Chapter Trans 300

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.

Trans 300.61(9) (9) Each school bus with an emergency exit shall have the exit identified as required in s. Trans 300.39.

Trans 300.61(9m) (9m) On or after August 1, 2016, each school bus equipped with an eight light warning system shall have contrasting black lettering indicating the word “STOP” centered on the rear emergency door panel in 8 x 1 inch minimum letters with the words “ON FLASHING RED” directly below and centered in 4 ½ x 1⁄2 inch minimum letters. When a rear emergency door is not present this lettering shall be placed in a visible location on the rear of the school bus body as close to the centerline as practicable. This lettering may be reflective material or have a reflective background. An optional driver alert message board may be used in lieu of the required lettering if utilizing a high intensity or LED lights that flash similar cautionary messages in two inch high minimum letters. Amber cautionary messages may flash when the hazard lights or amber warning lights are activated and a red warning message, similar to the required lettering, shall flash when the red warning lights are activated.

Trans 300.61(10) (10) The following signs are the only other decals, stickers, or lettering that may appear on the bus:

Trans 300.61(10)(a) (a) No smoking, eating or drinking, (maximum 2-inch high letters).

Trans 300.61(10)(b) (b) Any signs required by the federal bureau of motor carrier safety or national highway traffic safety administration.

Trans 300.61(10)(c) (c) Identification as to location of emergency equipment.

Trans 300.61(10)(d) (d) Seat belt use required in this vehicle.

Trans 300.61(10)(e) (e) A seating chart, which shall not exceed a maximum size of 8½ x 11 inches. Numbers designating rows may be placed above the windows on both sides. They shall be black, no taller than 2 inches. They shall be permanent and legible by either painting or decal placement. They shall not interfere with emergency door or window markings.

Trans 300.61(10)(f) (f) One page of rules pertaining to passenger conduct located in the drivers compartment above the windshield on the front bulkhead, which shall not exceed a maximum of 8½ x 11 inches.

Trans 300.61(10)(g) (g) Any decal denoting membership in an association dealing with school transportation. The decal shall be placed within 12 inches to the rear of service door and below window line. It may not exceed 36 square inches.

Trans 300.61(10)(gm) (gm) For vehicles powered by alternative fuels such as liquefied petroleum gas, compressed natural gas or electric propulsion a designator may be placed on a lower rear corner. This designator may also be on the right side and displayed below the window line in the panel to the rear of, and as close as possible to, the service door. If desired, this designator may also be displayed on the left side, below the driver’s window. It may not exceed 64 square inches and shall identify the alternative fuel used. A school bus that is utilizing an alternative fuel may have the manufacturer’s logo or background colored green.

Trans 300.61(10)(h) (h) A sign or lettering indicating the type of fuel used. This may be an industry recognized symbol as the background containing the appropriate lettering or abbreviation designating the type of fuel.

Trans 300.61(10)(i) (i) A placard, decal or other device, not to exceed 90 square inches in size, to identify the bus to the children.

Trans 300.61(10)(j) (j) Emergency telephone number may be placed in the driver’s compartment in accordance with the following criteria:

Trans 300.61(10)(j)1. 1. The device the numbers are displayed on may not exceed 5 inches by 7 inches and may include a current calendar.

Trans 300.61(10)(j)2. 2. Acceptable emergency telephone numbers: police, fire, rescue squad, school bus contractor, and school transportation director or administrator.

Trans 300.61(10)(k) (k) A legal disclaimer, not to exceed 5 x 7 inches, may be displayed in the drivers compartment to advise passengers that they may be video or audio recorded.

Trans 300.61(10)(L) (L) A United States flag decal or magnet, not to exceed 6 inches on any side, may be displayed in the drivers compartment provided it does not interfere with any operating controls or other safety signs and equipment. It shall not include any sayings or slogans and may not be placed on the mirror, visor, windshield or any other window.

Trans 300.61(10)(m) (m) A decal, sticker or lettering stating, “DO NOT USE THE LAST TWO SEATS UNLESS BUS IS FULL”, is permissible to be placed on the rear bulkheads. The letters are to be black and are not to exceed 2 inches high. They are to be permanent and legible by either painting or decal placement.

Trans 300.61 History History: Cr. Register, February, 1983, No. 326, eff. 3-1-83; am. (7), cr. (10) (gm), (j), r. (11), Register, February, 1995, No. 470, eff. 3-1-95; am. (7) and (10) (j) 1., Register, December, 1997, No. 504, eff. 1-1-98; CR 15-069: am. (2), (7), cr. (9m), am. (10) (e), (f), r. and recr. (10) (gm), am. (10) (h), cr. (10) (k) to (m); correction in (10) (k) made under s. 35.17, Stats., Register April 2016 No. 724, eff. 5-1-16.

Trans 300.62 Trans 300.62 Steering.

Trans 300.62(1) (1) Steering systems shall comply with 49 CFR 393.209. No changes may be made in the steering apparatus without the approval of the chassis manufacturer.

Trans 300.62(2) (2) There shall be a clearance of at least 2 inches between the steering wheel and the cowl, instrument panel, windshield, or any other surface.

Trans 300.62(3) (3) The steering components may not be loose, worn, or binding and steering stops shall be adjusted so the tire does not rub at any point. The steering wheel lash may not exceed that found in 49 CFR 393.209 (b).

Trans 300.62(4) (4) The power steering system may not leak nor shall the drive belt be cracked, frayed or worn.

Trans 300.62 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. (4), Register, December, 1997, No. 504, eff. 1-1-98.

Trans 300.63 Trans 300.63 Steps.

Trans 300.63(1) (1) The first step at the service door may not be more than 16 inches from the ground.

Trans 300.63(2) (2) The riser of any step may not be more than 15 inches. If there are 2 or more risers, they shall be approximately equal in height.

Trans 300.63(3) (3) The step may not protrude beyond the widest part of the body.

Trans 300.63(4) (4) Each step shall be covered with or constructed of nonskid material.

Trans 300.63(5) (5) All steps shall be enclosed to prevent the accumulation of ice or snow except the first step of a type A-II bus which may have an exposed step with a slip resistant surface.

Trans 300.63(6) (6) Each bus shall be equipped with a stepwell light which activates automatically upon opening of the service door to illuminate the steps. This light is not required to be operational during daylight hours. However, it must be in a working condition at all times.

Trans 300.63(7) (7) Each school bus shall be equipped with a grab handle at least 10 inches in length, located inside the service door entrance for providing assistance to enter or leave the bus.

Trans 300.63 History History: Cr. Register, February, 1983, No. 326, eff. 3-1-83; am. (2), (6), (7), Register, February, 1995, No. 470, eff. 3-1-95; am. (1), (2) and (5), Register, December, 1997, No. 504, eff. 1-1-98.

Trans 300.64 Trans 300.64 Stop signal arm.

Trans 300.64(1) (1) A stop signal arm which meets FMVSS 131 and SAE J1133 is required on every school bus painted with the yellow and black color scheme. The stop signal arm may not be extended until the bus is completely stopped.

Trans 300.64(2) (2) The stop signal arm shall be installed in such a manner that it cannot be activated unless the alternately flashing red lamps are in operation.

Trans 300.64(3) (3) The following specifications shall govern installation of the stop signal arm:

Trans 300.64(3)(a) (a) It shall be a metal, or material with strength at least equivalent to all-steel, as certified by the bus body manufacturer, octagon-shaped sign at least 18 inches wide and 18 inches long exclusive of the mounting bracket. All sheet metal parts shall be 16 gauge or heavier.

Trans 300.64(3)(b) (b) It shall have the word “STOP” on both sides in white letters at least 6 inches high and 7/8 inch wide on a bright red background. The outer edge shall have a white border at least 1⁄2 inch wide. All other parts of the assembly shall be painted black.

Trans 300.64(3)(c) (c) It shall be equipped with 2, 4–inch or larger, double faced alternating flashing red lamps to be mounted near the perimeter of the sign with a minimum of 12 inches spacing between lamp centers. These lamps shall be wired to the circuit of the flashing red warning lamps mounted on the front and rear of the bus. These lamps may be strobe lamps or light emitting diodes. In lieu of the 2 double faced alternating flashing red lamps, the stop signal arm may be equipped with red flashing, high visibility light–emitting diodes incorporated into the word “STOP,” in accordance with the requirements of sub. (3) (b).

Trans 300.64(4) (4) Reflectorizing of the sign shall be optional.

Trans 300.64(5) (5) The stop signal arm shall be mounted on the left side of bus as close to the driver’s window as practicable.

Trans 300.64(6) (6) The requirements of this section for the operation of the stop signal arm does not apply to school buses which are operated only in areas where use of the flashing red warning lights is not permitted.

Trans 300.64 History History: Cr. Register, February, 1983, No. 326, eff. 3-1-83; am. (1), (3) (c), (6), Register, February, 1995, No. 470, eff. 3-1-95; emerg. am. (3) (a) and (c), eff. 7-1-97; am. (1), (2) (3) (a), (c) and (6), Register, December, 1997, No. 504, eff. 1-1-98; CR 03-116: am. (2) and (3) (c) Register April 2004 No. 580, eff. 5-1-04.

Trans 300.65 Trans 300.65 Sunshield. Each school bus shall have an interior sunshield installed above the windshield. Each type A-I, B, C or D bus shall have one of a size not less than 6 by 16 inches.

Trans 300.65 History History: Cr. Register, February, 1983, No. 326, eff. 3-1-83; am. Register, December, No. 504, eff. 1-1-98.

Trans 300.66 Trans 300.66 Suspension system.

Trans 300.66(1) (1) 

Trans 300.66(1)(a) (a) The suspension system shall comply with the requirements in 49 CFR 393.207. The bus shall be equipped with front and rear shock absorbers.

Trans 300.66(1)(b) (b) The shock absorbers shall be maintained free of leaks and all mountings shall be in good working order.

Trans 300.66(2) (2) A school bus may not be operated with any broken springleaf or worn, loose, mislocated shackles or “U” bolts.

Trans 300.66 History History: Cr. Register, February, 1983, No. 326, eff. 3-1-83; renum. (1) to (3) to be (1) (a), (b) and (2) and am. (1) (a), Register, February, 1995, No. 470, eff. 3-1-95; am. (2), Register, December, 1997, No. 504, eff. 1-1-98.

Trans 300.67 Trans 300.67 Tires.

Trans 300.67(1) (1) The front tires shall have tread depth of at least 4/32-inch and rear tires shall have tread depth of at least 2/32-inch around the entire periphery measured at 2 points no less than 15 inches apart in any major tread groove.

Trans 300.67(2) (2) A school bus may not be operated with regrooved, recapped, or retreaded tires on the front wheels.

Trans 300.67(3) (3) A school bus may not be operated with cuts or chunks missing exposing the cord, recaps peeled loose or off, or showing an indication of ply separation.

Trans 300.67(4) (4) Tires of different size or ply rating may be used except that all tires on an axle must be the same size and type. Bias and radial tires may not be mixed.

Trans 300.67(5) (5) All tires shall be maintained to meet the manufacturer’s GAWR and GVWR.

Trans 300.67 History History: Cr. Register, February, 1983, No. 326, eff. 3-1-83; am. (4), Register, February, 1995, No. 470, eff. 3-1-95; am. (2) and (3), Register, December, 1997, No. 504, eff. 1-1-98.

Trans 300.68 Trans 300.68 Wheels.

Trans 300.68(1) (1) A bus may not be operated with any cracked rims, loose lug bolts or nuts or elongated stud holes.

Trans 300.68(2) (2) The wheel bearings may not have more than 1/4 inch free play when measured at the tire level.

Trans 300.68(3) (3) The following measurements are the maximum amount of play permitted in the king pins or ball joints when measured at the outside of the tire:

Trans 300.68(3)(a) (a) When the wheel diameter is 16 inches or less, not more than 1/4 inch play is permitted.