Section 451.100  Designated Testing Lane Requirements

a)         OTSs are required to have at least one lane area where all school bus, special vehicle, and applicable MFSAB safety tests are performed.  The lane is where all ABTDs are installed or utilized.  Appendix G inspections are not required to be performed in the lane area, but must be performed on the property listed as the physical address of the OTS.

b)         The floor of the lane shall be free of excessive dirt, oil, or grease as to not alter the results of performing a safety test requiring an ABTD.

c)         The floor of the lane shall be an appropriate surface suitable for the installation or proper use of the ABTD.  Owners shall follow the specifications provided by the manufacturer of the ABTD regarding the proper use and installation.

d)         An OTS may have more than one lane.  If equipped with more than one lane, at least one lane shall be available at all times for safety tests.  Additional lanes can be utilized for other purposes, except that all lanes shall be available when CSTs are available and customers are requesting a safety test.

e)         The lane shall be well lighted, ventilated by natural or artificial means and capable of being heated when necessary.

f)         The lane shall be located to allow a direct approach by the tested vehicle within the dimensions required for a permit.

g)         There shall be no obstruction caused by building design or fixture placement within the minimum dimensions of the lane.

h)         If a permit is cancelled because an OTS or OMSTC is closed or inactive for at least six months (see Section 451.70(q)), an inspection of any ABTD (if applicable), records, CST certificates, and the building facilities will be conducted by an inspector before the OTS or OMSTC reopens.  After approval by the inspector, a new permit will be issued.

i)          If any OTS is closed for any reason for more than 30 days, the safety testing of vehicles will not be resumed until the ABTD is functioning per the manufacturer's specifications.  The owner shall notify the Department when the ABTD is functioning.  An inspector will visit the Station to confirm all requirements of this Part are being met before the Station is allowed to reopen.

j)          If an OTS is closed due to an ABTD malfunction, no inspections are to be performed at the OTS, regardless of whether an ABTD is required for an inspection.  Once the ABTD malfunction is corrected, an inspector shall visit the OTS to verify the ABTD is operating per the manufacturers specifications.  When the ABTD is found to be functioning, the inspector shall reopen the OTS to perform inspections.

(Source:  Amended at 49 Ill. Reg. 15244, effective November 13, 2025)