Section 456.60  Violation Criteria for School Buses

 

The following components will be inspected during a nonscheduled inspection.  A violation of one component may only necessitate a warning while other components may require a 3-day notice or cause the vehicle to be declared out-of-service. Certain components have criteria listed in more than one penalty category, depending on the degree of the specific violation.  If any criteria listed below exists, the corresponding penalty will be issued:

 

a)         Air Cleaner:  

 

WARNING – missing; not properly attached.

 

b)         Aisle:

 

1)         OUT-OF-SERVICE – obstructed.

 

2)         WARNING – does not meet minimum dimension requirements (refer to 92 Ill. Adm. Code 441.Appendix A(b)).

 

c)         Alternator:  

 

3-DAY – belts are torn, broken or slipping; does not meet capacity rating or electrical requirements; not functioning.

 

d)         Axles: 

 

1)         OUT-OF-SERVICE – not firmly attached; cracked; broken; wheel seals leaking grease or fluids; insufficient capacity (as determined by 49 CFR 568.4 (October 1, 2004)).

 

2)         WARNING − pinion seal leaking.

 

e)         Barrier:

 

1)         OUT-OF-SERVICE – missing; not solidly attached.

 

2)         WARNING – padding or covering shows wear and tear; does not meet minimum height requirements (refer to 92 Ill. Adm. Code 441.Appendix A(e)).

 

f)          Battery:  

 

WARNING – excessive corrosion; not secured.

 

g)         Battery Cables:  

 

WARNING – broken; corroded; not securely attached.

 

h)         Battery Carrier/Compartment:  

 

WARNING – when battery is mounted outside of engine compartment, it is not properly attached in weather-tight vented compartment; compartment door does not latch.

 

i)          Brakes:

 

1)         OUT-OF-SERVICE – any problem found with service brake system.  SBBIR forms not being completed, maintained or available for inspection.  Any defect in emergency brake system (other than indicator light).

 

2)         WARNING – SBBIR not completed properly.  Emergency brake indicator light not functioning.  (See 92 Ill. Adm. Code 441.Appendix B(d)).

 

j)          Bumper, Front: 

 

1)         OUT-OF-SERVICE – missing; bumper damage that interferes with tire condition or movement; loose; broken; protruding parts.

 

2)         WARNING – does not meet thickness requirements (refer to 92 Ill. Adm. Code 441.Appendix B(e)).

 

k)         Bumper, Rear:  

 

1)         OUT-OF-SERVICE − missing; loose; broken; protruding parts.

 

2)         WARNING – hitchable; does not meet thickness requirements (refer to 92 Ill. Adm. Code 441.Appendix C(a)).

 

l)          Certificate of Safety:

 

OUT-OF-SERVICE – missing; expired; voided; over on mileage; incorrect type of Certificate of Safety.

 

m)        Certification Label, Federal:  

 

WARNING – missing; defaced; destroyed; illegible; not permanently affixed; required information is missing (refer to 92 Ill. Adm. Code 441.Appendix C(c)).

 

n)         Cleanliness:

 

WARNING – excessive rubbish or trash; excessive dirt; spilled fluids; decorations; clutter on dash.

 

o)         Crossing Control Arm:

 

1)         OUT-OF-SERVICE − missing; does not work or function properly; illegal on/off switch.

 

2)         3-DAY − illegal light or reflector color; not minimum length.

 

p)         Defrosters:

 

1)         OUT-OF-SERVICE – does not function properly between October 2 and April 14; blades are not protected.

 

2)         WARNING – does not function properly between April 15 and October 1; auxiliary fans are not securely mounted.

 

q)         Drive Shaft Guard:  

 

WARNING – not solid; not firmly attached; missing.

 

r)          Emergency Exits:

 

1)         OUT-OF-SERVICE – illegal locks (refer to 92 Ill. Adm. Code 441. Appendix D(b)(4)); no engine cutoff; obstructed; latch broken; exit does not operate; both audible and visible alarms on emergency exit doors do not operate; no audible alarm on emergency window exits.

 

2)         WARNING – binding; no guard; exterior handle is hitchable; door does not seal properly; either audible or visible alarms on emergency exit doors do not operate.

 

s)         Engine Compartment:

 

1)         3-DAY – excessive oil in engine compartment.

 

2)         WARNING − minor oil in engine compartment; does not start or run properly (except when the bus is in the process of being repaired).

 

t)          Entrance (Service) Door/Driver's Door/Additional Doors:  

 

1)         OUT-OF-SERVICE – fails to close; view is obstructed; illegal locks; does not operate properly; manual override is missing on power operated doors; special service door not made inoperable if seats are installed next to the special service door.

 

2)         WARNING – rubber seals are missing or torn; holes are present; not sealing properly; minor binding.

 

u)         Exhaust System:

 

1)         OUT-OF-SERVICE – any leaks in the exhaust system; broken; disconnected; does not discharge in proper location or under the bus body; improper size reduction; not securely attached or supported.

 

2)         WARNING – shield is not present if required (refer to 92 Ill. Adm. Code 441.Appendix D(d)(2)); extends too far outside body; not securely attached or supported.

 

v)         Fenders:  

 

OUT-OF-SERVICE – protruding components; not properly attached; excessive collision damage that is detrimental to the safe operation of the vehicle.

 

w)        Fire Extinguisher:  

 

1)         OUT-OF-SERVICE – not fully charged; missing.

 

2)         WARNING – seal is broken; improper rating; overcharged; not mounted in readily accessible location; not labeled if in compartment.

 

x)         First Aid Kit:  

 

1)         OUT-OF-SERVICE – missing; empty.

 

2)         WARNING – kit not complete (at least 4 packages are not present) (refer to 92 Ill. Adm. Code 441.Appendix E(c)); medicine or tourniquet is present; not mounted in readily accessible location; defective container.

 

y)         Floor and Wheel Floor Coverings; Firewall; Passenger Compartment:  

 

1)         OUT-OF-SERVICE − holes are present (other than screw holes); sagging; broken; not firmly attached.

 

2)         WARNING – screw holes are present; sagging; broken; torn or missing covering; missing or damaged floor stripping; defective boots; engine cover is not secure; does not seal.

 

z)         Frame and Body:

 

1)         Frame:  

 

OUT-OF-SERVICE – broken; cracked; improper welds; rusted through; structurally unsafe; sagging.

 

2)         Body (Exterior and Interior):

 

A)        OUT-OF-SERVICE – collision damage that is detrimental to the safe operation of the vehicle; not properly attached to frame.  Body tie downs are loose or missing.  Holes penetrating the interior of the vehicle.

 

B)        WARNING – rusted through; holes are present but are not penetrating the interior of the vehicle.

 

aa)       Fuel Storage and Delivery System:  

 

1)         OUT-OF-SERVICE – fuel tank is leaking or loose; no fuel tank guard if required (refer to 92 Ill. Adm. Code 441.Appendix F(a)(5)); fuel lines are loose, sagging, rubbing, chaffing, leaking, cracked or broken; fuel cap is missing.

 

2)         3-DAY – alternate fuel system not removed after conversion to gasoline or diesel (alternate fuel is no longer used).

 

3)         WARNING − no shield (if required) (refer to 92 Ill. Adm. Code 441.Appendix D(d)(2)).

 

bb)       Grab Handles (Exterior and Interior):  

 

1)         OUT-OF-SERVICE − missing; hitchable; snagable.

 

AGENCY NOTE:  "Hitchable" is defined as being designed to allow riding or grasping on to an exterior portion of the bus so as to "hitch" a ride.

 

2)         WARNING – handles are loose.

 

cc)       Heaters:  

 

1)         OUT-OF-SERVICE − not working between October 2 and April 14.

 

2)         WARNING – poor working condition; defective, damaged, or unsecured hoses, supports or baffles; rear heater not covered or padded; defective or missing switches; not working between April 15 and October 1.

 

dd)       Hood:  

 

OUT-OF-SERVICE – does not open; broken, missing or defective latches or hinges.

 

ee)       Horn (Interior and Exterior):  

 

1)         OUT-OF-SERVICE – missing horn or horn component; not audible for 200 feet; cannot be controlled from driver's seat.

 

2)         WARNING − not readily accessible to driver; unsecured wiring.

 

ff)         Instruments and Instrument Panel:

 

1)         OUT-OF-SERVICE – brake failure indicator gauges or devices do not operate properly or are missing; headlight switch defective; odometer not working; turn signal lever not functioning properly.

 

2)         3-DAY – 8-light flasher or high beam indicator lights do not operate properly or are missing; switches (other than headlight) are defective or missing.

 

3)         WARNING − instruments or instrument panel obstructed by unauthorized material (e.g., books, radios, trash, food, etc.); emergency brake indicator light does not function.

 

gg)       Lettering (Interior and Exterior):  

 

WARNING – lettering is missing; incorrect location; incorrect color; illegible; decals or lettering not authorized or allowed by Section 12-802 of the Code or 92 Ill. Adm. Code 441 or 443 is present; lettering is obstructed; no window lines.

 

hh)       Lights/Lamps (Exterior and Interior) (refer to 92 Ill. Adm. Code 441.Appendix G(d) for proper colors):

 

1)         Backup:  

 

A)        3-DAY – both lights do not function.

 

B)        WARNING − one light does not function; improper color; broken lens or other component.

 

2)         Clearance:  

 

WARNING – do not function; improper color; broken lens or other component.

 

3)         Cluster:  

 

WARNING – do not function; improper color; broken lens or other component.

 

4)         Flashing 8-light System:  

 

A)        OUT-OF-SERVICE – do not function; incorrect sequence; do not cancel; illegal by-pass activation switch (red lights only); improper color; broken lens or other component.

 

B)        WARNING − 8-light activation indicator panel not functioning properly; crossing control arm override switch not wired properly.

 

5)         Headlights:

 

A)        OUT-OF-SERVICE – do not function; improper color; dimmer switch defective; not securely attached.

 

B)        WARNING – cracked lens.

 

6)         Interior:  

 

WARNING – do not function; improper color; broken lens or other component; missing or broken switches.

 

7)         License Plate:  

 

WARNING – does not function; missing; improper color; broken lens or other component.

 

8)         Marker:  

 

WARNING – missing; do not function; improper color; broken lens or other component.

 

9)         Parking:  

 

WARNING – do not function; improper color; broken lens or other component.

 

10)         Stepwell:  

 

WARNING – does not function; improper color; broken lens or other component.

 

11)         Stop/Brake:

 

A)        OUT-OF-SERVICE – does not function; does not release; improper color; broken lens.

 

B)        WARNING – cracked lens.

 

12)         Strobe:  

 

AGENCY NOTE:  Mandatory on all school buses manufactured after December 31, 1999.

 

A)        OUT-OF-SERVICE – missing (if required).

 

B)        3-DAY – not operating properly.

 

C)        WARNING – location is incorrect (see AGENCY NOTE below); shielding is present.

 

AGENCY NOTE:  Ideally, the correct strobe location is determined by the strobe's filament height.  The filament height is multiplied by 30 and the lamp is located that distance from the rear of the bus.  If this formula cannot be met (e.g., length of the bus, air conditioner, or roof hatch prohibits), the strobe can be located as near as practicable above the rear axle, horizontally centered between the rear tires, and always to the rear of roof exits and/or air conditioners.

 

13)         Tail:  

 

A)        OUT-OF-SERVICE – do not function; improper color; broken lens.

 

B)        3-DAY – cracked lens.

 

14)         Turn Signal (Left and Right Armored included):

 

A)        OUT-OF-SERVICE – front or rear do not function; broken lens.

 

B)        WARNING – improper color; cracked lens.  Side armored turn signals do not function or are missing.

 

ii)         Locked Compartment:  

 

1)         3-DAY – not readily accessible to driver; alarm does not function when compartment is locked and engine is running (only when fire extinguisher, warning devices, or first aid kit are stored in locked compartment).

 

2)         WARNING − lettering or identification is missing.

 

jj)         Mirrors (Exterior and Interior):  

 

1)         OUT-OF-SERVICE – missing; not functioning as required; broken mount; mirror is broken or cracked; mirror is pitted or clouded to obstruct driver's view; size or type not approved.

 

2)         WARNING – cracked; clouded; pitted but not obstructing driver's view; stickers or unauthorized materials are present; loose mounting.

 

kk)       Paint Requirement:  

 

1)         OUT-OF-SERVICE − paint does not meet color requirements (refer to 92 Ill. Adm. Code 441.Appendix H(b)).

 

2)         WARNING – reflective tape outlining emergency exits is missing, defective, improperly located, improper color, poor condition; paint is in poor condition.

 

ll)         Pedals (Accelerator, Brake, Clutch, Emergency/Parking):

 

1)         OUT-OF-SERVICE − missing.

 

2)         3-DAY – damaged; rubber cover or non-skid material missing; altered in a manner not approved by the Division.

 

mm)     Pre-trip Book − (See 92 Ill. Adm. Code 458 (School Bus Driver's Pretrip Inspection Requirements).):

 

WARNING – not being prepared; missing; improper completion; operator not complying with recordkeeping requirements of 92 Ill. Adm. Code 458.

 

nn)       Projections:  

 

1)         Exterior:

 

A)        OUT-OF-SERVICE − dangerous to pedestrians or other vehicles.

 

B)        WARNING – hitchable.

 

2)         Interior:

 

WARNING – not padded (if required); interferes with entering or exiting the bus or with head impact zone (e.g., cameras, air conditioners, brooms, etc).

 

oo)       Radio Speakers:

 

WARNING − located within restricted area and not disconnected.

 

pp)       Reflectors/Reflective Tape (also see Paint Requirements):

 

WARNING – missing; damaged; not properly located; wrong color.

 

qq)       Rub Rails:  

 

WARNING – missing; damaged; not securely attached.

 

rr)        Seat Belts (Driver and Passenger):

 

1)         OUT-OF-SERVICE – missing (if required) (refer to 92 Ill. Adm. Code 441.Appendix I(a) and 92 Ill. Adm. Code 443.Appendix I(a)); broken; improper mounting; buckle does not operate properly; required number of belts not present (refer to 92 Ill. Adm. Code 443.Appendix I(a)).

 

2)         WARNING – driver's retractor does not operate properly; not off floor; dirty.

 

ss)        Seat, Driver's:

 

1)         OUT-OF-SERVICE − broken; loose; missing.

 

2)         WARNING – damaged covering; not adjustable.

 

tt)         Seat, Passenger's:

 

1)         OUT-OF-SERVICE – loose; broken frame or components; seats installed in a manner other than prescribed in 49 CFR 571.222 (except special education buses with prior Division approval).

 

2)         WARNING – incorrect height or center-to-center seat spacing (refer to 92 Ill. Adm. Code 441.Appendix I(c) and 92 Ill. Adm. Code 443.Appendix I(c)); damaged covering; loose seat cushion.

 

uu)       Steering System:

 

1)         Exterior:

 

A)        Linkage Components:  

 

            OUT-OF-SERVICE – broken; bent; welded repairs; loose; insecurely mounted; missing.

 

B)        Steering Components:

 

OUT-OF-SERVICE – broken; loose; leaking; binding; belts and hoses frayed or cracked; power or power-assist unit inoperative or missing; reservoir low or empty; incorrect fluid.

 

2)         Interior:

 

OUT-OF-SERVICE – column support bracket is broken, loose or missing; excessive up and down movement in steering shaft; excessive damage to steering wheel; spokes are missing; lash exceeds acceptable limits.

 

vv)       Steps, Entrance:

 

1)         OUT-OF-SERVICE – broken; rusted through.

 

2)         WARNING – sagging; damaged ribbing; defective or missing white nosing.

 

ww)     Stop Arm Panel:

 

1)         OUT-OF-SERVICE – missing; lights not functioning; panel does not operate properly.

 

2)         THREE-DAY – incorrect panel; lights not flashing alternately; optional second stop arm panel does not meet requirements.

 

3)         WARNING – incorrect paint (refer to 92 Ill. Adm. Code 441.Appendix J(a)); poor condition; crossing control arm override switch is wired improperly allowing stop arm panel to activate when the 8-way flashing signal system is deactivated.

 

xx)       Sun Visor:  

 

WARNING – broken; damaged; missing; does not comply with requirements.

 

yy)       Suspension:

 

1)         Shocks:  

 

A)        OUT-OF-SERVICE – broken; missing; broken mounts.

 

B)        WARNING – leakage; loose; loose mounting.

 

2)         Springs and Spring Assembly Components:  

 

OUT-OF-SERVICE – broken; cracked; damaged; loose; missing spring or spring assembly component.

 

3)         Air

 

OUT-OF-SERVICE − leaking; damaged; leaning excessively; rubbing on frame or body.

 

zz)        Tow Hooks (optional):  

 

WARNING – extend beyond bumper; not securely attached.

 

aaa)      Trash Container:

 

WARNING − not secure; obstructing aisle; overflowing with trash.

 

bbb)     Warning Devices:  

 

1)         OUT-OF-SERVICE − missing.

 

2)         WARNING – incomplete set; reflectors are cracked or broken; flags are ripped or torn; emergency triangles are not operational; not securely mounted or readily accessible.

 

ccc)      Wheels:

 

1)         Wheel Housing:  

 

OUT-OF-SERVICE – tire rubs against any portion of chassis, body or bumper; does not meet clearance requirements; not firmly secured; holes are present.

 

2)         Rim:  

 

OUT-OF-SERVICE – cracked; broken; elongated holes; missing lug nuts; lock ring damaged; bent; improper welds.

 

3)         Tires (refer to 92 Ill. Adm. Code 441.Appendix K(d)(3)):

 

A)        Steering axle:  

 

i)          OUT-OF-SERVICE – regrooved, recapped, retreaded; restricting markings are present; insufficient tread depth at any measured point of a major tread groove (4/32); broken or cut cord; any sign of carcass failure; tires are not same construction; regular and mud/snow tread are mixed; radial and bias ply tires are used incorrectly; bias tube installed on radial; valve stem is damaged.

 

ii)         WARNING – flat tire.

 

B)        Drive axle:

 

i)          OUT-OF-SERVICE – missing; insufficient tread depth at any measured point of a major tread groove (2/32); broken or cut cord.

 

ii)         3-DAY – radial and bias ply tires are used incorrectly; regular and mud/snow tread are improperly mixed on same axle; tire exceeds diameter of its mate; regrooved or recut on tire not labeled "regroovable"; bias tube installed on radial; damaged valve stem; flat tire on dual wheel axle.

 

iii)         WARNING – flat tire on single wheel axle.

 

ddd)     Window Glazing:

 

1)         Emergency Exit Windows:

 

A)        OUT-OF-SERVICE − missing; shattered; any sharp edge that could inflict cuts to the skin.

 

B)        WARNING − improper "AS" rating; incorrect glazing material; any crack to glazing; visibility obstructed.

 

2)         Service Door Windows:

 

A)        OUT-OF-SERVICE − missing; shattered; any sharp edge that could inflict cuts to the skin; visibility obstructed.

 

B)        WARNING − improper "AS" rating; incorrect glazing material; any crack to glazing.

 

3)         Side Windows:

 

A)        OUT-OF-SERVICE − missing; shattered; any sharp edge that could inflict cuts to the skin; visibility obstructed in driver's side window.

 

B)        WARNING − improper "AS" rating; incorrect glazing material; any crack to glazing; visibility obstructed other than to driver's side window.

 

4)         Windshield:

 

A)        OUT-OF-SERVICE − missing; shattered; not firmly sealed or attached; any crack more than 6 inches in length in the area swept by the windshield wiper blade; any "starchip" measuring more than 1 inch in diameter in the area swept by the windshield wiper blade; driver's visibility obstructed; any sharp edge that could inflict cuts to the skin.

 

B)        WARNING − any crack more than 6 inches in length outside the area swept by the windshield wiper blade; any "starchip" more than 1 inch in diameter outside the area swept by the windshield wiper blade; discoloration more than 3 inches up from the bottom or more than 1 inch down from the top or in more than 1 inch from the left or right side (except tinting that is allowed by 625 ILCS 5/12-503).

 

eee)      Windshield Washer:

 

1)         3-DAY − broken or missing components.

 

2)         WARNING – does not operate properly; no fluid.

 

fff)        Windshield Wipers:

 

1)         OUT-OF-SERVICE – wipers do not operate; broken blades or arms; wipers operate on only one speed; activation knob missing.

 

2)         WARNING – does not cover entire cleaning area; rubber blades are damaged; does not park properly; scratches windshield.

 

ggg)        Wiring (Interior, Exterior, Engine Compartment) and Insulation:  

 

1)         OUT-OF-SERVICE − for school buses manufactured on or after January 1, 2006, noise suppression switch is missing or does not function properly (refer to 92 Ill. Adm. Code 440.420(vv)(8) or 442.620(e)).

 

2)         WARNING – insulation is broken, frayed, or missing; fuses or breakers are not present (refer to 92 Ill. Adm. Code 441.Appendix D(a)(4)); not securely attached; not on proper circuit.

 

(Source:  Amended at 31 Ill. Reg. 6457, effective April 11, 2007)