Section 456.100  Violation Criteria for Multifunction School Activity Buses Manufactured Prior to July 1, 2012 and Owned by a Public School District, Private School, or School Transportation Contractor 

 

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)         Axles and Tag Axles:

 

1)         Out-of-Service – not firmly attached; cracked; broken; wheel seals leaking grease; tag axle not operating properly; air leak.

 

2)         WARNING – pinion seal leaking.

 

b)         Brakes:

 

1)         OUT-OF-SERVICE − any problem found with the service brake system; any problem found with emergency/parking brake system (other than indicator light).

 

2)         WARNING − emergency brake indicator light does not function.

 

c)         Bumper, Front:

 

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

 

            2)         WARNING – not metal construction or energy absorbing type.

 

d)         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 energy absorbing type.

 

e)         Certificate of Safety:

 

OUT-OF-SERVICE − missing; expired; voided; incorrect type of Certificate of Safety.

 

f)         Doors (Interior and Exterior):

 

1)         Out-of-Service − fails to open or close properly; fails to latch; hinges broken; door handles missing.

 

2)         Warning – seals damaged or missing; damage that prevents proper sealing.

 

g)         Emergency Exits:

 

1)         OUT-OF-SERVICE − obstructed; does not comply with required number or size of exits (refer to 92 Ill. Adm. Code 448); latch or hinges broken; does not open or close properly; missing components; 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; does not seal properly; damage that prevents proper sealing.

 

h)         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.

 

2)         WARNING – not securely attached or supported.

 

i)          Fenders:

 

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

 

j)          Fire Extinguisher:

 

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

 

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

 

AGENCY NOTE:  10 BC is proper rating for fire extinguisher.

 

k)         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.

 

l)          Frame and Body:

 

1)         Frame:

 

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

 

2)         Body (Interior and Exterior):

 

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 loose or missing; holes penetrating interior of the vehicle.

 

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

 

m)        Fuel Storage and Delivery System:

 

OUT-OF-SERVICE − fuel tank is leaking or loose; fuel lines are loose, leaking, sagging, rubbing, chaffing, cracked or broken; fuel cap is missing.

 

n)         Hood:

 

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

 

o)         Horn (Interior):

 

OUT-OF-SERVICE – missing horn or horn component; defective; not audible.

 

p)         Lettering (Interior and Exterior):

 

WARNING − signs or words "SCHOOL BUS" are present; emergency exits are not labeled (if required); operating instructions are not present on emergency exits (if required); vehicle empty weight and maximum passenger capacity to the left of the service door is 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.

 

q)         Lights/Lamps (Interior and Exterior):

 

1)         Flashing 8-light Signal System:

 

WARNING – mfsab is equipped with functioning flashing 8-light signal system.

 

2)         Headlights:

 

A)        OUT-OF-SERVICE – missing; do not function; not securely mounted.

 

B)        WARNING – cracked lens on replaceable light source; improper color; defective dimmer switch.

 

3)         License Plate:

 

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

 

4)         Parking:

 

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

 

5)         Sidemarker:

 

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

 

6)         Stop/Brake:

 

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

 

B)        WARNING − improper color; cracked lens.

 

7)         Tail:

 

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

 

B)        WARNING − cracked lens.

 

8)         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.

 

9)         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.

 

r)          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.

 

s)         Paint Requirements:

 

WARNING – MFSAB is painted national school bus glossy yellow.

 

t)          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.

 

u)         Reflectors and Reflective Tape:

 

WARNING – missing; damaged; wrong color; not properly located (refer to 92 Ill. Adm. Code 448).

 

v)         School Bus Identification:

 

Warning – any of the following are present: "SCHOOL BUS" lettering; "school bus yellow" paint; flashing 8-light system; stop signal arm panel.

 

w)        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.

 

x)         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 retractable 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 10,000 lbs. or less (i.e., a type II 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).)

 

y)         Seat, Driver's:

 

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

 

2)         WARNING – damaged covering; not adjustable.

 

z)         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.

 

aa)       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.

 

bb)       Steps, Entrance:

 

1)         Out-of-Service – broken; rusted through.

 

2)         Warning – sagging; damaged ribbing; obstructed (i.e., any item that is blocking or partially blocking the steps).

 

cc)       Stop Signal Arm Panel (not applicable):

 

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

 

dd)      Suspension:

 

1)         Shocks:

 

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

 

B)        WARNING – leakage; loose mounting.

 

2)         Springs and Spring Components:

 

OUT-OF-SERVICE – any missing, broken, cracked, damaged or loose spring or spring component.

 

3)         Air

 

Out-of-Service – damaged; leaking air; not properly attached; not sitting level; rubbing on any part of the frame or body.

 

ee)       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.

 

ff)        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.

 

gg)       Window Glazing:

 

1)         Emergency Exits:

 

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).

 

hh)       Windshield Washer:

 

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

 

ii)         Windshield Wipers:

 

1)         OUT-OF-SERVICE − wipers do not operate properly; 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.

 

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

 

WARNING – broken; not on proper circuit; frayed; not securely attached; missing.

 

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