Wisconsin Administrative Code › Department of Transportation › Chapter Trans 300 - Transportation Of School Children › Subchapter I - Purchasing and Operating Requirements › Section Trans 300.16 - Driver requirements

Current through June 24, 2024
(1) Prior to the start of any trip, the
				driver, or employer designee, shall check the condition of the bus, giving
				particular attention to brakes, tires, lights, emergency equipment, mirrors,
				windows, and interior cleanliness of the bus. Defects shall be reported in
				writing, or electronic file, to the person in charge of bus maintenance by
				completing a pre-trip report. In addition to completing a pre-trip report when
				a defect or unsafe condition is found, an inspection log indicating the date,
				time, and identification of who completed the inspection must be completed
				prior to the start of any trip. It is the driver's responsibility to ensure
				that the pre-trip inspection has been completed prior to the start of any trip.
				The driver shall be responsible for the cleanliness of the interior of the bus
				and shall ensure that the windshield and mirrors are clean before each school
				bus operation and that the strobe light is actuated whenever the bus is in
				operation on a highway for purposes specified in s.
				340.01(56) (a) and
				(am), Stats.
(2) Articles may not be transported within
				the bus body if there is or may be interference with the safe transportation of
				pupils or with the driver or if the articles obstruct the aisle, stepwell, or
				steps. No animal, firearm, or other weapon of any sort, or articles not
				associated with school activity shall be permitted on a bus without the
				express, written authorization of the appropriate school administrator. The bus
				driver shall refuse admittance to any student not presenting the required
				written authorization. The driver shall designate where all such articles shall
				be carried in the bus. The provisions of this subsection do not apply to
				animals specially trained to aid individuals with disabilities which may be
				permitted in accord with s.
				106.52(3) (am),
				Stats.
(3) The driver may not smoke
				or permit smoking aboard the school bus.
(4) A driver may not operate a school bus
				while under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance or a combination
				of alcohol and a controlled substance or permit the use of alcohol or a
				controlled substance on any school bus. The driver may not operate a school bus
				if the driver is under any medication, or combination of medication and
				alcohol, which may affect the safe operation of the bus.
(5) Drivers operating a school bus that meets
				the definition of a commercial motor vehicle shall comply with ss.
				346.63(5) and
				346.63(7) (a),
				Stats.
(6) Drivers operating a
				school bus not meeting the definition of a commercial motor vehicle shall
				comply with the following:
(a) A driver may
				not consume an intoxicating beverage regardless of its alcoholic content within
				4 hours before going on duty, or operating, or having physical control of, a
				school bus.
(b) A driver may not
				consume an intoxicating beverage regardless of its alcoholic content while on
				duty, or operating, or in physical control of, a school bus.
(c) A driver may not have in the driver's
				possession any alcoholic beverage regardless of its alcoholic content while on
				duty or operating a school bus.
(d)
				A driver may not operate a school bus while having any measured alcohol
				concentration above 0.0.