Repealed  
442.216    Repealed  
442.218    Repealed  
442.220    Repealed  
442.230    Repealed  
442.235    Repealed  
442.240    Repealed  
442.245    Repealed  
442.250    Repealed  
442.253    Repealed  
442.255    Repealed  
442.258    Repealed  
442.259    Repealed  
442.260    Repealed  
442.265    Repealed  
442.270    Repealed  
442.275    Repealed  
442.285    Repealed  
442.290    Repealed  
442.295    Repealed  
442.300    Repealed  
442.305    Repealed  
442.310    Repealed  
442.315    Repealed  
442.320    Repealed       ILLINOIS REGISTER             15118  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED REPEALER  
 
 442.325    Repealed  
442.405    Repealed  
442.410    Repealed  
442.415    Repealed  
442.420    Repealed  
442.425    Repealed  
442.430    Repealed  
442.435    Repealed  
442.440    Repealed  
442.445    Repealed  
442.450    Repealed  
442.455    Repealed  
442.460    Repealed  
442.465    Repealed  
442.470    Repealed  
442.475    Repealed  
442.480    Repealed  
442.485    Repealed  
442.490    Repealed  
442.495    Repealed  
442.605    Repealed  
442.610    Repealed  
442.615    Repealed  
442.620    Repealed  
442.705    Repealed  
442.710    Repealed  
442.715    Repealed  
442.APPENDIX E   Repealed  
 
4) Statutory Authority :  Implementing Article VIII of Chapter 12 of the Illinois Vehicle 
Code [625 ILCS 5/Ch. 12, Art. VIII] and Section 14 -3(m) of the Criminal Code of 1961 
[720 ILCS 5/14 -3(m)] and authorized by Section 12 -812 o f the Illinois Vehicle Code 
[625 ILCS 5/12 -812].  
 
5) A Complete Description of the Subjects and Issues Involved :  This Part consists of the 
construction standards for type II school buses manufactured for use in Illinois.  The 
Department is proposing to re peal this Part in its entirety.  In connection with this 
rulemaking, the Department is proposing to repeal and recreate 92 Ill. Adm. Code 440 to 
combine the construction standards of type I and type II buses into one Part.       ILLINOIS REGISTER             15119  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED REPEALER  
 
  
6) Published studies or reports , and sources of underlying data, used to compose this 
rulemaking :  None  
 
7) Will this rulemaking replace any emergency rule currently in effect ?  No  
 
8) Does this rulemaking contain an automatic repeal date ?  No  
 
9) Does this rulemaking contain incorporations by reference ?  Yes  
 
10) Are there any other rulemakings pending on this Part ?  No  
 
11) Statemen t of Statewide Policy Objective :  This rulemaking does not create or expand a 
State mandate as defined in Section 3(b) of the State Mandates Act [ 30 ILCS 805/3(b)].  
 
12) Time, Place and Manner in which interested persons may comment on this proposed 
rulemaking :  Any interested party may submit written comments or arguments 
concerning these proposed amendments.  Written submissions shall be filed wit h: 
 
Greg Stucka, Rules Manager  
Illinois Department of Transportation  
Office of Chief Counsel  
2300 South Dirksen Parkway, Room 317  
Springfield  IL 62764  
 
Comments received within 45 days after the date of publication of this Illinois Register  
will be conside red.  Comments received after that time will be considered, time 
permitting.  
 
13) Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis : 
 
A) Types of small businesses, small municipalities and not -for-profit corporations 
affected :  This rulemaking affects manufacturers of school buses; however, the 
Department is unaware of any school bus manufacturers that are small businesses.  
This rulemaking may have an indirect impact on small businesses, small 
municipalities, and not -for-profit corporations that sell, own, or operat e school 
buses in this State.  
      ILLINOIS REGISTER             15120  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED REPEALER  
 
 B) Reporting, bookkeeping or other procedures required for compliance :  No impact 
is anticipated.  
 
C) Types of professional skills necessary for compliance :  No impact is anticipated.  
 
14) Regulatory Agenda on which this rulemaking was summarized :  July 2017  
 
The full text of the Proposed Repealer begins on the next page : 
       ILLINOIS REGISTER             15121  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED REPEALER  
 
 TITLE 92:  TRANSPORTATION  
CHAPTER I:  DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
SUBCHAPTER e:  TRAFFIC SAFETY (EXCEPT HAZARDOUS MATERIALS)  
 
PART 442  
MINIMUM SAFETY STANDARDS FOR CONSTRUCTION OF  
TYPE II SCHOOL BUSES (REPEA LED) 
 
SUBPART A:  GENERAL  
 
Section  
442.110  Scope  
442.120  Definitions  
442.130  Incorporation by Reference and Certification  
 
SUBPART B:  CONSTRUCTION OF BODY  
 
Section  
442.205  Aisle  
442.208  Barriers, Guard  
442.210  Body Structure and Mounting  
442.213  Bumper, Rear  
442.214  Capacity, Passenger  
442.215  Ceiling and Side Walls  
442.216  Child Check System (Optional)  
442.218  Crossing Control Arm  
442.220  Defrosters  
442.225  Doors (Repealed)  
442.23 0 Emergency Exits and Door Alarms  
442.235  Floor Covering  
442.240  Glazing Materials  
442.245  Heaters  
442.250  Identification/Lettering  
442.253  Metal Treatment  
442.255  Mirrors  
442.258  Paint/Color Requirements  
442.259  Rack, Book/Luggage  
442.260  Rub Rails  
442.265  Seat Belts, Driver's and Passengers'       ILLINOIS REGISTER             15122  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED REPEALER  
 
 442.270  Seating  
442.275  Service Entrance and Door  
442.280  Stanchion Guard Panel or Barrier Guard (Repealed)  
442.285  Stop Signal Arm Panel  
442.290  Tool Compartment (Purchaser's Option)  
442.295  Sun Visor  
442.300  Undercoating  
442.305  Ventilation  
442.310  Window Openings  
442.315  Windshield  
442.320  Windshield Wipers  
442.325  Windshield Washer  
 
SUBPART C:  CHASSIS REQUIREMENTS  
 
Section  
442.405  Air Cleaner  
442.410  Axles  
442.415  Brakes  
442.420  Bumper, Front  
442.425  Drive Shaft Guard  
442.430  Engine  
442.435  Exhaust System and Muffler  
442.440  Frame  
442.445  Fuel Tank  
442.450  Heater Connections  
442.455  Horn  
442.460  Ignition Lock  
442.465  Instruments  
442.470  Oil Filter  
442.475  Shock Absorber s  
442.480  Springs and Suspension  
442.485  Steering Mechanism  
442.490  Tires and Wheels  
442.495  Transmissions  
 
SUBPART D:  ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS REQUIREMENTS  
 
Section       ILLINOIS REGISTER             15123  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED REPEALER  
 
 442.605  Battery and Battery Compartment  
442.610  Generator or Alternator  
442.615  Lamps, R eflectors, and Signals  
442.620  Wiring  
 
SUBPART E:  EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS  
 
Section  
442.705  Fire Extinguisher (Purchaser's Option)  
442.710  First-Aid Kit (Purchaser's Option)  
442.715  Warning Devices (Optional)  
 
442.APPENDIX A  Hexagon Shaped Stop Signal Arm (Repealed)  
442.APPENDIX B  Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and Related Rules 
(Repealed)  
442.APPENDIX C  Specification for Sheet Reflective Material – Encapsulated Lens (Based 
on FHWA Notice N 5040.17, June 15, 1976) (Repealed)  
442.APPENDIX D  Sheeting and Tape, Reflective:  Nonexposed Lens (Repealed)  
442.APPENDIX E  Octagon Shaped Stop Signal Arm  
 
AUTHORITY:  Implementing Article VIII of Chapter 12 of the Illinois Vehicle Code [625 ILCS 
5/Ch. 12, Art. VIII] and  Section 14 -3(m) of the Criminal Code of 1961 [720 ILCS 5/14 -3(m)] 
and authorized by Section 12 -812 of the Illinois Vehicle Code [625 ILCS 5/12 -812].  
 
SOURCE:  Adopted at 2 Ill. Reg. 45, p. 115, effective November 10, 1978; codified at 8 Ill. Reg. 
15002; a mended at 8 Ill. Reg. 15505, effective August 10, 1984; amended at 12 Ill. Reg. 4220, 
effective February 9, 1988; amended at 16 Ill. Reg. 1685, effective January 14, 1992; amended at 
17 Ill. Reg. 3540, effective March 2, 1993; amended at 18 Ill. Reg. 14789 , effective September 
20, 1994; amended at 26 Ill. Reg. 3255, effective February 19, 2002; amended at 31 Ill. Reg. 
8238, effective May 25, 2007; amended at 32 Ill. Reg. 18305, effective November 14, 2008; 
repealed at 42 Ill. Reg. ______, effective ________ ____.  
 
SUBPART A:  GENERAL  
 
Section 442.110  Scope   
 
This Part is intended to provide minimum standards for constructing and equipping new Type II 
school buses manufactured for use in Illinois. This Part assumes compliance with applicable 
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) (49 CFR 571), and the S ociety of Automotive      ILLINOIS REGISTER             15124  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED REPEALER  
 
 Engineer Standards (SAE), and implements applicable Sections of the Illinois Vehicle Code (the 
Code) [625 ILCS 5/Ch. 12, Art. VIII]. In addition, this Part sets forth certain other minimum 
standards established by the Department, and a uthorized by Section 12 -812 of the Code, to 
govern aspects not governed by the FMVSS, SAE Standards, or the Code.  At the request of 
school bus owners and operators, a few of the requirements in this Part relate to durability and 
maintenance of school buse s rather than safety.  
 
Section 442.120  Definitions   
 
"ANSI" means the American National Standards Institute (11 West 42nd Street, 
New York NY 10036).  
 
"Body" means the portion of a bus that encloses the occupant and cargo spaces 
and separates those spac es from the chassis frame, engine compartment, driveline, 
and other "chassis" components, except certain chassis controls used by the 
driver.  
 
"Body -on-Chassis" means a completed vehicle consisting of a passenger seating 
body mounted on a truck type chass is (or other separate chassis) so that the body 
and chassis are separate entities, although one may reinforce or brace the other.  
 
"Child Check System " means an optional mechanical or electronic monitoring 
system used for ensuring that no passengers remai n on the school bus at the end 
of a route, a work shift, or the work day.  The system shall require the school bus 
driver to walk to the rear of the bus to deactivate the system before the driver 
leaves the bus.  The vehicle 's interior lights must illumina te when the ignition is 
turned off to assist the driver in seeing in and under the seats during a visual 
sweep  of the bus.  (See P.A.  95-0260, effective August 17, 2007.)  
 
"Code" means the Illinois Vehicle Code [625 ILCS 5].  
 
"Driver" means every  person who drives or is in actual physical control of a 
vehicle . (Section 1 -116 of the Code)  
 
"Empty Weight" means the unloaded vehicle weight; i.e., the weight of a vehicle 
with maximum capacity of all fluids necessary for operation of the vehicle but 
without cargo or occupant (49 CFR 571.3), plus 350 pounds allowance for driver 
and equipment.  
      ILLINOIS REGISTER             15125  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED REPEALER  
 
 "FMVSS" means the rules and standards set forth in 49 CFR 571 and known as 
the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.  
 
"Forward Control" means a configuration in which more than half of the engine 
length is rearward of the foremost point of the windshield base and the steering 
wheel hub is in the forward quarter of the vehicle length (49 CFR 571.3) – 
includes mid -engine and rear -engine "pusher" buses.  
 
"Gross V ehicle Weight Rating" or "GVWR" means the value specified by the 
manufacturer as the loaded weight of the school bus.   (See Section 1 -124.5 of the 
Code.)  
 
"Incomplete Vehicle" means an assemblage consisting, at a minimum, of frame 
and chassis structure, p ower train, steering system, suspension system, and 
braking system, to the extent that those systems are to be part of the completed 
vehicle, that requires further manufacturing operations (other than the addition of 
readily attachable components such as m irrors or tire and rim assemblies or minor 
finishing operations, such as painting) to become a completed school bus for use 
in Illinois. (Based on 49 CFR 568.3)  
 
"Integral Type" bus means a completed vehicle either without separate body and 
chassis or wit h body and chassis joined into one unit.  
 
"m", following a numeral, means either "meter" or "meters".  
 
"mm", following a numeral, means either "millimeter" or "millimeters".  
 
"Manufacturer" (unless otherwise indicated at the point of use) means the pers on 
or organization whose name follows "MANUFACTURED BY" or "MFD BY" on 
the label required in Section 442.130(b).  
 
"Multiple Glazed Unit" means two or more sheets of safety glazing material 
separated by air spaces and assembled in a common mounting (ANSI Z 26.1-1996, 
no later amendments or editions included).  
 
"Passenger" means every bus occupant who is not the driver.  
 
"SAE" means the Society of Automotive Engineers (400 Commonwealth Drive, 
Warrendale PA 15096).       ILLINOIS REGISTER             15126  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED REPEALER  
 
  
"School Bus" means:  
 
Every motor vehicle, except as provided in this definition, owned or 
operated by or for any of the following entities for the transportation of 
persons regularly enrolled as students in grade 12 or below in connection 
with any activity of such entity:   
 
Any public or private primary or secondary school;   
 
Any primary or secondary school operated by a religious 
institution; or   
 
Any public, private or religious nursery school.   
 
This definition shall not include the following:   
 
A bus operated by a public utility, munic ipal corporation or 
common carrier authorized to conduct local or interurban 
transportation of passengers when such bus is not traveling a 
specific school bus route but is:   
 
On a regularly scheduled route for the transportation of 
other fare paying passen gers;   
 
Furnishing charter service for the transportation of groups 
on field trips or other special trips or in connection with 
other special events; or   
 
Being used for shuttle service between attendance centers 
or other educational facilities.   
 
A motor vehicle of the first division.   
 
A motor vehicle designed for the transportation of not less than 7 
nor more than 16 persons that is operated by or for a public or 
private primary or secondary school, including any primary or 
secondary school operated by a  religious institution, for the 
purpose of transporting not more than 15 students to and from      ILLINOIS REGISTER             15127  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED REPEALER  
 
 interscholastic athletic or other interscholastic or school 
sponsored activities.  (Section 1 -182 of the Code)  
 
"SI" means Systeme International d'Unites (Interna tional System of Units); 
officially abbreviated SI in all languages; the modernized metric system defined 
in ANSI IEEE -ASTM -SI-10-1997.  
 
The symbol " following a numeral means either "inch" or "inches".  
 
"Type I School Bus" means a school bus with a gros s vehicle weight rating of 
more than 10,000 pounds.  (Section 1 -213.4 of the Code)  
 
"Type I -A School Bus" means a term commonly used by school bus 
manufacturers to classify a certain type of school bus that is a conversion or body 
constructed upon a van -type or cutaway front -section vehicle with a left side 
driver's door, designed for carrying more than 10 persons.  The Type I -A school 
bus has a GVWR of more than 10,000 pounds.  
 
"Type II School Bus" means  a school bus with a GVWR of 10,000 pounds or less.  
(Section 1 -213.5 of the Code)  
 
Section 442.130  Incorporation by Reference and Certification   
 
a) Each bus body and chassis must conform to the applicable provisions of the 
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) (49 CFR 571.1 through 
571.404).  T hose applicable provisions of the FMVSS are incorporated by 
reference as that part of the FMVSS was in effect on October 1, 2007 .  No later 
amendments to or editions of 49 CFR 571 are incorporated.  
 
b) Each bus body and chassis must conform to the applicable provisions of 49 CFR 
567, Certification, and 49 CFR 568, Vehicles Manufactured in Two or More 
Stages, that were in effect on the first day of the month in which the chassis 
manufacturer completed his  last manufacturing operation on the incomplete bus.  
Those applicable provisions are incorporated by reference as they were in effect 
on October 1, 2007 .  No later amendments to or editions of 49 CFR 567 and 49 
CFR 568 are incorporated.  
 
c) Each school bu s must conform to the applicable Standards and Recommended 
Practices of the Society of Automotive Engineers Handbook.  Those applicable      ILLINOIS REGISTER             15128  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED REPEALER  
 
 provisions of the SAE Standards and Recommended Practices are incorporated by 
reference as of the 2005 edition date.  No  later amendments to or editions of the 
SAE Standards and Recommended Practices are incorporated.  
 
d) Copies of the above materials incorporated by reference are available for 
inspection at the Division of Traffic Safety, 3215 Executive Park Drive, 3rd Floor, 
Springfield, Illinois 62703 or by calling (217)785 -1181.  The federal standards are 
available on the National Archives and Records Administration's website at 
http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov.  The Division of Traffic Safety's rules are available on 
the Depar tment's website at http://www.dot.il.gov/safety.html . 
 
SUBPART B:  CONSTRUCTION OF BODY  
 
Section 442.205  Aisle   
 
a) Minimum clearance of all aisles, including the aisle (or passageway) leading to an 
emergency door in the rear, shall be 12 inches.  
 
b) A dedicated aisle which conforms to 49 CFR 571.217 may be adjacent to any side 
emergency door.  
 
Section 442.208  Barriers, Guard  
 
a) A restraining guard barrier shall be installed in front of the right and left front 
passenger seats.  Barriers shall be co nstructed to guard passengers from being 
thrown into the stairwell, dash, windshield, or driver 's compartment.  Barriers 
shall be padded to give knee and head impact protection.  Barriers shall conform 
to S5.2 through  S5.2.3 of FMVSS 222.  (See 92 Ill. Adm . Code 444 for 
exceptions for special education school buses.)  
 
b) The vertical distance from the floor covering to the top of a barrier positioned in 
front of a student 's seat shall measure not less than the vertical distance from the 
floor covering to th e top of the seat back on the seat back installed behind that 
barrier.  
 
Section 442.210  Body Structure  and Mounting   
 
a) See applicable provisions of the FMVSS for requirements (49 CFR 571.100 
through 571.304).       ILLINOIS REGISTER             15129  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED REPEALER  
 
  
b) Insulating material shall be placed at all mounting points between the body and 
chassis frame.  This material shall be at least 5 mm (.2") thick, may have the 
quality of the sidewall of an automobile tire, and shall be so secured that it will 
not move, vibrate, or "crawl" out of place during no rmal operations.  
 
c) The body front shall be attached and sealed to the chassis cowl so as to prevent 
the entry of water, dust, or fumes through the joint between the chassis cowl and 
the body.  
 
Section 442.213  Bumper, Rear   
 
a) The entire rear bumper must be of metal construction unless an energy absorbing 
bumper is used.  
 
b) The rear bumper must meet chassis or body manufacturer's standards.  
 
c) The rear bumper shall be shielded between the body and the bumper to prevent 
hitch ing or "riding on."  
 
 AGENCY NOTE:  See Section 442.420 for front bumper requirements.  
 
Section 442.214  Capacity, Passenger   
 
a) The vehicle maximum passenger capacity recommended by the manufacturer of 
the bus shall be based upon a provision for 13 inc hes of seating space for each 
passenger, exclusive of the driver.  (Section 12 -802 of the Code) Examples:  A 
seat 990 mm (39") in width provides 3 passenger spaces; a seat 985 mm (38.8") in 
width provides 2 passenger spaces; a device resembling a seat but l ess than 330 
mm (13") in width would not provide a passenger space.  
 
b) Neither a space not conforming to the FMVSS 222 nor the driver's space shall be 
counted as a passenger space.  However, any space used for transporting an 
orthopedically challenged pa ssenger shall be counted as a passenger space when 
computing passenger capacity to be displayed on the exterior of the bus as 
required in Section 442.250(g).  (See 92 Ill. Adm. Code 444, Minimum Safety 
Standards for Construction of School Buses used in Spe cial Education 
Transportation.)  
      ILLINOIS REGISTER             15130  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED REPEALER  
 
 Section 442.215  Ceiling and  Side Walls   
 
a) The ceiling and side walls shall be thermally insulated with a fire -resistant 
material approved by the Underwriter's Laboratories, Inc., which shall also 
adequately reduce the noise level and vibrations.  
 
b) The interior of the bus shall be free of all un necessary projections likely to cause 
injury.  Additional projections (e.g., external speakers, air conditioners) located 
within 59 inches from the floor shall be padded to prevent injury.  This includes 
inner lining of ceiling and walls.  Installation of book racks is not permissible.  
Interior paneling is required on the ceiling and walls. Paneling shall be of steel or 
other suitable material of equivalent strength and durability, applied in such a 
manner as to present a clean, smooth and safe interior.  Exposed edges of lapped 
joints shall be beaded, flanged or otherwise treated and connected to reduce the 
likelihood of injury from exposed edges.  
 
c) Interior height shall be a minimum of 60 inches, measured from the floor to 
ceiling at any point on the l ongitudinal center line from the front vertical bow to 
the rear vertical bow.  
 
Section 442.216  Child Check System (Optional)  
 
If a mechanical or electronic child check system is installed, the system must illuminate the 
interior lights on the bus when th e ignition is turned off. (See P.A. 95 -0260, effective August 17, 
2007.)  
 
Section 442.218  Crossing Control Arm   
 
a) Must meet or exceed the wiring requirements of SAE Recommended Practice 
J1133.  
 
b) Must be capable of full operation between, and includi ng, the temperatures -40 
degrees F and 160 degrees F.  
 
c) The arm, when activated, must extend a minimum of five feet from the front face 
of the bumper.  
 
d) The arm must be mounted on the far right side (entry side) of the front bumper.  
      ILLINOIS REGISTER             15131  
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED REPEALER  
 
 e) Appropriate brackets shall be used to attach the arm to the front bumper for 
proper operation and storage.  
 
f) All component parts must meet or exceed any applicable FMVSS in effect at the 
time of manufacture.  
 
g) The arm must extend at the same time the stop arm panel extends.  An 
independent "on/off" switch is prohibited.  
 
h) If the driver can stop the arm from extending with the use of an optional override 
switch, the arm sequence must automatically reset once t he service door is closed.  
 
i) Red lights and/or red reflectors are prohibited.  
 
Section 442.220  Defrosters   
 
Defrosting equipment shall be installed so as to help keep the window to the left of the driver and 
the glass in the service door clear of fog or frost. This defrosting equipment shall conform to 
those FMVSS 103 (49 CFR 571.103) performance requirements that are applicable to school bus 
windshields.  
 
Section 442.225  Doors  (Repealed)   
 
Section 442.230  Emergency Exits and Door Alarms   
 
a) Each emergency exit shall be equipped with an interior opening device which 
may be quickly released but which is designed to offer protection against 
accidental release. Each exterior release handle must be nonhitchable.  
 
AGENCY NOTE:   "Nonhitchable" is d efined as the rear of the bus being 
designed and maintained to prevent or discourage riding or grasping the rear of 
the bus so as to "hitch" rides.  
 
b) All emergency exits shall conform to the applicable requirements of the FMVSS 
217 (49 CFR 571.217).  
 
1) Each opening for a required emergency exit window or door must be 
outlined around its exterior perimeter with, at a minimum, 1 inch (2.54 
cm) wide yellow retroreflective tape.  All retroreflective tape must be on      ILLINOIS REGISTER             15132  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED REPEALER  
 
 the exterior surface of the bus and conf orm to all requirements of 49 CFR 
571.217. Emergency roof exits may be outlined in either yellow or white 
retroreflective tape.  Yellow retroreflective tape can be located on the rear 
bumper or rub rail provided the space under the emergency exit door or 
emergency exit window is not adequate to accommodate the tape or 
provided rivets are present that prohibit the tape from being applied 
properly.  
 
2) Both audible and visible alarms shall alert the driver when the engine is 
running and any emergency exit doo r either:  
 
A) Is not fully latched, or  
 
B) Is locked and not readily operated manually.  
 
3) An audible alarm shall alert the driver when the engine is running and any 
emergency exit window either:  
 
A) Is not fully latched, or  
 
B) Is locked and not rea dily operated manually.  
 
4) The engine starting system shall not operate while any emergency exit 
door or window (optional or required) is locked from either inside or 
outside the bus. "Locked" means that the release mechanism cannot be 
activated and the exit cannot be opened by a person at the exit without a 
special device such as a key or special information such as a combination.  
 
5) An alarm cut -off or "squelch" control is prohibited.  
 
6) Exception:  No alarm is required for roof hatches.  
 
Section 442.235  Floor Covering   
 
a) Plywood or equivalent material may be applied over the existing steel floor and 
securely fastened – shall be applied if specified by the purchaser. If applied, 
plywood shall be at least ½" exterior BB grade.  
 
b) All portions o f the floor that come in contact with passengers' or driver's footwear      ILLINOIS REGISTER             15133  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED REPEALER  
 
 shall be covered with a waterproof material.  This floor covering shall not crack 
when subjected to sudden temperature change and shall be bonded securely to the 
floor with a waterproof  substance.  All seams and openings shall be filled with a 
waterproof sealer.  
 
c) The floor covering in the aisles and entrance area shall be of non -skid, wear -
resistance type material commonly used in commercial passenger transportation 
vehicles.  
 
Secti on 442.240  Glazing  Materials   
 
a) All glazing in the rear of a school bus, including the door, shall be the fixed type.  
 
b) Laminated safety glass is optional.  All applicable provisions of the FMVSS 205 
(49 CFR 205) apply to the optional laminated safet y glass and also to any plastic 
materials used in multiple -glazed unit, including meeting the pertinent tests 
indicated below, that are specified in ANSI Standard Z26.1 -1996 or Z26.1a -1996 
and are grouped in Table No. 1 of that Standard. Glazing shall be i dentified as 
shown below.  
 
Glazing installed 
in: Shall meet tests 
grouped in Z26.1 
Table No. 1 under:  Shall bear one of the 
following identification 
markings:  
 
Windshield  Item 1, either 
laminated glass or 
multiple glazed unit  AS 1 Glass  
 
Window or door 
forward of 
rearmost location 
of driver's seat 
back   AS 1 Glass or  
AS 2 Glass  
 
All Other  
locations   AS 1 Glass,  
AS 2 Glass or  
AS 3 Glass  
 
c) In addition, any exposed plastic layer of a multiple glazed unit shall be identified      ILLINOIS REGISTER             15134  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED REPEALER  
 
 in conformance with the FMVSS 205 (49 CFR 571.205).  
 
d) All glazing shall be installed so the identification markings are legible.  
 
 AGENCY NOTE:  See Section 442.310, Window Openings, for window operation 
requirements.  
 
Section 442.245  Heaters   
 
a) An inside temperature of not less than 50 degrees Fahrenheit at average minimum 
January temperature as established by the U.S. Department of Commerce, 
National Weather Service Office, for the area in which the vehicle is to be 
operated shall be maintained throughout the bus.  
 
b) The primary heater shall be a high output, fresh air type.  
 
c) The secondary heater may be recirculating type, and located so as not to interfere 
with aisle space. Each secondary heater shall display a nameplate that identifies 
the manufacturer and the heater capacity rating.  
 
d) The heater hoses shall be adequately supported to guard against excessive wear 
due to vibration and shall not interfere with or restrict the operation of any engine 
function.  Any hose in the passenger co mpartment shall be adequately protected 
to prevent injury from burns in the event of rupture.  
 
e) Auxiliary fuel -fired heating systems are permitted provided they comply with the 
following:  
 
1) The auxiliary heating system fuel shall utilize the same type  of fuel as 
specified for the vehicle engine;  
 
2) The heater or heaters may be direct hot air or connected to the engine's 
coolant system;  
 
3) An auxiliary heating system, when connected to the engine's coolant 
system, may be used to preheat the engine coo lant or preheat and add 
supplementary heat to the bus' heating system;  
      ILLINOIS REGISTER             15135  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED REPEALER  
 
 4) Auxiliary heating systems must be installed pursuant to the manufacturer's 
recommendations and shall not direct exhaust in a manner that will 
endanger bus passengers (e.g., under wi ndows);  
 
5) Auxiliary heating systems that operate on diesel fuel shall be capable of 
operating on:  
 
A) a hot water and/or combustion type heater; or  
 
B) if only one heater is used, a fresh -air or combination fresh -air and 
recirculation type heater; or  
 
C) blended diesel fuel without the need for system adjustment.  
 
6) The auxiliary heating system shall be low voltage.  
 
Section 442.250  Identification/Lettering   
 
a) Except where otherwise required or allowed, lettering on the exterior of the body 
shall be b lack against a national school bus glossy yellow background. All 
required letters and numerals shall conform to Series "B", or heavier series, of the 
Standard Alphabets for Highway Signs issued by the Federal Highway 
Administration, Washington, D.C. 20591.   Decals may be used instead of paint.  
Signs, numbers, or lettering, other than those either required by Section 12 -802 of 
the Code or this Part shall not be affixed permanently on either the exterior or 
interior of the bus.  Interior lettering shall cont rast with its background.  
 
b) The words "SCHOOL BUS" shall be displayed against a national school bus 
glossy yellow background as high as practical and approximately centered on the 
front and rear of the bus body, in letters at least 200 mm (8") high (see  Section 
12-802 of the Code).  These words may be painted on or applied to the bus body 
or displayed on a sign firmly attached to or built into the body.  The background 
of an illuminated sign shall approximate the national school bus glossy yellow 
color a s closely as feasible.  
 
c) A school bus identification number, supplied by the purchaser, shall be displayed 
as high as practical on the front and rear of the bus in numerals not less than 100 
mm (4") high.  Such number may be displayed on the sides of th e bus as specified 
by the purchaser.  As an option, identification numbers may be located on the      ILLINOIS REGISTER             15136  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED REPEALER  
 
 rooftop.  
 
d) Either the owner's name or the school district number or both must be displayed 
on both sides of the bus at least four inches high, approximately centered and as 
high as practicable below the window line . (See Section 12 -802 of the Code.) The 
lettering must be located on one line.  
 
e) The body and/or chassis manufacturer's name, emblem, or other identification 
may be displayed, colorless or in any color, on any unglazed surface of the bus so 
as not to be mistaken for the name required in subsection (d) of this Section, and 
so as not to interfere with any required letters or numerals.  
 
f) The words "EMPTY WEIGHT", or the abbreviation "EMPTY WT.", or  the letters 
"E.W.", followed by the empty weight of the bus (see Section 442.120), stated in 
pounds, shall be displayed on the exterior of the body near the rear edge of the 
service entrance in numerals and letters at least 50 mm (2") high (see Section 12 -
802 of the Code).  
 
Examples:  EMPTY WEIGHT  16,800 lb  E.W. 16,800 lb  
 
g) The word "CAPACITY", or the abbreviation "CAP.", and the rated passenger 
capacity, as described in Section 442.214, followed by the word 
"PASSENGERS", or the abbreviation "PASS.", shall be displayed on the exterior 
of the body near the rear edge of the ser vice entranceway, and on the interior 
above the right portion of the windshield, in numerals and letters at least 50 mm 
(2") high (see Section 12 -802 of the Code).  
 
h) The words "NO STANDEES" shall be displayed only on the interior above the 
windshield, a pproximately opposite the aisle but to the right of the mirror and sun 
visor, in letters at least 50 mm (2") high.  
 
i) The words "EMERGENCY DOOR" or "EMERGENCY EXIT" in letters at least 
5 cm (2") high must be displayed on the interior and exterior of the bus. 
"EMERGENCY DOOR" must be displayed at the top of, or directly above, any 
emergency exit door.  "EMERGENCY EXIT" mus t be displayed at the top of, or 
directly above, or at the bottom of, any emergency exit window.  They may be 
displayed on a separate colorless background (such as white, aluminum, or silver) 
that extends no more than 15 mm (.6") above or below the words a nd no more 
than 25 mm (1") to the right or left of the words.       ILLINOIS REGISTER             15137  
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED REPEALER  
 
  
j) A black arrow, curved or straight, at least 150 mm (5.9") in length and 15 mm 
(.6") in width, showing the direction each exterior emergency exit release 
mechanism is to be moved to open the  emergency exit, shall be painted or 
permanently affixed on the exterior yellow portion of the bus within 150 mm 
(5.9") of each release mechanism.  
 
k) An arrow showing the direction each interior emergency exit release mechanism 
is to be moved to open the  emergency exit shall be painted or permanently affixed 
on the interior of the bus within 150 mm (5.9") of each emergency exit release 
mechanism.  Each interior arrow shall contrast with its background and, where 
suitable space is limited, may be smaller t han the exterior arrow(s) but must be 
conspicuous.  
 
l) Alternate Fuel  
 
1) If the bus uses alternate fuel (e.g., propane, CNG), the vehicle must be 
marked with an identifying decal.  Such decal shall be diamond shaped 
with white or silver scotchlite lette rs one inch in height and a stroke of the 
brush at least ¼ inch wide on a black background with a white or silver 
scotchlite border bearing either the words or letters:   
 
 "PROPANE" = If propelled by liquefied petroleum gas other than 
liquefied natural gas ; or  
 
 "CNG" = If propelled by compressed natural gas.  The sign or 
decal shall be maintained in good legible condition.   
 
2) The alternate fuel decal shall be displayed near the rear bumper and 
visible from the rear of the vehicle.  (Section 12 -704.3 of t he Code)  
 
m) The vehicle's length (rounded up to nearest whole foot) must be displayed on or 
adjacent to the interior bulkhead clearly within the driver's view. (For example:  
vehicle length of 39.1 feet will be displayed as 40 feet.) Each letter or numer al 
must be at least two inches high and black in color. The measurement must be 
taken from the front bumper to the rear bumper.  
 
n) A "Stop Line" in contrasting color is required between 5.9 and 6.1 inches below 
the top of each side window opening.  The l ine shall be located between each      ILLINOIS REGISTER             15138  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED REPEALER  
 
 window that slides downward.  
 
o) The decal described in this subsection (o) is required to be displayed on every 
school bus registered in Illinois.  The school bus manufacturer may elect to apply 
the decal at the time the  school bus is manufactured or the decal may be applied 
by the school bus owner after the school bus is purchased.   A white decal with 
black lettering and numerals that measure one inch high must be displayed on the 
rear of the bus.  The decal must display  the words TO REPORT ERRATIC 
DRIVING followed by the area code and phone number of the bus owner.  The 
decal shall be located on the rear window glazing below the rear seat back, on the 
bus body below the window line, or on the rear bumper.  The decal must  be 
visible to the motoring public from the rear of the bus and cannot obstruct any 
required lettering or numerals.  The decal cannot be located on any emergency 
door glazing or any emergency window glazing.  Magnetic  signs are not allowed.  
(See P.A. 95 -0176, effective January 1, 2008.)  
 
p) The decals described in this subsection (p) are required to be displayed on every 
school bus registered in Illinois if an audio and/or visual recording will be made 
of the interior of the school bus.  The school bus ma nufacturer may elect to apply 
the decals at the time the school bus is manufactured or the decals may be applied 
by the school bus owner after the school bus is purchased.   Two white decals with 
black lettering measuring one inch high shall be displayed, o ne on the exterior of 
the service (e.g., entrance) door or on the bus body adjacent to the service door if 
the door is not adequate to accommodate the decal and a second on the front 
interior bulkhead.  The decals shall serve as a notice of audio and/or vi sual 
recordings.  The exterior decal must not be located on any service door glazing 
and the interior decal must not obstruct any other required lettering on the 
bulkhead.  Magnetic signs are not allowed.  (See P.A.  95-0352, effective August 
23, 2007.)  
 
Section 442.253  Metal Treatment   
 
a) Unless excluded by this subsection, all steel or iron used in construction of the 
bus body and attached equipment shall be either resistant to atmospheric 
corrosion, or zinc coated, or treated by equivalent process.  Par ticular attention 
shall be given to each fastener or attaching device, lapped surface, welded 
connection or fastening, cut edge, punched or drilled hole, surface subjected to 
abrasion, closed or box section, and any unvented or undrained area or space.  
The number of unvented or undrained areas or spaces is to be minimized.      ILLINOIS REGISTER             15139  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED REPEALER  
 
 Excluded are door handles, grab handles, and interior decorative parts.  
 
b) As evidence that above requirements have been met, a sample of fastener, 
material, or section of body, coated  or finished as installed in the bus, when 
subjected to a 1,000 -hour salt spray test in accordance with American Society for 
Testing and Materials (ASTM) Standard B -117-1997 "Method of Salt Spray 
(Fog) Testing" shall not exhibit more than 10 percent reduct ion in weight after all 
adherent corrosion products are removed.  
 
Section 442.255  Mirrors   
 
a) Interior Mirror – A mirror shall be located inside the bus.  It shall be firmly 
supported, constructed of clear view safety glass and securely backed and frame d.  
It shall have rounded corners.  Edges shall be padded to reduce danger of injury 
upon impact.  The mirror shall afford the operator a good view of the bus interior 
and portions of the roadway to the rear.  
 
b) All exterior mirror systems shall conform to the applicable requirements of the 
FMVSS 111 (49 CFR 571.111).  
 
c) More convex mirrors than required above may be installed, if specified by the 
purchaser.  
 
d) The reflecting surface on the backside of each mirror glass shall be protected from 
abrasio n, scratching, and atmospheric corrosion.  
 
Section 442.258  Paint/Color Requirements   
 
a) The exterior of each school bus shall be national school bus glossy yellow except 
as indicated in subsections (b) through (i) of this Section .  
 
b) The rooftop may be white.   Optional white roof shall terminate at any point from 
top of drip rail to 6" above drip rail.  The front and rear roof caps shall remain 
national school bus glossy yellow.  
 
c) Body trim, rub rails, and lettering other than on a stop signal arm shall be glossy 
black. Bumpers may be glossy black or a bright, light or colorless finish.   
 
d) Lettering on a stop signal arm shall be white on a red background.        ILLINOIS REGISTER             15140  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED REPEALER  
 
  
e) The hood and upper cowl may be lusterless black or lusterless school bus yellow.   
 
f) Grilles on the front, lamp trim and hubcaps may be a bright finish.  Wheels and 
rims may be black, gray, or manufacturer's colors.  
 
g) The name or emblem of a manufacturer may be colorless or any color.   
 
h) The exterior paint of any school bus shall match the central value, hue and 
chroma set forth  in this Part. (Section 12 -801 of the Code)  
 
i) Each opening for a required emergency exit window or door must be outlined 
around its outside perimeter with a minimum 1 inch (2.54 cm) wide yellow 
retroreflective tape.  All retroreflective tape must be on the exterior surface of the 
bus and conform to all requirements of 49 CFR 571.217.  Yellow retroreflective 
tape can be located on the rear bumper or rub rail provided the space under the 
emergency exit door or eme rgency exit window is not adequate to accommodate 
the tape or provided rivets are present that prohibit the tape from being applied 
properly.  Emergency roof exits may be outlined in either yellow or white 
retroreflective tape.  
 
Section 442.259  Rack, Boo k/Luggage   
 
Book/luggage racks are not allowed.  
 
Section 442.260  Rub Rails   
 
a) There shall be one rub rail located approximately at seat level which shall extend 
from the rear of the entrance door on both sides to a point of curvature at the rear 
of the body.  
 
b) Rub rails shall be constructed of 16 -gauge longitudinally corrugated o r ribbed 
steel, ventilated, four inches minimum width, and securely fastened to the body 
by bolts, rivets, or welding.  
 
Section 442.265  Seat Belts, Driver's and Passengers'   
 
a) See the FMVSS for requirements (49 CFR 571.209 and 210).  
      ILLINOIS REGISTER             15141  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED REPEALER  
 
 b) The driver's s eat belt assembly shall be arranged so that all portions of the 
assembly remain above the floor when not in use.  
 
c) If a retractor or retractors are installed, they shall be the emergency locking type.  
 
d) The driver's seat must be equipped with a lap b elt/shoulder harness design.  
 
Section 442.270  Seating  
  
a) No bus shall be equipped with "jump" or portable seats (this does not include 
child restraint systems).  
 
b) The driver's seat shall be rigidly positioned and have a fore -and-aft adjustment 
without the use of tools or other nonattached devices.  
 
c) A flip -up seat for passengers may be located only immediately adjacent to any 
side emergency door.  The flip -up sea t must conform to the following:  
 
1) The seat must be designed so that, when in the folded position, the seat 
cushion is flat against the seat back to prevent a child's limb from 
becoming lodged between the seat cushion and seat back.  
 
2) The seat must b e designed to discourage a child from standing on the seat 
cushion when in the folded position.  
 
3) The working mechanism under the seat must be covered to eliminate any 
tripping hazard.  
 
4) All sharp metal edges on the seat must be padded to prevent any  snagging 
hazard.  
 
5) No portion of the door latch mechanism can be obstructed by a seat.  
 
6) There must be at least 11.7 inches (30 cm) measured from the door 
opening to the seat back in front.  
 
Section 442.275  Service Entrance  and Door   
 
a) The servi ce entrance shall be located on the right side near the front, in      ILLINOIS REGISTER             15142  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED REPEALER  
 
 unobstructed and convenient view of the driver.  The service entrance shall have a 
minimum vertical opening of 1.7 m (67") and a minimum horizontal opening of 
610 mm (24").  
 
b) The service entrance steps shall be designed so that the first step shall not be more 
than 13½" off the ground.  If necessary, a step of adequate width and length shall 
be installed to meet this requirement. Provision shall be made to prevent road 
splash f rom the wheel from accumulating on the step if installed outside the body.  
 
c) The service door shall be either manually or power operated by the seated driver.  
When in the closed and secured position, the door operating mechanism shall 
prevent accidenta l opening but shall afford prompt release and opening by the 
driver.  No exposed parts of a door operating mechanism shall come together so 
as to shear or crush finger(s).  The vertical closing edge(s) of a service door shall 
be padded to lessen chance of injury.  
 
d) A power operated door shall be equipped for emergency manual operation in case 
of power failure.  Instructions for emergency operation of a power operated door 
shall be affixed permanently on the interior of the door in letters at least 12 mm 
(.5") high.  
 
e) A single -section service door shall be hinged at the front of the service entrance.  
 
f) Glazed panels shall be installed in the service door to afford the driver a view of 
small children outside the door, traffic signs, and intersecting r oadways.  The 
bottom of each lower glass panel shall not be more than 10 inches from the top 
surface of the bottom step.  The top of each upper glass panel shall not be more 
than 3 inches from the top of the door.  
 
g) Service Door Lock (Optional).  If ord ered by the purchaser, a lock may be 
installed on or at the service door.  Any type service door locking system installed 
in the bus shall conform to at least one of the following requirements.  
 
1) Requirement 1:  A locking system shall not be capable of preventing the 
driver from easily and quickly opening the service door; or  
 
2) Requirement 2:  A locking system that is capable of preventing the driver 
from easily and quickly opening the service door shall include an audible 
and visible alarm to alert t he driver when the engine is running and the      ILLINOIS REGISTER             15143  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED REPEALER  
 
 service door is locked.  No alarm disconnect, "squelch control", or other 
alarm defeating or attenuating device shall be installed; or  
 
3) Requirement 3:  A locking system shall not be capable of preventing the  
driver from easily and quickly opening the service door except when, and 
only when, a person outside the bus uses a key that is not capable of 
locking more than one of at least 1000 of the door manufacturer's key 
locking systems.  
 
h) A grab handle of ste el, as long as practicable, shall be solidly attached to the left 
of any person entering the school bus.  Forward handrails are prohibited, except 
when required by 92 Ill. Adm. Code 444 (Minimum Safety Standards for 
Construction of School Buses used in Spe cial Education Transportation).  An 
optional grab handle can also be located on the right side of the entranceway.  
 
Section 442.280  Stanchion Guard Panel or Barrier Guard  (Repealed)  
 
Section 442.285  Stop Signal Arm  Panel  
 
a) A stop signal arm panel must be installed on the left side of the bus that conforms 
to 49 CFR 571.131.    Decals may be used in lieu of painting.  Strobe lamps are 
acceptable on stop signal arm panels.  See Appendix E for example.  
  
b) Additional stop signal arm panels may be added at  the purchaser's request.  
Additional panels must be located on the left side of the bus. Additional panels 
must operate in conjunction with the required panel and meet all stop arm panel 
requirements except as follows.  The additional panel must not conta in any 
marking or reflective material on the front side of the panel.  The additional panel 
must be located in the rear half of the bus adjacent to the rearmost window.  
 
Section 442.290  Tool Compartment (Purchaser's Option)   
 
a) A fire -resistant containe r of adequate strength and capacity for storage of tools, 
chains, curriculum equipment, activity equipment, etc., may be installed.  If 
installed, the container shall provide reasonable security for its contents and shall 
be securely fastened to prevent th e container or its contents from becoming 
accidentally dislodged.  
 
b) If the storage container is not installed and tools, equipment, etc., are carried, each      ILLINOIS REGISTER             15144  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED REPEALER  
 
 such item must be secured to prevent its becoming dislodged and causing injury 
to passengers.  
 
Section 442.295  Sun Visor   
 
a) The driver's side shall be equipped with an interior adjustable sun visor with a 
minimum size of 5" X 16".  
 
b) No sun visor shall interfere with the operator's full view of the rearview mirror(s).  
 
c) A sun visor on the right passenger side is optional.  
 
Section 442.300  Undercoating   
 
The underside of the body, including floor members and the side panels below the floor, shall be 
coated with a fire -resistant undercoating material applied by the spray method so as to seal, 
insulate, reduce corrosion, and reduce interior noise.  Non -metallic components need not be 
coated.  
 
Section 442.305  Ventilation   
 
The body shall be equipped with a suitable controlled ventilation system of sufficient capacity to 
maintain a satisfactory ratio of outside to inside air under operating conditions without opening 
of windows except in warm weather.  
 
Section 442.310  Window  Openings   
 
This Section does not apply to a window or glazed panel installed forward of a front pas senger 
seat, and is optional for a window installed either beside a rear passenger seat or a special service 
door or in a side emergency exit.  
 
a) All side windows shall open from the top only and shall operate freely.  
 
b) There shall be one vertical ope ning side window for each seat.  
 
c) Each side window shall provide an unobstructed emergency egress opening at 
least 9 inches high and 22 inches wide. The opening may extend to 18 inches 
above the unoccupied passenger seat cushion but no closer (to the se at cushion).  
      ILLINOIS REGISTER             15145  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED REPEALER  
 
 d) A stop line for the window opening shall be applied six inches from the top of the 
window opening.  
 
e) The side windows may be split sash.  
 
f) The window latches shall be recessed.  
 
AGENCY NOTE:  See Section 442.240 for glazing material requirements.  
 
Section 442.315  Windshield   
 
See the FMVSS for requirements (49 CFR 571.104).  
The windshield may be tinted and may have a "shade band".  
 
Section 442.320  Windshield Wipers   
 
See the FMVSS for requirements (49 CFR 571.104).  
 
Section 442.325  Windshield Washer   
 
See the FMVSS for requirements (49 CFR 571.104).  
 
SUBPART C:  CHASSIS REQUIREMENTS  
 
Section 442.405  Air Cleaner   
 
The bus shall be equipped with an adequate oil bath, dry element, or equivalent type air cleaner.  
 
Section 442.410  Axles   
 
a) Must meet federal chassis requirements as indicated on the federal certification 
label as required by 49 CFR 567 (Certification)  and 49 CFR 568 (Vehicles 
Manufactured in Two or More Stages).  
 
b) Wheel base shall not be less than 123 inches.  
 
Section 442.415  Brakes   
 
See the FMVSS for requirements (49 CFR 571.105).       ILLINOIS REGISTER             15146  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED REPEALER  
 
 Power brakes are required.  
 
Section 442.420  Bumper, Front   
 
a) The front bumper shall meet the chassis manufacturer's standards.  
b) The entire front bumper must be of metal construction unless an energy absorbing 
bumper is used.  
 
 AGENCY NOTE:  See Section 442.213 for rear bumper requirements.  
 
Section 442.425  Dr ive Shaft  Guard   
 
Each segment of the drive shaft shall be equipped with a suitable guard to prevent accident or 
injury in the event of its fracture or disconnection.  
 
Section 442.430  Engine   
 
Type and displacement may be specified by the purchaser.  
 
Section 442.435  Exhaust System and Muffler   
 
a) The exhaust pipe, muffler and tail pipe shall be outside the bus body and attached 
to the chassis.  
 
AGENCY NOTE:  As mandated by the United States Environmental Protection 
Agency (USEPA), diesel -powered engines manufactured after December 31, 
2006 are required to meet stricter standards that will reduce emissions of 
particulate matter and nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere.  School bus 
manufacturers may be required to modify exhaust systems to meet the U SEPA 
requirements, e.g., mufflers may be replaced with after -treatment devices that 
significantly reduce toxins released into the atmosphere.  Modifications to exhaust 
systems made in compliance with the USEPA requirements are acceptable 
provided they do n ot impact the safe operation of the school bus.  
 
b) The exhaust system shall be insulated from any insulated wire, flammable 
material, brake hose or line, or fuel system component by a securely attached 
metal shield at any point where the exhaust system is  11.8 inches (300 mm) or 
less (four inches (101.6 mm) or less if diesel powered engine) from the 
components listed in this subsection.       ILLINOIS REGISTER             15147  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED REPEALER  
 
  
c) The tail pipe may meet the chassis manufacturer's standard configuration.  
However, the tail pipe shall not exit ben eath any fuel filler location or beneath any 
emergency exit door.  
 
d) The tail pipe shall extend out to, but not more than, 1 inch (25.4 mm) beyond the 
perimeter of the body or the bumper.  
 
e) The shielding of engine compartment components shall be gover ned by the 
chassis manufacturer's standards.  
 
f) Each gas conducting component that is not of stainless steel shall be of 
commercial heat and corrosion resistant exhaust system material and shall be 
nonflexible.  
 
Section 442.440  Frame   
 
After the date o f manufacture of the incomplete vehicle, the chassis frame shall not be altered so 
as to extend the wheelbase.  Other extension(s) of the chassis frame may be accomplished only 
by the incomplete vehicle, intermediate, or final -stage manufacturer or by an a gent of the 
manufacturer properly instructed and authorized by the manufacturer to make the extension(s).  
 
Section 442.445  Fuel Tank   
 
a) See the FMVSS for requirements (49 CFR 571.301).  
 
b) The fuel tank shall have a minimum capacity of 24 gallons.  
 
Section 442.450  Heater Connections   
 
Each heater installation shall include two shut off valves as close to the engine inlet and outlet 
connections as practicable.  
 
Section 442.455  Horn  
 
The bus shall be equipped with at least one horn capable of emitting sound audible under normal 
conditions from a distance of not less than 200 feet.  (Section 12 -601 of the Code)  The horn 
shall be conveniently controlled from the operator’s position and tested in accordance with SAE 
Standard  J377.       ILLINOIS REGISTER             15148  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED REPEALER  
 
  
Section 442.460  Ignition Lock   
 
A key type lock or other device shall be provided to prevent the vehicle from being set in motion 
or its engine started by unauthorized persons.  
 
Section 442.465  Instruments   
 
The bus shall be equipped with the following non glare illuminated instruments and gauges 
mounted for easy maintenance and repair and in such a manner that each is clearly visible to the 
seated operator.  An indicator light in lieu of a pressure or temperature gauge is permissible.  
 
a) Speedometer  
 
b) Odometer  
 
c) Fuel Gauge  
 
d) Oil Pressure Gauge  
 
e) Water Temperature Gauge  
 
f) Ampere Meter or Volt Meter with graduated charge and discharge indications  
 
Section 442.470  Oil Filter   
 
An oil filter of replaceable element type or cartridge type or disposable type shall be provided.  
The oil filter shall have an oil capacity of at least one quart.  
 
Section 442.475  Shock Absorbers   
 
Two front and two rear heavy -duty double -acting shock a bsorbers or equivalent damping devices 
shall be provided.  
 
Section 442.480  Springs  and Suspension   
 
Each spring and other component in any of the suspension systems shall be capable of 
supporting its share of the rated gross axle weight during normal ope rations.  
      ILLINOIS REGISTER             15149  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED REPEALER  
 
 Section 442.485  Steering  Mechanism   
 
a) The steering gear shall provide safe and accurate performance at maximum load 
and speed and shall be easily adjusted.  Only changes approved by the chassis 
manufacturer shall be permitted.  
 
b) Power steering is the purchaser's option.  
 
Section 442.490  Tires and Wheels   
 
a) See the FMVSS for requirements (49 CFR 571.120).  
 
b) Wheels and rims may be black, gray or manufacturer's colors.  
 
c) A spare tire is the purchaser's option.  If the spare  tire is carried inside it shall be 
securely mounted so that it in no way interferes with the passenger seating 
accommodations, the emergency door operations or aisle space.  
 
Section 442.495  Transmissions   
 
a) A manual shift transmission shall be fully s ynchronized in all forward gears.  It 
shall provide for at least three forward and one reverse speeds.  
 
b) An automatic transmission is the purchaser's option.  
 
SUBPART D:  ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS REQUIREMENTS  
 
Section 442.605  Battery  and Battery Compartment  
 
a) The storage battery shall be a nominal 12 -volt type.  It shall be of sufficient 
capacity to supply all electrical requirements but shall be rated, as specified in 
SAE Standard J537, not less than either 70 -ampere hours at the 20 -hour discharge 
rate or  105-minutes at the 25 -ampere discharge rate.  
 
b) When the battery is mounted outside the engine compartment, it shall be attached 
securely in a closed, weather -tight, and vented compartment that is located and 
arranged so as to provide for convenient rou tine servicing.  The battery 
compartment door, or cover, shall be secured by an adequate manually -operated 
latch or fastener.  Each electrical cable connecting the battery in this compartment      ILLINOIS REGISTER             15150  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED REPEALER  
 
 to the body or chassis shall be one piece between the battery te rminal connector 
and the first body or chassis terminal connector.  
 
Section 442.610  Generator or Alternator   
 
The generator or alternator with rectifier shall have a maximum output of at least 55 -amperes (in 
accordance with SAE rating) and shall be ventil ated and voltage controlled and, if necessary, 
current controlled and shall be capable of supplying all electrical requirements.  The purchaser 
should specify a larger generator or alternator if needed under his/her operating conditions.  
 
Section 442.615  Lamps, Reflectors, and Signals   
 
a) See the FMVSS for requirements (49 CFR 571.108).  Light Emitting Diode 
(LED) lamps that meet applicable FMVSS or SAE Standards or SAE 
Recommended Practices are acceptable.  
 
b) Alternately Flashing Signal Lamps.  Each bu s shall be equipped with an eight 
lamp alternately flashing signal system that conforms to S5.1.4(b) of the FMVSS 
108 (49 CFR 571.108) and Section 12 -805 of the Code.  A separate circuit 
breaker and a master switch shall be provided for this signal system.   When in its 
"off" position, this master switch shall prevent operation of the eight lamp system; 
shall prevent operation of any lamps mounted on the stop signal arm panel 
required under subsection (hh); and shall prevent operation of any electrically 
controlled mechanism that would cause the stop signal arm panel to extend.  The 
controls for the eight lamp flashing signals, the stop signal arm panel, and the 
service entrance door shall be arranged so as to provide for the following 
sequence of operations while the engine is running:  
 
1) Place the alternately flashing signal system master switch in its "off" 
position.  Close and secure the service entrance door.  Actuate the 
alternately flashing signal system hand or foot control. The alternately 
flashing signal lamps of either yellow (amb er) or red color shall not go on.  
 
2) With the master switch "off" and the hand or foot control actuated, open 
the service door.  The alternately flashing signals of either color shall not 
go on and the stop signal arm panel shall not extend.  
 
3) Deactiv ate the hand or foot control.  Place the alternately flashing signal 
system master switch in its "on" position.  Close and secure the service      ILLINOIS REGISTER             15151  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED REPEALER  
 
 door.  Then open the service door.  The alternately flashing signal lamps 
of either color shall not go on and the stop signal arm panel shall not 
extend.  
 
4) Close and secure the service door.  Actuate the alternately flashing signal 
system by hand or foot control.  A yellow pilot lamp in the view of the 
driver and the yellow alternately flashing signals shall go on.   
 
5) Desecure but do not open the service door.  The yellow pilot and the 
yellow alternately flashing signals shall go off.  A red pilot lamp in the 
view of the driver and the red alternately flashing signals shall go on.  The 
stop signal arm panel shall extend.  
 
6) Fully open the service door.  The red pilot and red signals shall remain on 
and the stop arm shall remain extended.  
 
7) Close but do not secure the service door.  The red pilot and red signals 
shall remain on and the stop arm shall remain ext ended.  
 
8) Open the service door.  The red pilot and red signals shall remain on and 
the stop arm shall remain extended.  
 
9) Close and secure the service door.  The red pilot and red signals shall go 
off and the stop arm shall retract.  
 
10) Open the ser vice door.  Alternately flashing signals of either color shall 
not go on and the stop arm shall not extend.  
 
c) Interior Lighting.  A minimum of two interior dome lamps shall be installed to 
adequately illuminate the entire aisle, the emergency passageway , and the 
stepwell.  At least the nosings of the service entrance steps and the floor around 
the stepwell shall be illuminated automatically by opening of the service door.  
No lamp shall be installed at or near the eye level of a pupil moving through the 
service entranceway to the aisle unless such lamp does not shine directly into the 
eyes of any such pupil.  For buses designed to transport 33 or more passengers, at 
least two interior illumination lamps shall be installed.  
 
d) Rear Turn Signals.  Yellow turn signal lamps shall be mounted on the rear as far 
apart as practical and as high as practical but below the rear window.  The      ILLINOIS REGISTER             15152  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED REPEALER  
 
 effective projected illuminated area of these turn signal lamps shall be no less 
than required for the yellow alternately flashing signal lamps required under 
subsection (b) of this Section; i.e., .0122 m2 (19 in2).  
 
e) Side Turn Signals.  Two yellow side turn signal lamps conforming to SAE J914 
shall be installed on each bus designed to transport 33 o r more passengers.  The 
lamps shall be "armored" and mounted on the body between the rub rails required 
in Section 442.260.  The right lamp shall be within 1 m (39.4") of the rear of the 
service entrance. The left lamp shall be approximately the same dista nce from the 
front bumper as the right lamp.  
 
f) Stop Signals.  Red stop lamps shall be mounted on the rear as far apart as 
practical but closer to the vertical centerline of the bus than the rear turn signal 
lamps required in subsection (d) of this Secti on, and at the same height as those 
turn signal lamps.  The effective projected illuminated area of these stop lamps 
shall be no less than required for the red alternately flashing signal lamps required 
under subsection (b) of this Section, i.e., .0122 m2 (19 in2).  
 
g) Strobe:  
 
1) One per bus;   
 
2) Shall emit white or bluish -white light;   
 
3) Shall be visible from any direction;   
 
4) Shall flash 60 to 120 times per minute;   
 
5) Shall be visible in normal sunlight;   
 
6) Mounted at or behind center of rooft op and equal distance from each side.  
Distance from rear will be calculated by measuring height of filament and 
multiplying same by 30 inches  (i.e., filament height measured from the 
base of the strobe x 30 = distance from rear of bus where lamp is to be 
located). (Section 12 -815 of the Code)  
 
7) If a roof exit, air conditioner, or the size of the bus interferes with the 
placement of a strobe as required by subsection (g)(6), the strobe can be 
placed to the rear of the roof exit or air conditioner as near  as practicable      ILLINOIS REGISTER             15153  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED REPEALER  
 
 above the rear axle and horizontally centered between the rear tires.  
 
h) Reflectors.  
 
1) Front:  
 
A) Two yellow rigid or sheet type (tape) front reflex reflectors shall be 
attached securely and as far forward as practicable.  (Section 12 -
202 of the Code)  
 
B) The front reflectors shall be located between 15 and 60 inches 
above the roadway at either fender, cowl, or body and installed so 
as to mark the outer edge of the maximum width of the bus.  
 
C) No part of the required ref lecting material may be obscured by a 
lamp, mirror, bracket, or any other portion of the bus.  No part of 
the required reflecting material may be more than 11.8 inches (300 
mm) inboard of the outer edge of the nearest rub rail (12 inches on 
a bus with chas sis manufactured in March 1977 or earlier).  
 
D) The reflector may be any shape (e.g., square, rectangle, circle, 
oval, etc.).  A rigid type reflex reflector may be any size if 
permanently marked either DOT, SAE A, or SAE J 594; otherwise, 
it shall display  at least seven square inches of reflecting material 
(about 3 inch diameter if a solid circle).  
 
E) A sheet type (tape) reflex reflector may conform to the surface on 
which it is installed but its forward projected reflecting area shall 
be at least eight square inches.  
 
F) Exception:  Buses that measure less than 80 inches wide are 
exempt. (49 CFR 571.108)  
 
2) Left Side:  
 One amber no more than 12 inches from the front and one red no more 
than 12 inches from the rear.  Mounted at a height not less than 15 inches 
and not more than 60 inches above the surface of the road.   (Section 12 -
202 of the Code)  On buses 20 feet or more in length, one amber as near 
center as practicable must also be provided.  Reflectors must measure a      ILLINOIS REGISTER             15154  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED REPEALER  
 
 minimum three inches in diamet er.  
 
3) Right Side:  
 One amber no more than 12 inches from the front and one red no more 
than 12 inches from the rear.  Mounted at a height not less than 15 inches 
and not more than 60 inches above the surface of the road.   (Section 12 -
202 of the Code)  On buses 20 feet or more in length, one amber as near 
center as practicable must also be provided.  Reflectors must measure a 
minimum three inches in diameter.  
 
4) Rear:  
 
A) Two red reflectors on rear body within 12 inches of lower right 
and lower left c orners.   (Section 12 -202 of the Code)  Minimum 
three inches in diameter.  
 
B) Exception: Buses that measure less than 80 inches wide are 
exempt.  (49 CFR 571.108)  
 
AGENCY NOTE:  See Section 442.258 for retroreflective tape requirements.  
 
Section 442.620  Wiring   
 
a) See the FMVSS for requirements (49 CFR 571).  
 
b) All wiring for lamps and other electrical devices shall be as recommended for 
automobiles, motor coaches, and heavy duty starting motor circuits in SAE 
Recommended Practices J1292 and J541a and  in other practices or standards 
referenced in the SAE Recommended Practices, unless specifically preempted by 
the FMVSS or this Part.  
 
c) Manufacturer's circuit arrangements are acceptable; however, a separate circuit 
for the alternately flashing signal lamps and stop signal arm lamps shall be 
installed.  
 
d) Extra fuses for each size of fuse used on the bus may be conveniently mounted on 
the bus body if specified by the purchaser.  
      ILLINOIS REGISTER             15155  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED REPEALER  
 
 e) A noise suppression switch that is capable of turning off noise produ cing 
accessories, including, but not limited to, heater blowers, defroster fans, auxiliary 
fans and radios, must be present.  (See Section 12 -815.2 of the Code.)  
 
SUBPART E:  EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS  
 
Section 442.705  Fire Extinguisher (Purchaser's Option)   
 
a) The bus shall be equipped with a dry -chemical gauge -type fire extinguisher, 
mounted in a bracket of automotive type and located in the driver's compartment 
in full view of and readily accessible to the driver.  
 
b) The fire extinguisher shall be of a t ype approved by the Underwriter's 
Laboratories, Inc., with a rating of not less than 10 -BC.  The operating 
mechanism shall be sealed with a type of seal that will not interfere with the use 
of the fire extinguisher.  Halon fire extinguishers rated at 10 -BC are approved.  
 
 Agency Note:  At least one fire extinguisher MUST be carried in each school bus 
transporting pupils but the purchaser may elect to install his own extinguisher which 
conforms to this Section after the bus is purchased.  
 
Section 442.710  First -Aid Kit  (Purchaser's Option)   
 
a) The bus shall either carry or provide for a first -aid kit, removable and readily 
identifiable and mounted in full view in an accessible place in the driver's 
compartment.  
 
b) Contents of Kit:  The kit shall not con tain a tourniquet or any type of medicine.  
The kit shall contain at least the items specified below, in at least the specified 
quantities:  
 
1) Unit Type – Minimum Contents  
 
A) 4" bandage compress  ................................ ............   * 2 packages  
B) 2" bandage compress  ................................ ............   * 2 packages  
C) 1" adhesive compress  ................................ ...........   1 package  
D) 40" triangular bandage with two safety pins  ........   1 package  
 Wire or wood splint  ................................ ..............   1 package  
 * May be longer or wider        ILLINOIS REGISTER             15156  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED REPEALER  
 
  
AGENCY NOTE:  A first -aid kit must be carried in each school bus transporting pupils 
but the purchaser may elect to install his own first -aid kit which conforms to this Section.  
 
Section 442.715  Warning Devices (Optional)  
 
AGENCY NOTE:  School buses weig hing more than 8,000 pounds and operated upon any 
highway outside an urban district must carry warning devices, but the bus purchaser may elect to 
install the warning devices after the bus is purchased.  
 
a) The warning devices must be securely stored.  The  warning devices required for 
use when lighted lamps are required (see Section 12 -201(b) of the Code) shall 
consist of:  
 
1) At least three liquid -burning flares and three red -burning 15 -minute 
fusees ; or  
 
2) Three red electric lanterns; or  
 
3) Three porta ble red emergency reflectors that meet FMVSS 125.  
 
b) In addition, the following warning devices are also required for use when lighted 
lamps are not required (see Section 12 -201(b) of the Code):  
 
1) Two red cloth flags (not less than 12 inches square with  standards to 
support flags); or  
 
2) Two portable emergency reflectors that meet FMVSS 125.  (The reflectors 
in subsection (a)(3) of this Section qualify for this option.)  (See Section 
12-702(a) and (c) of the Code.)  
       ILLINOIS REGISTER             15157  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED REPEALER  
 
  
Section 442.APPENDIX A   Hexagon Shaped Stop Signal Arm  (Repealed)   
 
Section 442.APPENDIX B   Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and Related 
Rules  (Repealed)   
 
Section 442.APPENDIX C   Specification Sheet for Reflective Material -- Encapsulated 
Lens (Based on FHWA Notice N 504 0.17, June 15, 1976) (Repealed)   
 
Section 442.APPENDIX D   Sheeting and Tape, Reflective:  Nonexposed Lens  (Repealed)        ILLINOIS REGISTER             15158  
 18 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
 
NOTICE OF PROPOSED REPEALER  
 
 Section 442.APPENDIX E  Octagon Shaped Stop Signal Arm