Chapter Trans 300

Trans 300.39(2) (2) Required emergency exits shall be designed to be opened from both the inside and the outside of the bus. Side emergency exit windows are exempt from this requirement.

Trans 300.39(3) (3) There may not be any obstructions in the aisles or inside of the door that would delay or hinder an orderly use of the emergency exit. Articles transported on non-occupied seats inside the bus shall be secured.

Trans 300.39(4) (4) Steps leading to an emergency door are prohibited.

Trans 300.39(5) (5) The upper and lower portion of the central rear emergency door shall be equipped with approved safety glass, the area of which shall be not less than 400 square inches in the upper portion and not less than 280 square inches in the lower portion. Van type buses are exempt from the requirement to have glazing in the lower part of the door. The left side emergency door shall be equipped with safety glass in the upper portion and the lower portion shall be of at least the same gauge metal as the body. The emergency door shall be hinged on the right side if it is in the rear of the bus and on the front side if it is in the left side and shall open only outward. Control of the emergency door from the driver’s seat shall not be permitted.

Trans 300.39(6) (6) The emergency doors shall be equipped with a slide bar, cam-operated latch which shall have a minimum stroke of one inch. The latch shall be equipped with an electric plunger-type switch connected with a distinctive signal audible to the driver, shall be automatically operated, shall clearly indicate the unlatching of the emergency door and may not have a cutoff switch installed in the circuit. The switch and its activating plunger shall be enclosed in a case, which will prevent tampering, and wires leading from the switch shall be concealed in the body. The switch shall be so installed that the plunger contacts the farthest edge of the slide bar in such a manner that any movement of the slide bar will immediately close the circuit and activate the signal. The door latch shall be equipped with an interior handle which shall be capable of quick release but shall be protected against accidental release. The handle shall lift up to release the latch. The outside handle shall be such as to minimize hitching and shall be securely attached.

Trans 300.39(7) (7) If locks are installed on the emergency door they shall include a device to prevent the activating of the starter mechanism of the bus engine while any door is locked. An audio alarm shall indicate to the driver when any door lock is in the locked position while the ignition switch is in the “on” position. Any locking device on a school bus manufactured after July 1, 1977 or installed on any school bus after July 1, 1977 shall comply with these requirements.

Trans 300.39(8) (8) A rear emergency window at least 16 inches in height and as wide as practicable shall be provided in any bus where the emergency door is not in the rear. It shall be hinged at the top and designed to prevent accidental closing in an emergency. A positive latch on the inside of the window shall provide for quick release, but offer protection against accidental release. The outside handle shall be nondetachable and designed to minimize hitching.

Trans 300.39(9) (9) The inside of each emergency window shall have the designation “Emergency Exit”. An emergency door shall be identified with either the words “Emergency Exit” or “Emergency Door” on the inside at the top of, or above the door. Directly beneath or above each “Emergency Door” or “Emergency Exit” designation specified by this section a label shall state in letters at least one inch high, “DO NOT BLOCK” in a color that contrasts with the background of the label. Concise operating instructions shall be located within 6 inches of the release mechanism. When a release mechanism is not located within an occupant space of an adjacent seat, a label that indicates the location of the nearest mechanism shall be placed within that occupant space. The outside of the emergency door shall be clearly marked “Emergency Door” or “Emergency Exit” in letters 2 inches high at the top of, or above the door or immediately below the upper glass. An arrow at least 6 inches long and 3/4 inch in width indicating the direction the release mechanism should be turned to open the door shall be painted in black on the yellow background. The outside of the emergency window shall be labeled “Emergency Exit” in letters at least 2 inches high, directly above the window or on the window glazing. There may not be any labeling on the glazing indicating emergency door. Labeling or operating instructions may be located on the glazing of emergency window exits as long as the labeling or instructions are clearly visible inside and outside the vehicle.

Trans 300.39(10) (10) A distinctive audible signal automatically operated shall clearly indicate to the driver the unlatching of any emergency window and no cutoff switch shall be installed in the circuit.

Trans 300.39(11) (11) The area on the inside above the emergency door shall be covered with padding at least 2 inches high the entire width of the door opening.

Trans 300.39(12) (12) If the bus has a side emergency door, there shall be a clear, unrestricted area to permit an exit aisle of 12 inches from the center aisle of the bus without having to go over any obstructing seat. The 12-inch measurement may be taken at any position from floor to roof. The intent of this subsection is to provide a 12-inch unrestricted aisle to and through the side emergency door.

Trans 300.39(13) (13) Type A-II buses manufactured in 2 stages shall provide emergency exits as required for larger vehicles.

Trans 300.39(14) (14) In addition to side and rear emergency exits, doors, or windows, one or more roof hatches may be installed provided they meet all requirements specified in FMVSS 217. In addition to the audible warning required on emergency doors by FMVSS 217, additional emergency exits shall be likewise protected as indicated in s. Trans 300.39 (10).

Trans 300.39 History History: Cr. Register, February, 1983, No. 326, eff. 3-1-83; am. (1), (2), (6), (9), r. and recr. (14), Register, February, 1995, No. 470, eff. 3-1-95; am. (2), (3), (9) and (13), Register, December, 1997, No. 504, eff. 1-1-98; CR 15-069: am. (9) Register April 2016 No. 724, eff. 5-1-16.

Trans 300.40 Trans 300.40 Exhaust system.

Trans 300.40(1) (1) The exhaust system, which includes the exhaust manifolds, joining gaskets, piping leading from the exhaust manifold, muffler and tail pipe may not enter the bus body at any location. The exhaust system pipes shall be of nonflexible steel except that those buses which utilize a diesel engine may be equipped with a flexible pipe of not more than 18 inches long between the engine and the first exhaust pipe hanger. Stainless steel bellows assemblies are allowed. School buses with 2007 EPA or newer diesel engines, subject to emissions standards in 40 CFR 86.007-11, may have flexible tubing at original manufactured locations and if replaced must meet or exceed manufacturer specifications.

Trans 300.40(1m) (1m) School buses equipped with an EPA 2007 or newer diesel engine, which is subject to emissions standards in 40 CFR 86.007-11, shall maintain or exceed original specifications equipped by the manufacturer and shall discharge exhaust to the rear or left side of the school bus.

Trans 300.40(2) (2) An exhaust system that has its exit on the left side shall have the exit point located no further forward than behind the driver’s position.

Trans 300.40(3) (3) An exhaust system, that is not an EPA 2007 or newer diesel engine, subject to emissions standards in 40 CFR 86.007-11, may discharge out of the right if located behind the rear wheels.

Trans 300.40(4) (4) An exhaust system that exits at the rear shall extend to, but not beyond, the rear limit of the bumper.

Trans 300.40(5) (5) Every exhaust system exit shall extend to, but not over one inch beyond the body limits of the bus. The exhaust shall be directed to prevent an accumulation of exhaust gases underneath the bus.

Trans 300.40(5m) (5m) Buses equipped with diesel engines may be equipped with a turn-down exhaust pipe. The turn-down exhaust pipe may not exceed 6 inches forward of the rearmost part of the bus.

Trans 300.40(6) (6) The complete exhaust system shall be tightly connected and free from leaks.

Trans 300.40(7) (7) All emission control systems, components and parts shall be maintained in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications.

Trans 300.40(8) (8) School buses operated in interstate commerce shall comply with 49 CFR 393.83, exhaust system location.

Trans 300.40 History History: Cr. Register, February, 1983, No. 326, eff. 3-1-83; am. (1), (5), cr. (5m), (7), (8), Register, February, 1995, No. 470, eff. 3-1-95; am. (1) and (5m), Register, December, 1997, No. 504, eff. 1-1-98; CR 15-069: am. (1), cr. (1m), am. (3) Register April 2016 No. 724, eff. 5-1-15.

Trans 300.41 Trans 300.41 Fire extinguisher.

Trans 300.41(1) (1) Each bus shall be equipped with a fire extinguisher mounted in full view in the driver’s compartment or mounted inside a compartment in the driver’s area if the compartment is in plain view and is labeled “Fire Extinguisher” in red letters to indicate its location.

Trans 300.41(2) (2) The fire extinguisher may be locked or kept in a locked compartment provided it is not locked when passengers are being transported.

Trans 300.41(3) (3) Any fire extinguisher purchased after July 1, 1977, or utilized on a bus that was manufactured after January 1, 1978, shall utilize dry powder or Halon 1211. The fire extinguisher shall be 10 BC rating or a combination of 2 extinguishers with a total of at least 10 BC rating. Any bus manufactured after January 1, 1984, shall use only a single extinguisher.

Trans 300.41(4) (4) Each extinguisher shall be kept fully charged and sealed.

Trans 300.41 History History: Cr. Register, February, 1983, No. 326, eff. 3-1-83; am. (1), (3), r. (5), Register, February, 1995, No. 470, eff. 3-1-95.

Trans 300.42 Trans 300.42 First aid kit.

Trans 300.42(1) (1) Each school bus shall carry a first aid kit. The container shall be moistureproof and dustproof and of rigid construction. The kit shall be mounted in full view in the driver’s compartment, or it may be placed in an enclosed unlocked compartment in the driver’s area providing the compartment is labeled “FIRST AID KIT” or marked with a red cross emblem in plain view indicating the location of the kit. The kit shall be removable without the use of any tools or keys.

Trans 300.42(2) (2) School buses shall carry a 16 unit kit or larger containing at least the following items:

Trans 300.42(3) (3) All units shall be in sanitized packages.

Trans 300.42 History History: Cr. Register, February, 1983, No. 326, eff. 3-1-83; am. (2), r. (3), (4), renum. (5) to (3), Register, February, 1995, No. 470, eff. 3-1-95.

Trans 300.43 Trans 300.43 Fenders. Each school bus shall provide protection from debris thrown by the tires by the use of fenders or body construction. The tire tread shall be within the fender or body construction.

Trans 300.43 History History: Cr. Register, February, 1983, No. 326, eff. 3-1-83.

Trans 300.44 Trans 300.44 Floor covering.

Trans 300.44(1) (1) The floor in the underseat, driver’s compartment, step-well and the toeboard areas, including the tops of the wheel housings, shall be covered with a fire-resistant material.

Trans 300.44(2) (2) Type A-II buses shall have the floor covering secured so it cannot shift. The edges and seams shall be secured. The covering shall be of a slip resistant material.

Trans 300.44(3) (3) Type A-I, B, C or D school buses shall have floor covering on the total floor area. The aisle, step-well and entrance shall be of slip resistant rubber type material or equivalent material as certified by the manufacturer, when either wet or dry. The covering may not be cracked and shall be securely bonded or fastened to the floor. All seams shall be sealed.

Trans 300.44 History History: Cr. Register, February, 1983, No. 326, eff. 3-1-83; am. (1), (3), Register, February, 1995, No. 470, eff. 3-1-95; am. (2) and (3), Register, December, 1997, No. 504, No. 1-1-98.

Trans 300.45 Trans 300.45 Frame.

Trans 300.45(1) (1) Alterations to the frame side members may only be made by the chassis or body manufacturer.

Trans 300.45(2) (2) Holes are not permitted except where originally provided in the chassis frame. There may be no welding to the frame except by the chassis or body manufacturer.

Trans 300.45 History History: Cr. Register, February, 1983, No. 326, eff. 3-1-83; am. (2), Register, December, 1997, No. 504, eff. 1-1-98.

Trans 300.46 Trans 300.46 Fuel tank and fuel system integrity.

Trans 300.46(1) (1) All fuel systems and tanks must be maintained free of leaks. The fuel tank shall be attached to the bus in a manner that prevents any movement of the tank while the bus is in motion.

Trans 300.46(2) (2) All fuel lines shall be secured in a manner that will prevent wear.

Trans 300.46(3) (3) The filler pipe or device shall be located so that the fuel, if spilled or overfilled, will not drip or drain on any part of the exhaust system.

Trans 300.46(4) (4) Every fuel system shall be properly vented to prevent any accumulation of fumes.

Trans 300.46(5) (5) The fuel systems and tanks shall meet FMVSS 301, fuel system integrity, and all other federal and state standards and regulations applicable for the type of fuel used at the time of manufacture.

Trans 300.46 History History: Cr. Register, February, 1983, No. 326, eff. 3-1-83; am. (5), Register, February, 1995, No. 470, eff. 3-1-95.

Trans 300.47 Trans 300.47 Heaters.

Trans 300.47(1) (1) An inside temperature of not less than 50° fahrenheit at average minimum January temperatures as established by the U.S. department of commerce, weather bureau, for the area in which the bus is to be operated shall be maintained throughout the bus.

Trans 300.47(2) (2) The heater hose shall be adequately supported to guard against excessive wear or abrasion and may not interfere with or restrict the operation of any engine function. Heater lines inside the passenger compartment shall be shielded to prevent accidental contact by the driver or passengers.

Trans 300.47 History History: Cr. Register, February, 1983, No. 326, eff. 3-1-83; am. (2), Register, December, 1997, No. 504, eff. 1-1-98.

Trans 300.48 Trans 300.48 Horn. Every bus used to transport pupils shall be equipped with a horn in good working order and capable of emitting a sound audible under normal traffic from a distance of not less than 200 feet.

Trans 300.48 History History: Cr. Register, February, 1983, No. 326, eff. 3-1-83.

Trans 300.49 Trans 300.49 Inside height.

Trans 300.49(1) (1) The inside height of the school bus shall be 72 inches or more, measured metal to metal, at any point on longitudinal center line from front vertical bow to rear vertical bow.

Trans 300.49(2) (2) Type A-II school buses need not comply with this section.

Trans 300.49 History History: Cr. Register, February, 1983, No. 326, eff. 3-1-83; am. (2), Register, December, 1997, No. 504, eff. 1-1-98.

Trans 300.50 Trans 300.50 Insulation. The ceilings and walls of buses manufactured in 2 stages and all type A-I, B, C and D buses shall be insulated to reduce heat and cold transfer.

Trans 300.50 History History: Cr. Register, February, 1983, No. 326, eff. 3-1-83; am. Register, December, 1997, No. 504, eff. 1-1-98.

Trans 300.51 Trans 300.51 Instruments, gauges.

Trans 300.51(1) (1) Every school bus shall be equipped with the following illuminated instruments to indicate malfunctions or gauges to indicate a measure or capacity:

Trans 300.51(1)(a) (a) Air pressure or vacuum, where air or vacuum brakes are used with low energy supply warning systems.

Trans 300.51(1)(b) (b) Ammeter or voltmeter.

Trans 300.51(1)(c) (c) Fuel gauge.

Trans 300.51(1)(d) (d) Odometer and speedometer.

Trans 300.51(1)(e) (e) Oil pressure.

Trans 300.51(1)(f) (f) Coolant temperature.

Trans 300.51(2) (2) All instruments and gauges shall be in operating condition and shall be mounted so as to be clearly visible to the seated driver.

Trans 300.51 History History: Cr. Register, February, 1983, No. 326, eff. 3-1-83; am. (1) (a), (c), (d), (f), Register, February, 1995, No. 470, eff. 3-1-95.

Trans 300.52 Trans 300.52 Interior.

Trans 300.52(1) (1) Every school bus shall have a fire resistant inner lining on the ceilings and walls. The interior rearward metal panels shall be lapped over forward panels to reduce the likelihood of injury in the event of separation. The exposed edges of all interior panels shall be beaded, hemmed or flanged.

Trans 300.52(2) (2) Projections from the ceiling may not be allowed in the entrance way or aisle. Except for the driver’s compartment, all speakers and accessory lighting devices shall be flush mounted or may extend up to one inch if edges are rounded or tapered. Accessory lighting shall be maintained in proper working condition.

Trans 300.52(3) (3) A convex mirror may be mounted on the inside rear of the school bus.

Trans 300.52 History History: Cr. Register, February, 1983, No. 326, eff. 3-1-83; am. (2), cr. (3), Register, February, 1995, No. 470, eff. 3-1-95; am. (2), Register, December, 1997, No. 504, eff. 1-1-98.

Trans 300.53 Trans 300.53 Ladders. A school bus may not have a ladder attached to the interior or exterior while it is in motion.

Trans 300.53 History History: Cr. Register, February, 1983, No. 326, eff. 3-1-83; am. Register, December, 1997, No. 504, eff. 1-1-98.

Trans 300.54 Trans 300.54 Lights, lamps, and reflectors.

Trans 300.54(1) (1) The following lights, lamps, and reflectors are required on a school bus. Each lamp shall be operational and meet the applicable SAE specifications as provided in this section.

Trans 300.54(1)(a) (a) A school bus painted in accordance with s. 347.44 (1), Stats., shall be equipped with alternating flashing lights which conform to the following requirements:

Trans 300.54(1)(a)1. 1. The bus shall be equipped with 2 red warning lamps at the rear of the bus and 2 red warning lamps at the front of the bus, which shall be controlled by a manually actuated switch and shall flash alternately at rate of 60 to 120 cycles per minute. A brake or door operated switch is not permitted. The “on” period shall be long enough to permit bulb filament to come to full brightness. Two additional red warning lamps to the front and 2 to the rear may be installed inboard and at the same level as the required lamps. If so equipped, the system of red warning lamps shall be of equal size and wired so that the inboard lamps are energized manually. The outboard lamps shall be automatically energized and the inboard lamps automatically de-energized when the stop signal arm is extended.

Trans 300.54(1)(a)1.a. a. An option is permitted whereby 2 additional alternating flashing red lights may be mounted on both the front and rear of the bus. The additional front facing lights shall be located between the bottom of the windshield and the top of the highest headlamp. They may be mounted on the fender or the cowl.