a) INSTRUMENTS AND INSTRUMENT PANEL

PROCEDURES/SPECIFICATIONS:

Shall be equipped with 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. An indicator light instead of a pressure or temperature gauge is permissible. (49 CFR 571.101)

1)

Speedometer;

2)

Odometer;

3)

Fuel Gauge;

4)

Oil Pressure Gauge;

5)

Water Temperature Gauge;

6)

Ammeter (voltmeter) with graduated charge and discharge indications;

7)

High beam headlight indicator;

8)

Directional signal indicator;

9)

Air pressure or vacuum gauge (when air or vacuum brakes are used);

10)

Eight light flasher indicator;

11)

Emergency/Service Brake Indicator.

REJECT VEHICLE IF:

Instrument and/or instrument panel does not operate properly; instruments are missing; inaccurate readings.

b) INSULATION

PROCEDURES/SPECIFICATIONS:

The ceiling and sidewalls shall be thermally insulated with a fire-resistant material which shall reduce the noise level and vibrations.

REJECT VEHICLE IF:

Insulation does not meet requirements.

c) LETTERING

1) Exterior

PROCEDURES/SPECIFICATIONS:

The body and chassis manufacturer's name, emblem, or other identification may be displayed (colorless or any color) on any unglazed surface of the bus.

AGENCY NOTE:  School buses with interstate authority may display the company's name, city and state of its base and the interstate "MC" number. This lettering must be black in color.

REJECT VEHICLE IF:

Exterior lettering does not meet requirements. Lettering or decals are not distinct, required or allowed. Lettering is obstructed.

A) Front

PROCEDURES/SPECIFICATIONS:

"SCHOOL BUS" in black at least eight inches (200 mm) high placed as high as possible on body or sign attached thereto. Vehicle number assigned for identification shall be a minimum of four inches (100 mm) high and located as high as practicable. Decals are permissible. All lettering must be black. (Section 12-802 of the Illinois Vehicle Equipment Law)

Exception:  All buses purchased prior to September 1974, may have roof mounted "SCHOOL BUS" sign with flashing red lights.

REJECT VEHICLE IF:

Lettering does not meet requirements. Lettering is not distinct, required or allowed. Lettering is obstructed.

B) Left

PROCEDURES/SPECIFICATIONS:

Either the owner's name or the school district number or both must be at least four inches high, approximately centered and as high as practicable below window line. (Section 12-802 of the Illinois Vehicle Equipment Law). The above required lettering must be located on one line.

If bus is equipped with a side emergency door, it must be labeled "EMERGENCY EXIT" in letters at least two inches high at the top of the emergency door, or directly above, or on the door glazing.

Optional:  Vehicle number assigned for identification may be displayed at a minimum height of four inches (100 mm).

Decals are permissible. All lettering must be black.

For buses manufactured on or after May 2, 1994, "EMERGENCY DOOR" in letters at least 1.95 inches (5 cm) high must be located at the top of, or directly above, any emergency exit door. For any emergency window exit, "EMERGENCY EXIT" must be located at the top of, or directly above, or at the bottom of the emergency window exit in letters at least 1.95 inches (5 cm) high. The labeling must be of a color that contrasts with its background. (49 CFR 571.217)

REJECT VEHICLE IF:

Lettering does not meet requirements. Lettering is not distinct, required, or allowed. Lettering is obstructed.

C) Rear

PROCEDURES/SPECIFICATIONS:

"SCHOOL BUS" in black lettering at least eight inches (200 mm) high placed as high as possible on body or sign attached thereto. (Section 12-802 of the Illinois Vehicle Equipment Law) "EMERGENCY DOOR" or "EMERGENCY EXIT" in lettering at least two inches high at top of emergency door, or directly above, or on door glazing.

"EMERGENCY EXIT" (for buses without rear emergency door) in letters at least two inches high directly below rear emergency window, or on exit glazing. An arrow, at least 5.9 inches in length and ¾ inch in width indicating direction each release mechanism should be turned to open door or window located within 5.9 inches of release handle, in black. Vehicle number assigned for identification shall be a minimum 4 inches (100 mm) high. Decals are permissible. All lettering must be black.

If bus uses alternate fuel (e.g., propane, CNG), vehicle must be marked with 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; or

"CNG" = If propelled by compressed natural gas. The sign or decal shall be maintained in good legible condition.

The alternate fuel decal shall be displayed near the rear bumper and visible from the rear of vehicle. (See Section 440.Appendix F(a)(8) and Section 443.Illustration D) (Section 12-704.3 of the Illinois Vehicle Equipment Law)

Exception:  In case of "push" or "pull" type of release mechanism where the direction of movement to open emergency exit cannot be shown by one arrow, either three or four straight arrows shall be placed equally spaced as practicable around the object to be pushed or pulled, with the head of each arrow adjacent to and pointing directly at that object. Each arrow shall be the same color and, when practicable, the same size as though it were a single arrow. In addition, the pertinent word "PUSH" or "PULL" shall be displayed near that object.

AGENCY NOTE:

If adequate space is not available in required positions for emergency door lettering, lettering may be immediately below window level.

For buses manufactured on or after May 2, 1994, "EMERGENCY DOOR" in letters at least 1.95 inches (5 cm) high must be located at the top of, or directly above, any emergency exit door. For any emergency window exit, "EMERGENCY EXIT" must be located at the top of, or directly above, or at the bottom of the emergency window exit in letters at least 1.95 inches (5 cm) high. The labeling must be of a color that contrasts with its background. (49 CFR 571.217)

REJECT VEHICLE IF:

Lettering does not meet requirements. Lettering or arrows are not distinct, required, or allowed. Lettering is obstructed.

Buses using alternate fuels are not properly marked with decal. Decal is in wrong location.

D) Right

PROCEDURES/SPECIFICATIONS:

Either the owner's name or the school district number or both must be at least four inches high, approximately centered and as high as practicable below the window line. (Section 12-802 of the Illinois Vehicle Equipment Law) The above required lettering must be located on one line.

The following lettering must be at least two inches high:

i)

The word "CAPACITY," or the abbreviation "CAP.," and the rated passenger capacity followed by the word "PASSENGERS," or the abbreviation "PASS.," shall be displayed on the outside of the body near the rear edge of the service entrance.

ii)

Empty weight in pounds shall be shown on bus. (Section 12-802 of the Illinois Vehicle Equipment Law)

Manufacturer's identification name, emblem, or number(s) may be displayed but not on service door glazing. Manufacturer's name, emblem, etc. must not interfere with required lettering. Decals are permissible. All lettering must be black.

For buses manufactured on or after May 2, 1994, "EMERGENCY DOOR" in letters at least 1.95 inches (5 cm) high must be located at the top of, or directly above, any emergency exit door. For any emergency window exit "EMERGENCY EXIT" must be located at the top of, or directly above, or at the bottom of the emergency window exit in letters at least 1.95 inches (5 cm) high. The labeling must be of a color that contrasts with its background. (49 CFR 571.217)

REJECT VEHICLE IF:

Lettering does not meet requirements. Lettering or decals are not distinct, required, or allowed. Lettering is obstructed.

2) Interior

A) Front

PROCEDURES/SPECIFICATIONS:

Each letter or numeral must be at least two inches (50 mm) high and contrasting sharply with its background. A colorless background strip (such as white, aluminum or silver) may be used. Decals are permitted.

On right side:  Either "CAPACITY" or "CAP." plus numerals showing rated passenger capacity, followed by either "PASSENGER" or "PASS."

As nearly as practicable opposite the center of aisle, but to right of inside mirror, either "NO STANDEES" or "NO STANDEES PERMITTED."

The vehicle's length (rounded up to the nearest whole foot) shall be displayed on the bulkhead clearly within the driver's view. (For example:  vehicle length of  39.1 feet will be displayed as 40 feet.)

A red cross formed of five equal squares with 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.

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.

Exception:  On a bus with chassis (incomplete vehicle) manufactured in March 1977 or earlier, "NO STANDEES" need not be opposite center of aisle and the word "PASSENGERS," or "PASS.," is optional.

REJECT VEHICLE IF:

Lettering does not meet requirements. Lettering is not black, distinct, required or allowed.

After January 1, 1999, vehicle length is not displayed properly or is absent.

B) Left

PROCEDURES/SPECIFICATIONS:

A "Stop Line" in contrasting color is required between 5.9 and 6.1 inches below the top of the window opening. The line shall be located between each window that slides downward.

If bus is equipped with a side emergency door it is to be labeled "EMERGENCY EXIT" in letters at least two inches high directly above the door.

If bus is equipped with side emergency windows, they are to be labeled "EMERGENCY EXIT" in letters at least two inches high directly below the window.

An arrow indicating the direction in which to move release mechanism handle(s) to open emergency exit and operating instructions shall be painted or permanently affixed within six inches of each release handle.

For buses manufactured on or after May 2, 1994, "EMERGENCY DOOR" in letters at least 1.95 inches (5 cm) high must be located at the top of, or directly above, any emergency exit door. For any emergency window exit, "EMERGENCY EXIT" must be located at the top of, or directly above, or at the bottom of the emergency window exit in letters at least 1.95 inches (5 cm) high. The labeling must be of a color that contrasts with its background. Concise operating instructions describing the motions necessary to unlatch and open the door must be located within 5.85 inches (15 cm) of the release mechanism on the inside surface of the bus. These operating instructions shall be in letters at least .39 inches (1 cm) high and of a color that contrasts with its background. (49 CFR 571.217)

REJECT VEHICLE IF:

Lettering does not meet requirements. Line or line and lettering is not distinct, required, or allowed.

C) Rear

PROCEDURES/SPECIFICATIONS:

"EMERGENCY DOOR" in letters at least two inches high directly over emergency door exit. "Emergency door operating instructions" applied to door. Arrow or arrows required unless "push or pull" type of release mechanism is used.

In the case of a "push" or "pull" type of release mechanism where the direction of movement to open the emergency exit cannot be shown by one arrow, either three or four straight arrows shall be placed as equally spaced as practicable around the object to be pushed or pulled, with the head of each arrow adjacent to and pointing directly at that object. Each arrow shall be the same color and, when practicable, the same size as though it were a single arrow. In addition, the pertinent word "PUSH" or "PULL" shall be displayed near that object.

For buses manufactured on or after May 2, 1994, "EMERGENCY DOOR" in letters at least 1.95 inches (5 cm) high must be located at the top of, or directly above, any emergency exit door. For any emergency window exit, "EMERGENCY EXIT" must be located at the top of, or directly above, or at the bottom of the emergency window exit in letters at least 1.95 inches (5 cm) high. The labeling must be of a color that contrasts with its background. Concise operating instructions describing the motions necessary to unlatch and open the door must be located within 5.85 inches (15 cm) of the release mechanism on the inside surface of the bus. These operating instructions shall be in letters at least .39 inches (1 cm) high and of a color that contrasts with its background. (49 CFR 571.217)

REJECT VEHICLE IF:

Lettering does not meet requirements. Lettering is not distinct, required, or allowed.

D) Right

PROCEDURES/SPECIFICATIONS:

A "Stop Line" in contrasting color is required between 5.9 and 6.1 inches below the top of the window opening. The line shall be located between each window that slides downward. Decals are permitted.

"EMERGENCY EXIT" shall be on or immediately below emergency window (if installed).

Instructions for emergency operation of a power operated door shall be affixed permanently on the inside of the door in letters at least .5 inch high. Decals are permitted.

Optional route identification markers (numbers or symbols) are allowed. They must be located in the first window directly behind the service entrance door. If route identification markers are installed in permanent holder or bracket, the holder or bracket must have rounded edges or be padded.

For buses manufactured on or after May 2, 1994, "EMERGENCY DOOR" in letters at least 1.95 inches (5 cm) high must be located at the top of, or directly above, any side emergency door. For any emergency window exit "EMERGENCY EXIT" in letters at least 1.95 inches (5 cm) high must be located at the top of, or directly above, or at the bottom of the emergency window exit. The labeling must be of a color that contrasts with its background. Concise operating instructions describing the motions necessary to unlatch and open the exit must be located within 5.85 inches (15 cm) of the release mechanism on the inside surface of the bus. These instructions shall be in letters at least .39 inches (1 cm) high and of a color that contrasts with its background. (49 CFR 571.217)

REJECT VEHICLE IF:

Lettering does not meet requirements. Line or line and lettering is not distinct, required, or allowed. Lettering is obstructed.

E) Ceiling

PROCEDURES/SPECIFICATIONS:

For buses manufactured on or after May 2, 1994, any roof exit must be labeled "EMERGENCY EXIT" in letters at least 1.95 inches (5 cm) high, of a color that contrasts with its background. The labeling must be located on an inside surface of the exit, or within 11.7 inches (30 cm) of the roof exit opening. Concise operating instructions describing the motions necessary to unlatch and open the emergency exit shall be located within 5.85 inches (15 cm) of the release mechanism. These instructions shall be in letters at least .39 inches (1 cm) high and of a color that contrasts with its background. (49 CFR 571.217)

REJECT VEHICLE IF:

Lettering does not meet requirements.

d) LIGHTS

1) Back Up

PROCEDURES/SPECIFICATIONS:

Two white lights shall be provided. Must meet federal standards. (49 CFR 571.108)

Exception:  All buses purchased prior to September 1974 are exempt; however, for any unit equipped with back up lamps, they must be operational.

REJECT VEHICLE IF:

Back up lights do not function; illegal color; broken lens.

2) Clearance, Front

PROCEDURES/SPECIFICATIONS:

Two clearance lights (amber) at highest and widest portions of the body. Must conform to federal standards. (49 CFR 571.108) May be combined with side marker lamp

Exception:  Buses less than 80 inches wide or 25 feet long are exempt. (Section 12-202(a) of the Illinois Vehicle Equipment Law)

REJECT VEHICLE IF:

Front clearance lights do not function; improper color; broken lens.

3) Clearance, Rear

PROCEDURES/SPECIFICATIONS:

Two clearance lights (red) mounted at highest and widest parts of body. Must conform to federal standards. (49 CFR 571.108)

Exception:  Buses less than 80 inches wide are exempt. (49 CFR 571.108)

REJECT VEHICLE IF:

Rear clearance lights do not function; improper color; broken lens.

4) Identification, Front

PROCEDURES/SPECIFICATIONS:

Three amber lights mounted at center front near top of body above "SCHOOL BUS" sign. Must conform to federal standards. (49 CFR 571.108)

Exception:  Buses less than 80 inches wide are exempt. (49 CFR 571.108)

REJECT VEHICLE IF:

Front cluster lights do not function properly; improper color; broken lens.

5) Identification, Rear

PROCEDURES/SPECIFICATIONS:

Three red lights mounted at center rear near top of body either above or below "SCHOOL BUS" sign. Must conform to federal standards. (49 CFR 571.108)

Exception:  Buses less than 80 inches wide or 25 feet long are exempt. (Section 12-202(a) of the Illinois Vehicle Equipment Law)

REJECT VEHICLE IF:

Rear cluster lights do not function properly; improper color; broken lens.

6) Flashing Lights

PROCEDURES/SPECIFICATIONS:

All school buses shall be equipped with an eight light flashing signal system with two red and two amber flashing signal lamps mounted above windshield spaced no less than three feet apart and at same horizontal level. The rear of the vehicle shall be equipped with two red and two amber flashing signal lamps mounted and spaced no less than three feet apart and at same horizontal level. Minimum diameter 5½ inches sealed beam. (Section 12-805 of the Illinois Vehicle Equipment Law)