Wisconsin Administrative Code › Department of Transportation › Chapter Trans 301 - Human Services Vehicles (HSV) › Subchapter I - Operation › Section Trans 301.05 - Driver requirements

Current through June 24, 2024
(1) The driver may not smoke or permit
				smoking aboard the HSV. The driver may not operate an HSV while under the
				influence of alcohol or controlled substance or permit the use of alcohol or
				controlled substance on the vehicle.
(2) The driver shall maintain order among
				passengers being transported. Misconduct shall be promptly reported to the
				proper authority. The driver may assign seating order.
(3) Prior to the start of any trip the driver
				shall check the condition of the HSV, giving particular attention to brakes,
				tires, lights, emergency equipment, mirrors, windows, special equipment, and
				interior cleanliness of the vehicle. Defects shall be reported to the person in
				charge of vehicle maintenance. The driver shall be responsible for the
				cleanliness of the interior of the vehicle. The windshield and mirrors shall be
				clean before each operation.
(4) In
				case of an accident or a breakdown the driver should remain with the vehicle
				and secure aid by means of 2-way communication.
(5) Passenger loading and unloading locations
				or points shall be selected with due regard for traffic and pedestrian safety
				and s. 346.475, Stats.
(6) Doors shall be closed securely before
				starting and shall remain closed while vehicle is in motion, except as provided
				in sub. (12). Abrupt starts and stops or sudden maneuvers are prohibited,
				except in an emergency.
(7) A
				driver may not leave the vehicle unattended with engine running or key in the
				ignition.
(8) Articles may not be
				transported within vehicle body if there is or may be interference with
				passengers or driver, or if aisle, well or steps are obstructed. Articles other
				than those associated with agency activity or in the personal possession of
				passengers may not be transported. At no time will animals, except for dogs
				permitted by s. 106.52(3) (am),
				Stats., for persons with vision or hearing impairments or other animals
				assisting a person with a disability, or firearms or other weapons unless
				accompanied by written authorization from the agency administrator be permitted
				on an HSV. The driver shall refuse admittance to any person not presenting
				proper authorization. The driver may designate where items shall be carried on
				the vehicle.
(9) Minors being
				transported in an HSV are prohibited from crossing the road either to be loaded
				or discharged. The driver shall position the vehicle in such a manner that a
				minor need not cross the road to be loaded or discharged from the
				vehicle.
(10) Drivers,
				transportation supervisors and vehicle owners shall cooperate at all times with
				authorized department personnel in carrying out the inspection of equipment, or
				examination of driver pursuant to law, or to department rules.
(11) No driver may require or allow any
				passenger to stand while the vehicle is in motion. The driver may not move or
				start the HSV until all passengers are seated. The driver may not permit a
				passenger to get up from a seated position until the HSV has come to a complete
				stop. The driver may not permit any passengers to sit anywhere except in seats
				provided. This subsection does not apply to chaperones or monitors in the
				performance of their duties or to a passenger with a medical condition that
				prevents sitting as certified by a medical practitioner.
(12) The driver of any vehicle required to
				stop at a railroad crossing by s.
				346.45, Stats., shall come to a
				full stop at a distance of not less than 15 feet nor more than 50 feet before
				crossing at grade any track of a railroad. The hazard warning lights shall be
				used when the HSV is slowing for the stop and shall remain on until the vehicle
				has resumed normal speed. While the vehicle is so stopped, the driver shall
				open the service door and listen and look in both directions along such track
				for any approaching train and for signals indicating the approach of a train.
				After stopping and upon proceeding when it is safe to do so, the driver of such
				vehicle shall cross only in such gear of the vehicle as shall make it
				unnecessary to manually shift gears while traversing the crossing and may not
				shift gears while traversing the crossing. The door shall remain open until the
				front wheels of the HSV have cleared the first set of tracks for each required
				stop.
(13) Passengers shall comply
				with all orders given by drivers in carrying out the driver's responsibilities
				under the Wisconsin administrative code.
(14) The use of audio headsets by drivers is
				prohibited.