Chapter Trans 300

Trans 300.54(1)(a)12. 12. Vehicles painted other than glossy yellow are prohibited from having the alternating amber and red flashing warning lights mounted on the vehicle except as otherwise provided by statute.

Trans 300.54(1)(am) (am) Each school bus first registered on or after October 1, 1998, shall be equipped with a strobe light that conforms to the following requirements:

Trans 300.54(1)(am)1. 1. The strobe light shall be of solid state construction. It shall emit a white light by flashing, not rotating, 360 degrees around the vertical axis.

Trans 300.54(1)(am)2. 2. The strobe light shall be capable of operating continuously without any significant change in the flash rate under all operating conditions or weather extremes experienced in this state. The flash rate shall be no less than 60 nor more than 120 per minute. The double flash effect shall be counted as a single flash.

Trans 300.54(1)(am)3. 3. The electronic power supply circuit shall provide a minimum of 10 joules to the strobe tube. The flash shall be so designed that there is a single or double flash or pulsing of the flash tube. A double flash unit may have different intensities with the first flash having the highest intensity.

Trans 300.54(1)(am)4. 4. The strobe light shall be permanently mounted on the centerline of the bus roof not less than 3 feet from the front or rear of the bus. A strobe unit may not extend more than 8 inches above the roof.

Trans 300.54(1)(am)5. 5. The unit may be wired with an independent switch with an indicator light in the driver’s compartment showing when the light is in operation.

Trans 300.54(1)(am)6. 6. The strobe light shall be actuated whenever the bus is in operation on a highway for purposes specified in s. 340.01 (56) (a) and (am), Stats., and may be actuated when the bus is in operation on a highway and is transporting children for any other purpose.

Trans 300.54(1)(b) (b) Two backup lamps shall be provided which shall conform to SAE J593e.

Trans 300.54(1)(c) (c) There shall be 2 red clearance lamps on the rear and 2 amber clearance lamps on the front, mounted as high and wide as practicable to indicate the vehicle’s extreme width. Buses less than 80 inches wide are exempt from this paragraph.

Trans 300.54(1)(d) (d) The bus shall be equipped with direction or turn signal lamps.

Trans 300.54(1)(d)1. 1. There shall be at or near the front, facing forward, one amber turn signal light on each side of the vertical centerline mounted at the same height, as wide as practicable. The bus may be equipped with signals mounted in the body or chassis. If not equipped with body or chassis mounted front turn signals, double faced signals shall be installed either on the fender or hood and shall be as wide as practicable. Mounting of double faced signals may not be higher than the bottom of the windshield or lower than the headlamps.

Trans 300.54(1)(d)2. 2. There shall be on the rear, one red or amber signal on each side of the vertical centerline as wide as practicable mounted at the same height.

Trans 300.54(1)(d)3. 3. Rear turn signals shall be mounted no less than 15 inches nor more than 83 inches above the roadway.

Trans 300.54(1)(d)4. 4. Both the front and the rear direction signals shall comply with SAE J588f.

Trans 300.54(1)(d)5. 5. An auxiliary side mounted signal shall be installed on the sides of the body at approximately seat level, rub rail height, just to the rear of the service door on the right side and approximately opposite the driver’s seat on the left side. These shall operate in conjunction with the turn signals. This subdivision applies to school buses of 30 feet or more in length. These lamps shall comply with SAE J914b.

Trans 300.54(1)(e) (e) Each bus shall be equipped with a 4-way hazard warning operating unit which shall operate independently of the ignition or equivalent switch and when activated shall cause the turn signal lamps to flash simultaneously.

Trans 300.54(1)(f) (f) The headlamps shall comply with SAE J579c.

Trans 300.54(1)(g) (g) Each bus shall be equipped with a light designed to indicate when the high beam headlamps are lit and located to be visible to the driver.

Trans 300.54(1)(h) (h) Each bus, 80 or more inches wide, shall be equipped with 3 amber identification lamps to the front and 3 red identification lamps to the rear with lamp centers no less than 6 inches nor more than 12 inches apart. No part of the front lamp or mountings shall be below the top of the bus windshield.

Trans 300.54(1)(i) (i) Each bus, 30 feet or more in length, shall be equipped with intermediate side marker lamps meeting SAE J592f mounted no less than 15 inches above the road surface and at or near mid-point between the front and rear side marker lamps.

Trans 300.54(1)(j) (j) Each bus shall have a license plate lamp to illuminate the rear license plate. The lamp shall meet the standards of SAE J587.

Trans 300.54(1)(k) (k) Each bus shall be equipped with side marker lights. One amber lamp shall be located on the side as far forward as possible and one red lamp shall be located as far rearward as practicable. The lamps shall conform to SAE J592.

Trans 300.54(1)(L) (L) There shall be 2 red stop lamps meeting the requirements of SAE J586 mounted on the rear, one on each side of the vertical centerline at the same height and as far apart as practicable. Type A–I, B, C or D buses shall be equipped with lamps at least 7 inches in diameter or with at least 38 square inches of surface area if not round. The stop lamps shall activate upon application of the service brakes.

Trans 300.54(1)(m) (m) There shall be 2 red tail lamps meeting the requirements of SAE J585e mounted on the rear, one on each side of the vertical centerline at the same height and as far apart as practicable. The tail lamps shall activate in conjunction with the headlamps. Two additional tail lamps may be utilized and incorporated in the stop lamp described in par. (L).

Trans 300.54(1)(n) (n) There shall be reflex reflectors mounted on the bus located as follows:

Trans 300.54(1)(n)1. 1. On the rear, 2 red reflectors equally spaced as far apart from the center as practicable.

Trans 300.54(1)(n)2. 2. On the side, 2 reflectors; one amber at or near the front and one red at or near the rear.

Trans 300.54(1)(n)3. 3. On the side of buses 30 feet or more in length, one amber reflector located at or near the center.

Trans 300.54(1)(n)4. 4. Each reflector shall be mounted no less than 15 inches nor more than 60 inches above the road surface.

Trans 300.54(2) (2) Noncontrasting reflective tape or sheeting may be used on a school bus as an additional warning device.

Trans 300.54(3) (3) Any lamp, light, or reflector shall be replaced only with a unit meeting the standards of this section.

Trans 300.54(4) (4) School buses painted as provided in s. 347.44, Stats., and registered prior to October 1, 1998, may be equipped with a strobe light meeting the requirements of sub. (1) (am).

Trans 300.54 History History: Cr. Register, February, 1983, No. 326, eff. 3-1-83; am. (1) (intro.), (a) 1. intro., b., 2., 11., 12., (c), (d) 1., 5., (e), (h) to (m), (2), (4) (c), (d), Register, February, 1995, No. 470, eff. 3-1-95; am. (1) (a) 1. intro., b., 3. and 9., (d) 1., (L) and (4) (a), Register, December, 1997, No. 504, eff. 1-1-98; cr. (1) (am) (intro.), 6. and (4), r. (4) (intro.), renum. (4) (a) to (d) to be (1) (am) 1. to 4, renum. and am. (4) (e) to be (1) (am) 5., Register, April, 1999, No. 520, eff. 5-1-99; CR 03-116: am. (1) (a) 1. c., 2., 9., (d) 1. and (L) Register April 2004 No. 580, eff. 5-1-04; CR 15-069: am. (1) (intro.), (a) (intro.), cr. (1) (a) 1. d., 1m., am. (1) (a) 2., 4. to 10., 12., (am) (intro.), 1. Register April 2016 No. 724, eff. 5-1-16; correction in (1) (a) (intro.) made under s. 35.17, Stats. Register April 2016 No. 724.

Trans 300.55 Trans 300.55 Mirrors.

Trans 300.55(1) (1) School bus mirrors shall comply with the requirements in 49 CFR 571.111 and FMVSS 111. In addition, type A-I, B, C or D buses shall comply with the following:

Trans 300.55(1)(a) (a) There shall be one interior rearview mirror of at least 6 by 30 inches. The mirror shall be so constructed that the corners are rounded and the edges are smooth or protected.

Trans 300.55(1)(b) (b) An optional convex mirror may be mounted on the inside rear of the school bus.

Trans 300.55(1)(c) (c) There shall be 2 outside rearview mirrors, one to the right and one to the left of the driver. Each mirror shall have not less than 50 square inches of unobstructed reflective surface and shall be firmly supported and adjustable to give the driver a clear view past both the right and left rear of the bus.

Trans 300.55(1)(d) (d) There shall be an adjustable convex mirror or equivalent “banana type mirror” mounted on the right side to provide an additional close-in field of vision from the front of the bus rearward. This mirror may be mounted on the bracket required for the cross view mirror. The mirror required in this paragraph shall be independently adjustable. It shall have at least a 7 inch diameter face.

Trans 300.55(2) (2) Type A-II buses shall have an interior and 2 exterior rearview mirrors, one on the right and one on the left side of the bus capable of reflecting a view past the rear of the bus. Mirrors may not have sharp corners or edges.

Trans 300.55(3) (3) All buses shall be equipped with 2, 7-inch diameter convex mirrors or an equivalent “banana type mirror” which shall be mounted on the right and left sides in such a manner that the driver may observe a reflection of the road from beneath the front bumper forward to a point where direct observation is possible through each mirror.

Trans 300.55(4) (4) Each mirror required in this section may not be broken, cracked or discolored.

Trans 300.55 History History: Cr. Register, February, 1983, No. 326, eff. 3-1-83; am. (1) (intro.), (3), renum. (1) (b) and (c) to be (1) (c) and (d) and am., cr. (1) (b), Register, February 1995, No. 470, eff. 3-1-95; am. (1) (intro.), (2) and (4), Register, December, 1997, No. 504, eff. 1-1-98.

Trans 300.56 Trans 300.56 Mounting of body.

Trans 300.56(1) (1) The chassis frame for body-on-chassis type buses shall extend to the rear edge of the rear body cross member. Insulating material used at body to frame contact points shall be so attached that it will remain in position under any anticipated maintenance or bus operating conditions.

Trans 300.56(2) (2) The body shall be securely fastened to the chassis frame. Every body attachment device shall be securely fastened and maintained with proper tension.

Trans 300.56 History History: Cr. Register, February, 1983, No. 326, eff. 3-1-83.

Trans 300.57 Trans 300.57 Openings.

Trans 300.57(1) (1) All openings in the floorboard or firewall, between chassis and passenger compartment, such as for the gear shift lever and auxiliary brake lever, shall be sealed to prevent fumes or foreign material from entering the passenger compartment.

Trans 300.57(2) (2) Every school bus shall be free of rusted or deteriorated areas which could permit the entrance of foreign substance into the interior of the vehicle.

Trans 300.57 History History: Cr. Register, February, 1983, No. 326, eff. 3-1-83.

Trans 300.58 Trans 300.58 Rub rails.

Trans 300.58(1) (1) Every bus shall contain a rub rail located at seat cushion level. Except at the emergency door, rear compartment or special service door, the seat cushion level rub rail shall extend from the rear side of the service door completely around the bus body, to a point of curvature near the front of the body on the left side. On a type A-II bus, the seat cushion level rub rail is not required to extend around the rear corners of the bus and may terminate at the radii of the right and left rear corners.

Trans 300.58(2) (2) There shall be one floor line rub rail. This rub rail shall be located in an area so that the center of the rub rail is located at or between the following points:

Trans 300.58(2)(a) (a) No more than 7 inches above the top of the steel floor, or

Trans 300.58(2)(b) (b) No more than 5 inches below the top of the steel floor. The floor line rub rail shall extend over the same longitudinal distance as the seat level rub rail, except where it meets the wheel housing, fuel filler caps, fuel fill doors, side marker lights and may terminate at the radii of the right and left rear corners.

Trans 300.58(3) (3) Rub rails shall be constructed of 16 gauge longitudinally corrugated or ribbed steel, or material with strength at least equivalent to all-steel, as certified by the bus body manufacturer, of 4-inch minimum width, flange to flange. Each rub rail flange shall be attached at each body post and all other upright structural members.

Trans 300.58(4) (4) Rub rails that are pressed in or snapped on do not meet the requirements of this section and are not permitted.

Trans 300.58(5) (5) Rub rails applied to transit type buses with the engine in the rear may terminate at the forward edge of the engine compartment.

Trans 300.58 History History: Cr. Register, February, 1983, No. 326, eff. 3-1-83; am. (1), (2), r. (6), Register, February, 1995, No. 470, eff. 3-1-95; am. (1) and (3), Register, December, 1997, No. 504, eff. 1-1-98.

Trans 300.59 Trans 300.59 Seating.

Trans 300.59(1) (1) All seats shall be forward facing and securely fastened to that part or parts of the body which support them. Passenger seat cushions shall be fastened to prevent the cushions from disengaging from the seat frames in event of an accident. There shall be a minimum space of 24 inches between the forward surface of a seat back and the rear surface of the seat or barrier ahead measured across the seat cushion without depressing any surface. The forward surface of seat backs may have side bolsters that briefly reduce the width to less than 24 inches provided the remainder of the seat measures at least 24 inches.

Trans 300.59(2) (2) The forwardmost seat on the right side of the bus shall be located so as not to interfere with the driver’s vision.

Trans 300.59(3) (3) A minimum of 36 inches of headroom for the sitting position above the top of the undepressed cushion line of all seats shall be provided. The measurement shall be made vertically not more than 11 inches from the side wall at cushion height and at the fore and aft center of the cushion.

Trans 300.59(4) (4) 

Trans 300.59(4)(a) (a) The backs of seats of similar size shall be of the same width at the top and of the same height from the floor and shall slant at the same angle with the floor. The top corners, and at least 10 inches of the top of the back surface of the seat backs shall be padded sufficiently to reduce the likelihood of injury upon impact. Seat cushions and seat backs may not have any torn or worn-through covering material.

Trans 300.59(4)(b) (b) The seat back of the rearmost seat shall be of the same dimension as the seat immediately forward. Failure to comply with this standard will result in the loss of one seating position, or 2 seating positions if this situation occurs in both rows, when determining the capacity of the bus. This requirement shall apply only to type A-I, B, C or D school buses manufactured after January 1, 1984.

Trans 300.59(5) (5) Fold down, fold up or reclining seats or seat backs is not permitted in a school bus except as allowed in s. Trans 300.33 (3).

Trans 300.59(6) (6) A child restraint seat may be installed in place of a standard seat. The replacement seat shall meet all of the requirements in this section, except that the seat back may exceed the seat height of the remaining bus seats by not more than 4 inches.

Trans 300.59 History History: Cr. Register, February, 1983, No. 326, eff. 3-1-83; am. (4) (b), (5), cr. (6), Register, February, 1995, No. 470, eff. 3-1-95; am. (4) and (5), Register, December, 1997, No. 504, eff. 1-1-98; CR 03-116: am. (1) Register April 2004 No. 580, eff. 5-1-04.

Trans 300.60 Trans 300.60 Service door.

Trans 300.60(1) (1) The service door shall be under control of the driver and so designed as to prevent accidental opening. When a hand lever is used, no parts shall come together so as to shear or crush any fingers.

Trans 300.60(2) (2) The service door shall be located on the right side of the bus and within the view of the driver.

Trans 300.60(3) (3) The service door shall have a minimum horizontal opening of 24 inches and a minimum vertical opening of 68 inches.

Trans 300.60(4) (4) The upper and lower glass panels of the service door shall be of safety glass. The bottom of the lower glass panel may not be more than 35 inches from the ground when the bus is unloaded. The top of the upper glass panel may not be more than 6 inches from the top of door. The upper glass panel shall be of insulated glass or of a thermo electric design that performs at least as well as insulated glass.

Trans 300.60(5) (5) Any lock used in conjunction with the service door must be constructed to insure that the door is not in the locked position while transporting passengers.

Trans 300.60(6) (6) The service door shall be equipped with a seal to prevent dust and cold air from entering the vehicle.

Trans 300.60(7) (7) Type A-II buses need not comply with subs. (3) and (4).

Trans 300.60 History History: Cr. Register, February, 1983, No. 326, eff. 3-1-83; am. (4), (5), r. (8), Register, February, 1995, No. 470, eff. 3-1-95; am. (4) and (7), Register, December, 1997, No. 504, eff. 1-1-98; CR 03-116: am. (4) Register April 2004 No. 580, eff. 5-1-04.

Trans 300.61 Trans 300.61 Signs and lettering.

Trans 300.61(1) (1) Only signs and lettering approved by state law or rule shall appear on or in the bus.

Trans 300.61(2) (2) The body shall bear words “School Bus” in black letters at least 8 inches high and one-inch stroke on both front and rear or on yellow signs attached thereto. The lettering shall be placed above the rear window and the front windshield. This lettering shall only appear on buses painted the yellow and black school bus colors and meeting all the requirements of this chapter.

Trans 300.61(3) (3) Each school bus painted the yellow and black color scheme shall have a fleet number consisting of no more than 4 digits. The fleet number shall appear on the front and the rear of the bus. Additional fleet number locations may be utilized at the owner’s option.

Trans 300.61(4) (4) Fleet numbers shall be no less than 3 inches nor more than 6 inches high with a 1⁄2 inch brush stroke.

Trans 300.61(5) (5) Fleet numbers are prohibited in the black area around the alternately flashing red lights.

Trans 300.61(6) (6) The name and address (and telephone number, if desired) of the owner or operator shall be displayed below the window line in the panel to the rear of, and as close as possible to, the service door in letters not less than 2 inches high nor more than 3 inches high by 1⁄4 inch stroke. If desired, this marking may also be painted on the left side of the bus below the driver’s window. Owner’s decals may be used to comply with this subsection if the decals do not violate other provisions of this section.

Trans 300.61(7) (7) The name of the school bus firm may appear on the sides of the bus between the seat line rub rail and the bottom window line in contrasting yellow or black letters not more than 10 inches high. The owner’s name may also appear on the rear bumper in school bus yellow. The lettering may not exceed 6 inches in height with a 1⁄2 inch brush stroke. These options do not relieve the owner or operator from the requirements of sub. (6).

Trans 300.61(8) (8) The vehicle’s registration card or a photocopy of the card shall be displayed in the driver’s compartment and shall be mounted in a holder so the card can be read without removal. The passenger capacity shall appear on the inside of the bus above the front windshield so it can be easily read. It shall indicate the number of seated passengers that may legally be transported. Each wheelchair position shall be counted as a seated passenger.