a)

INSTRUMENTS

AND INSTRUMENT

PANELS

PROCEDURES/SPECIFICATIONS:

Shall be equipped with the following nonglare illuminated instruments and gauges mounted for each 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:

Instruments or instrument panel do 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 Equipment Law)

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 the bus is equipped with a side emergency door, it must be labeled "EMERGENCY EXIT" in letters at least two inches high directly at the top of the emergency door, or directly above, or on 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 strike 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 Appendix F(a)(8) and Section 441.Illustration D.) (Section 12-704.3 of the Illinois Vehicle Equipment Law)

For business 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 (100 mm) high, approximately centered and as high as possible below 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 (50 mm) high:

1)

The word "CAPACITY," or 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.

2)

Empty weight in ponds must be shown. Empty weight is indicated by "EW." (Section 12-802 of the Illinois Vehicle Law)

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

For business 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 "CAPACTY" 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 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 distinct, required or allowed.  Lettering is obstructed.

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

B)

Left

PROCEDURES/SPECIFICATION:

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 or emergency windows which are knock-out type, they are to be labeled "EMERGENCY EXIT" in letters at least two inches high directly below 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. Lettering is obstructed.

C)

Rear

PROCEDURES/SPECIFICATIONS:

"EMERGENCY DOOR" or "EMERGENCY EXIT" in letters at least two inches (50 mm) high painted or permanently affixed either directly above each emergency exit, or on top metal of exit (door or window), or on top of exit glazing. 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. All lettering and arrow(s) must contrast with background. Decals are permitted.

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:

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

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.

If emergency window is installed, "EMERGENCY EXIT" shall be displayed on or immediately below emergency window.

Instructions for emergency operation of a power operated door shall be affixed permanently on the inside of the door in letters at least .5 (one half) 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 (5cm) 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:

Right interior 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 before 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.

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)

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)

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)

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 inch sealed beam. (Section 12-805 of the Illinois Vehicle Equipment Law) The red lights must be located on the outside perimeters of the bus and the yellow lights must be located between the red lights towards the center.

A separate circuit breaker and a master switch shall be provided for this signal system. When in its "off" position this master switch shall prevent the following:

1)

Operation of the 8 lamp system;

2)

Operation of any lamps mounted on the stop signal arm; and

3)

Operation of any electrically controlled mechanism that would cause the stop signal arm to extend.

The controls for the eight lamp flashing signals, the stop signal arm and the service entrance door shall be arranged so as to provide for the following sequence of operations while the engine is running.

1)

Place the alternately flashing signal system master switch in its "off" position. Close and secure the service entrance door. Actuate the alternately flashing signal system hand or foot control. The alternately flashing signal lamps of either yellow (amber) or red color shall not go on.

2)

With the master switch "off" and the hand or foot control actuated, open the service door. The alternately flashing signals of either color shall not go on and the stop signal arm shall not extend.

3)

Deactivate the hand or foot control. Place the alternately flashing signal system master switch in its "on" position.  Close and secure the service door.  Open the service door.  The alternatively flashing signal lamps of either color shall not go on and the stop signal arm shall not extend.

4)

Close and secure the service door. Actuate the alternately flashing signal system by hand or foot control. A yellow pilot lamp in the view of the driver and the yellow alternately flashing signals shall go on.

5)

Desecure but do not open the service door. The yellow pilot and the yellow alternately flashing signals shall go off. A red pilot lamp in the view of the driver and the red alternately flashing signals shall go on. The stop signal arm shall extend.

6)

Fully open the service door. The red pilot and red signals shall remain on and the stop arm shall remain extended.

7)

Close but do not secure the service door. The red pilot and red signals shall remain on and the stop arm shall remain extended.

8)

Open the service door. The red pilot and red signals shall remain on and the stop arm remain extended.

9)

Close and secure the service door. The red pilot and red signals shall go off and the stop arm shall retract.

10)

Open the service door. Alternately flashing signals of either color shall not go on and the stop arm shall not extend.

REJECT VEHICLE IF:

Flashing lights do not function properly; broken lens or improper lens color. Pilot lights do not function.

7)

Headlights

PROCEDURES/SPECIFICATIONS:

Shall have at least two headlamps with at least one mounted on each side of the front of the bus. Lamp body must be securely attached. Lenses, reflectors, bulbs, etc., must be in good condition, properly aimed and fill required intensity. Check for bulb burn out. Verify high and low beams are functioning. Shall conform to federal standards. (49 CFR 571.108)

REJECT VEHICLE IF:

Headlights do not meet requirements. High/low beams do not function.

8)

Interior

PROCEDURES/SPECIFICATIONS:

Adequate to illuminate aisles, step well, and emergency passageways.

REJECT VEHICLE IF:

Interior lights do not provide adequate lighting; cracked or broken lenses; improper color.

9)

License Plate

PROCEDURES/SPECIFICATIONS:

Adequate white light to illuminate license plate. (49 CFR 571.108) may be combined with one of the tail lights.

REJECT VEHICLE IF:

License place light does not provide adequate lighting; cracked or broken lenses; improper color.

10)

Parking

Lights

PROCEDURES/SPECIFICATIONS:

Shall be one lamp on each side; white or amber color. (49 CFR 571.108)

All buses 80 or more inches in overall width which are equipped with side marker lamps, clearance lamps, and intermediate side marker lamps are exempt from having parking lights. However, if vehicle is equipped with parking lights, they must be operational. (Section 12-202 of the Illinois Vehicle Equipment Law)

REJECT VEHICLE IF:

Parking lights do not meet requirements; improper color; cracked or broken lenses.

11)

Sidemarker, Left

PROCEDURES/SPECIFICATIONS:

Two lamps: one amber at front and one red at rear, mounted as high as practicable. Shall conform to federal standards. (49 CFR 571.108)

Exception: All buses purchased prior to September 1974 are exempt.

REJECT VEHICLE IF:

Left marker lights do not meet requirements; does not function properly; improper color; cracked or broken lenses.

12)

Sidemarker, Right

PROCEDURES/SPECIFICATIONS:

Two lamps: one amber at front and one red at rear, mounted as high as practicable. Shall conform to federal standards. (49 CFR 571.108)

Exception: All buses purchased prior to September 1974 are exempt.

REJECT VEHICLE IF:

Right marker lights do not meet requirements; improper color; cracked or broken lenses.

13)

Step Well

PROCEDURES/SPECIFICATIONS:

At least the nosings of the service entrance steps and the floor around the stepwell shall be automatically illuminated with white light when the ignition is on and the service entrance door is open.

No lamp shall be installed so as to shine directly into the eyes of a pupil moving through the service entrance and looking at the service steps.

Exception: On a bus with chassis (incomplete vehicle) manufactured in March 1977 or earlier, a stepwell light that does not illuminate all the step nosings or does not illuminate the floor around the service entranceway may be used.

REJECT VEHICLE IF:

Stepwell light does not meet requirements; improper color; cracked or broken lenses.

14)

Stop

PROCEDURES/SPECIFICATIONS:

Two red lights mounted on same height and as high as practicable below window line.  Seven inch minimum diameter or 19 square inches.  Not less than three feet apart laterally.  Must conform to federal standards. (49 CFR 571.108)

REJECT VEHICLE IF:

Stop lights do not meet requirements; improper color; cracked or broken lenses; do not function properly.

15)

Strobe

(optional)

PROCEDURES/SPECIFICATIONS:

If installed, lamp must comply with following requirements:

1)

One per bus;

2)

Shall emit white or bluish/white light;

3)

Shall be visible from any direction;

4)

Shall flash 60 to 120 times per minute;

5)

Shall be visible in normal sunlight;

6)

Mounted at or behind center of rooftop and equal distance from each side. (Section 12-815 of the Illinois Vehicle Equipment Law)

Distance from rear will be calculated by measuring height of filament and multiplying same by 30 inches. (i.e., Filament height x 30 = distance from rear of bus where lamp is to be located)

REJECT VEHICLE IF:

If installed, strobe light does not meet installation requirements; does not function properly; improper color; cracked or broken lenses.

Shielding is present.

16)

Tail

PROCEDURES/SPECIFICATIONS:

Two red lights mounted with centers not less than 40 inches nor more than 50 inches from surface on which vehicle stands. Must conform to federal standards. (49 CFR 571.108)

REJECT VEHICLE IF:

Tail lights do not meet requirements; do not function properly; improper color; cracked or broken lenses.

17

Turn

Signal,

Left

(armored)

PROCEDURES/SPECIFICATIONS:

"Armored" type amber clearance lamp mounted behind driver's seat at seat level and rub rail height. Functions with regular turn signal.

Exception: All buses purchased prior to September 1974 are exempt from having left armored turn signals.

Exception: Buses with capacity rating of less than 33 passengers are exempt. Buses manufactured in August 1974 or earlier are exempt. Buses that measure less than 80 inches wide or 20 feet long are exempt.

REJECT VEHICLE IF:

Left turn signal light does not meet requirements; does not function properly; improper color; cracked or broken lenses.

18)

Turn

Signal,

Right

(armored)

PROCEDURES/SPECIFICATIONS:

"Armored" type amber clearance lamp mounted at approximately seat level and rub rail height just to rear of service door. Functions with regular turn signal lamps.

Exception: All buses purchased prior to September 1974 are exempt from having right armored turn signals.

Exception: Buses with capacity rating of less than 33 passengers are exempt. Buses manufactured in August 1974 or earlier are exempt. Buses that measure less than 80 inches wide or 20 feet long are exempt.

REJECT VEHICLE IF:

Right turn signal light does not meet requirements; does not function properly; improper color; cracked or broken lenses.

19)

Turn

Signal,

Front

PROCEDURES/SPECIFICATION:

One amber lamp at least four inches in diameter, or 12 ½ square inches, located on each side at or near the front.  They shall be located at the same height and as far apart as practicable. Lamps must conform to federal standards. (49 CFR 571.108)

Operate turn signals and four-way warning hazards to check performance of front and rear lights.

REJECT VEHICLE IF:

Front turn signal lights do not meet requirements; do not function properly; improper color; cracked or broken lenses.

Four-way warning hazards do not operate properly.

20)

Turn

Signal,

Rear

PROCEDURES/SPECIFICATIONS:

Chassis manufactured after March 31, 1977, must have two 7 inch diameter, or 19 square inch, amber lenses mounted on the rear as far apart and as high as practicable below rear window. (49 CFR 571.108)

Exception: Chassis manufactured prior to April 1, 1977, may have yellow or red turn signals with arrow lenses. (49 CFR 571.108)

REJECT VEHICLE IF:

Rear turn signal lights do not meet requirements; improper color; do not function properly; cracked or broken lenses.

e)

LOCKED

COMPARTMENT

PROCEDURES/SPECIFICATIONS:

Fire extinguisher, first-aid kit, and warning devices may be stored either in a closed, unlocked compartment or under lock and key, provided the locking device is connected with an automatic warning signal that will alert driver when compartment is locked. The automatic alarm shall be both audible and visible to the seated driver. The alarm shall alert the driver when the engine is running and the compartment is locked and cannot be readily opened without using a tool, key, or combination. An alarm cut-off or "squelch" control is prohibited.

Each safety item inside the compartment shall be named on the outside of the compartment cover, or door. In addition, a RED CROSS formed of five equal squares shall be displayed on the cover when the first aid kit is inside the compartment.

Exception: A bus with chassis manufactured in March 1977 or earlier need not have a visible alarm.

REJECT VEHICLE IF:

Locked compartment is not readily accessible to driver; lettering or identification missing; alarm does not function properly when compartment is locked and vehicle is running.