Section 456.105  Violation Criteria for Multifunction School Activity Buses Manufactured On or After July 1, 2012 and Owned by Public School Districts, Private Schools, or School Transportation Contractors

 

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 in this Section exists, the corresponding penalty will be issued.

 

a)         Air Cleaner:

 

WARNING − not properly attached or is missing.

 

b)         Aisle:

 

            1)         OUT-OF-SERVICE – obstructed.

 

2)         WARNING − at least 12 inches (305 mm) of clearance (at seat cushion level) from service door to emergency door (or back of bus) is not present.

 

c)         Alternator (Generator):

 

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.

 

            2)         WARNING – pinion seal is leaking.

 

e)         Barrier, Guard:

 

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

 

2)         WARNING − padding or covering is missing or shows wear and tear; barrier is not the same height as the seat back directly behind the barrier. 

 

f)         Battery or Batteries:

 

1)         OUT-OF-SERVICE – battery housing is cracked or hole is present (except vent hole or holes made by manufacturer).

 

2)         WARNING − excessive corrosion; not secured; insufficient capacity (per manufacturer's specifications); missing cap.

 

g)         Battery Cables:

 

1)         OUT-OF-SERVICE – cables are rubbing through the insulation; wrong type cable is being used (e.g., top post cable is being used with side post battery); connectors or wires are bare.

 

            2)         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 (includes the anti-lock braking (ABS) indicator lamp); any defect in emergency/parking brake system (other than indicator light).

 

2)         WARNING – emergency/parking brake indicator light not functioning.

 

j)          Bumper, Front:

 

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

 

2)         WARNING – if vehicle's GVWR is over 10,000 lbs., bumper is not made of rolled steel approximately 3/16 (.18) inch thick or not energy absorbing type; if vehicle's GVWR is 10,000 lbs. or less, bumper is not metal construction or not energy absorbing type; for type I-A MFSAB, the bumper may meet manufacturer's specifications when the MFSAB is equipped with a driver side air bag.

 

k)         Bumper, Rear:

 

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

 

2)         WARNING – hitchable; if vehicle's GVWR is over 10,000 lbs., bumper is not made of channel-type steel approximately 3/16 (.18) inch thick; if vehicle's GVWR is 10,000 lbs. or less, bumper is not metal construction or not energy absorbing type.

 

l)          Certificate of Safety:

 

OUT-OF-SERVICE − missing; expired; voided; 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 436.Appendix C(b)). 

 

n)         Child Check System:

 

WARNING − a mechanical or electronic child check system is installed but the interior lights are not illuminated when the ignition is either turned off or to the "accessories" position; mechanical or electronic system is not functioning and no company policy is evident that a manual child check system is used.

 

o)         Cleanliness:

 

WARNING − excessive rubbish or trash; excessive dirt; spilled fluids; decorations.

 

p)         Communication Device:

 

WARNING − two-way radio or cell phone does not operate; two-way radio or cell phone is not present and no documentation is provided indicating the communication device requirement is being met by the use of a cell phone.

 

q)         Crossing Control Arm:

 

1)         OUT-OF-SERVICE – missing; does not work or function properly; illegal on/off switch; does not meet minimum length of 5 feet from the front face of the bumper.

 

            2)         3-DAY – red light or red reflector is present.

 

r)          Dash:

 

1)         OUT-OF-SERVICE – attached equipment.

 

2)         WARNING − clutter on dash.

 

s)         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.

 

t)          Drive Shaft Guard:

 

1)         OUT-OF-SERVICE – missing on any segment of the drive shaft.

 

2)         WARNING − not solid; not firmly attached.

 

u)         Emergency Exits:

 

1)         OUT-OF-SERVICE – illegal locks (refer to 92 Ill. Adm. Code 436.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; audible alarm is not continuous; child passenger restraint system (i.e., car seat) is located on the bench seat next to a designated emergency exit window (does not include a factory-installed built-in child restraint system).

 

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; stop bracket on door that allows the door to stay open is missing or does not function.

 

v)         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).

 

w)        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 or not functioning on power operated doors.

 

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

 

x)         Exhaust System:

 

1)         OUT-OF-SERVICE – any leaks in the exhaust system; broken; disconnected; discharge is located beneath fuel filler location or beneath emergency exit door; improper size reduction.

 

2)         WARNING − shield is not present if required (refer to 92 Ill. Adm. Code 436.Appendix D(d)(2)); extends more than one inch past the body; not securely attached or supported.

 

y)         Fenders:

 

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

 

z)         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.

 

aa)       First Aid Kit:

 

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

 

2)         WARNING − kit does not contain (at a minimum) 2 packages of 4" bandage compresses (one per package), 2 packages of 2" bandage compresses (4 per package), one package of 1" bandage or adhesive compresses (16 per package), 40" triangle bandage with 2 safety pins, one splint (wire or wood); medicine or tourniquet is present; not mounted in readily accessible location; defective container. 

 

bb)       Floor, Floor Covering, Firewall, Occupant Compartment and Engine Cover:

 

1)         OUT-OF-SERVICE – holes are present; sagging so that the integrity of the frame is jeopardized; broken; not firmly attached.

 

2)         WARNING – sagging except when the integrity of the frame is jeopardized; torn, loose or missing covering; missing or damaged floor stripping; defective boots; engine cover does not latch or seal properly; loose carpeting or floor mat in driver's area.

 

cc)       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 the frame;  body tie downs are loose or missing; holes penetrating the interior of the vehicle.

 

B)        WARNING – holes present but are not penetrating the interior of the vehicle; any other component is loose, missing or broken.

 

dd)      Fuel Storage and Delivery System:

 

1)         OUT-OF-SERVICE − fuel tank is leaking or loose; no fuel tank guard; 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 metal heat shield is present if any flammable material, insulated wire, brake hose/line, or fuel system component containing fuel is located within 12 inches (300 mm) (4  inches for diesel powered engines) of a component containing exhaust gas.

 

ee)       Grab Handles (Interior):

 

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

 

            2)         WARNING – handles are loose.

 

ff)        Heaters:

 

1)         OUT-OF-SERVICE – heaters are not working between October 2 and April 14 (except stepwell heater).

 

2)         WARNING − poor working condition; defective, damaged, unsecured hoses, supports or baffles; not firmly attached; rear heater is not protected by a seat or is not padded; defective or missing switches; not working between April 15 and October 1; stepwell heater is not working (if present).

 

gg)       Hood:

 

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

 

hh)       Horn (Interior):

 

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; not labeled if location is other than steering column.

 

ii)         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; speedometer not functioning.

 

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

 

jj)         Lettering (Interior and Exterior):

 

WARNING – signs or words "SCHOOL BUS" are present; emergency exits are not labeled; operating instructions are not present on emergency exits; vehicle empty weight and maximum passenger capacity to the left of the service door are missing; name of the owner or the entity for which the MFSAB is operated on both sides, centered as high as practicable below the window line, is missing; identification number on both the front and rear is missing; the decal "TO COMMENT ON MY DRIVING CALL" or "TO REPORT ERRATIC DRIVING CALL" followed by the area code and phone number of the owner located either on the rear window glazing below the rear seat back, on the body below the rear window line, or on the rear bumper is missing; window stop lines are missing; required lettering does not contrast with its background.

 

kk)       Lights/Lamps (Exterior and Interior) (Refer to 92 Ill. Adm. Code 436.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)         Flashing 8-light System (not applicable):

 

WARNING − MFSAB is equipped with a flashing 8-light signal system.

 

4)         Headlights:

 

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

 

B)        WARNING − cracked lens; water accumulated in headlight.

 

5)         Identification (Cluster)

 

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

 

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)         Parking:

 

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

 

9)         Sidemarker:

 

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

 

10)         Stepwell (Required when headlights are ON.):

 

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:

 

A)        OUT-OF-SERVICE – missing; not visible from any direction.

 

B)        3-Day – not operating properly.

 

C)        WARNING − location is incorrect (see AGENCY NOTE).

 

AGENCY NOTE:  The correct strobe location is determined by the strobe's filament height.  The filament height (in inches) is multiplied by 30 and the lamp is located that distance (in inches) 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 – missing; do not function; improper color; broken lens.

 

B)        3-DAY – cracked lens.

 

14)         Turn Signal (Front and Rear):

 

A)        OUT-OF-SERVICE – missing; do not function; broken lens; driver activation lever is defective or missing.

 

B)        WARNING – improper color; cracked lens.

 

15)         Turn Signal (Left and Right Armored) (if vehicle's GVWR is over 10,000 lbs.):

 

            WARNING – side armored turn signal or signals are missing; do not function; cracked lens; "armor" is missing.

 

ll)         Mirrors (Exterior and Interior):

 

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

 

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

 

mm)     Paint Requirements:

 

1)         OUT-OF-SERVICE – MFSAB is painted national school bus glossy yellow.

 

2)         WARNING – reflective tape outlining emergency exits is missing, defective, improperly located, poor condition.

 

nn)       Pedals (Accelerator, Service Brake, Clutch, Emergency/Parking Brake):

 

1)         OUT-OF-SERVICE – missing; damaged; pedal extensions are not from a manufacturer.

 

2)         3-DAY – rubber cover or non-skid material is missing.

 

oo)       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.).

 

pp)       Radio Speakers:

 

WARNING – located within restricted area and not disconnected (includes portable radio speakers).  (Two-way radio speakers are exempt.)

 

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

 

            WARNING – missing; damaged; not properly located.

 

rr)        Rub Rails:

 

WARNING – missing; damaged; not securely attached.

 

ss)        Seat Belt (Driver's):

 

1)         OUT-OF-SERVICE – missing; broken; improper mounting; buckle does not operate properly.

 

2)         WARNING – driver's retractor does not operate properly; driver's seat belt is on the floor.

 

tt)        Seat Belts (Passenger):

 

OUT-OF-SERVICE – missing (if required, see AGENCY NOTE); broken; improper mounting; buckle does not operate properly.

 

AGENCY NOTE:  Each MFSAB shall be equipped with a rectractable lap belt assembly for the driver's seat.  A shoulder harness is optional.  FMVSS require passenger safety belts on any MFSAB that has a GVWR of more than 10,000 lbs. (i.e., a type I MFSAB).  Passenger safety belts are optional on any MFSAB that has a GVWR of more than 10,000 lbs. (i.e., a type I MFSAB).  However, optional safety belts installed on any type I MFSAB manufactured on or after October 21, 2011 are required to meet the same FMVSS that are required for type II MFSABs. (See 49 CFR 571.210 (October 1, 2013).)

 

uu)       Seat, Driver's:

 

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

 

2)         WARNING − damaged covering; not adjustable.

 

vv)       Seats, Passenger:

 

1)         OUT-OF-SERVICE − loose; broken frame or components.

 

2)         WARNING − incorrect height or center-to-center seat spacing; damaged covering; loose seat cushion; metal seat frame not protected by padding.

 

ww)     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.

 

xx)       Steps, Entrance:

 

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

 

2)         WARNING – sagging; damaged ribbing; defective or missing white nosing; obstructed (i.e., any item that is blocking or partially blocking the steps).

 

yy)       Stop Signal Arm Panel (not applicable):

 

WARNING − MFSAB is equipped with a stop signal arm panel.

 

zz)       Storage Compartment (Interior):

 

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 located in storage compartment).

 

2)         WARNING – lettering (i.e., FIRE EXTINGUISHER, FIRST AID KIT, and/or WARNING DEVICES) is missing (only when fire extinguisher, warning devices, or first aid kit are located in storage compartment).  Red Cross formed of 5 equal squares is missing (if first aid kit is located in storage compartment).

 

aaa)      Sun Visor

 

WARNING – broken; damaged; missing; not adjustable; measures less than 5 inches by 16 inches; not installed above windshield; interferes with view of interior rear view mirror.

 

bbb)     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.

 

ccc)      Tow Hooks (optional):

 

            WARNING – extend beyond bumper; not securely attached.

 

ddd)    Trash Container (optional):

 

WARNING – if present, not secure; obstructs aisle or exits; overflowing with trash; poses a tripping hazard.  (Trash container, if present, is not required to be attached to the school bus.)

 

eee)      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 stored; not readily accessible.

 

fff)      Wheels:

 

1)         Wheel Housing:

 

OUT-OF-SERVICE − tire rubs against any portion of chassis, body or bumper; housing does not allow for unimpeded wheel and tire service or removal; housing does not provide clearance for installation and use of tire chains; not firmly secured; holes are present.

 

2)         Rim:

 

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

 

3)         Tires:

 

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 (less than 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; improper inflation; tire does not meet what federal certification label requires for vehicle; tire size (i.e., diameter and/or width) exceeds size of other tires on same axle.

 

ii)         WARNING – signs of excessive dry rot.

 

B)        Drive axle:

 

i)          OUT-OF-SERVICE – missing; regrooved or recut on tire not labeled "regroovable"; restricting markings are present; insufficient tread depth at any measured point of a major tread groove (less than 2/32); broken or cut cord; any sign of carcass failure; tires are not same construction; placement of mud/snow tread tire and regular tread tire on same axle is not the same on each side of the axle; radial and bias ply tires are used incorrectly; bias tube installed on radial; valve stem is damaged; improper inflation; tire does not meet what federal certification label requires for vehicle; tire size (i.e., diameter and/or width) exceeds size of other tires on same axle.

 

ii)         WARNING – signs of excessive dry rot.

 

ggg)     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 Section 12-503 of the Code).

 

hhh)     Windshield Washer:

 

WARNING − does not operate properly; no fluid; broken; missing components.

 

iii)        Windshield Wipers:

 

1)         OUT-OF-SERVICE − wipers do not operate; broken blades or arms; driver activation knob is defective or missing.

 

2)         WARNING − does not cover entire cleaning area; rubber blades are damaged; does not park properly; scratches windshield; wipers operate on only one speed.

 

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

 

1)         OUT-OF-SERVICE – noise suppression switch is missing or does not turn off noise producing accessories, including, but not limited to, heater blowers, defroster fans, auxiliary fans and radios.  (Two-way radio and emergency exit alarms are exempt from noise suppression switch.)

 

2)         WARNING − insulation is broken, frayed or missing; circuit breaker is missing (only applicable to electrical systems that utilize circuit breakers) or 2 extra fuses for each fuse used are not conveniently mounted for easy access (only applicable to electrical systems that utilize fuses); not securely attached; not on proper circuit.

 

(Source:  Added at 38 Ill. Reg. 12941, effective June 4, 2014)