3301-83-20 General rules.

(A) The use of alcohol, nicotine products, and non-prescribed drugs is prohibited on the school bus.

(B) Firearms, ammunition, weapons, explosives or other dangerous materials or objects are prohibited on school buses. Animals are also prohibited, with the exception of those identified as service animals as defined by 28 CFR part 35.104 and CFR part 36.104 (October 11, 2016) .

(C) All buses shall be kept clean on the inside and on the outside. Front and rear windows, lights and mirrors should be clean and all markings clearly visible.

(D) The following equipment may be installed in a school bus: broom, snow brush, ice scraper, and trash container. All equipment must be properly secured.

(E) All buses shall be equipped with emergency assistance cards which list three telephone numbers to call. The cards shall provide space for describing the location of the school bus and the type of emergency.

(F) The school bus driver shall use the seat belt whenever the school bus is in motion.

(G) Identified route hazards shall be documented and provided to school bus drivers whose routes are affected. School bus drivers should report any such regular pedestrian or vehicular concerns as the following:

(1) Construction sites;

(2) Areas of poor visibility;

(3) Restricted sight distances;

(4) Railroad crossings.

(5) Other route hazards as noted by the school bus driver.

(H) Equipment such as music instruments, athletic uniforms, etc., which cannot be held by passengers in their seats, shall be stored in the rear of the bus. The placement of such items in the rear of the bus shall not displace students. When it is necessary to transport such equipment concurrently with pupils, space shall be provided to comply with this rule without having standees in the bus. Equipment required in the assistance of preschool and special needs children shall be safely and properly secured. A clear aisle to the exit door must be maintained at all times.

(I) Maximum hours. The school bus driver shall operate the bus for not more than ten hours in any one twenty-four- hour period. Operation means on-road driving. Layover time does not count as operating time.

(J) Fueling

(1) Buses shall not be fueled while the engine is running.

(2) Smoking shall not be permitted while fueling.

(3) Buses shall not be fueled with pupils on board.

(K) Except in cases of extreme-emergency, cellular telephones, including hands-free and wireless devices, or other portable communication devices shall not be used by the driver while the school bus is in motion or while the driver is supervising the loading or unloading of students.

(L) Medically necessary oxygen for students may be transported provided it is properly secured. The oxygen must be housed in portable units less than fifteen pounds total weight each. Guidelines for transporting oxygen will be developed and administered by the department .

(M) Districts shall adopt engine idling time policies that minimize the amount of time diesel engines shall be left idling. Diesel engine idling in excess of five minutes in school loading zones shall not be permitted unless the operation of a wheelchair lift is required.

Effective: 3/26/2020
Five Year Review (FYR) Dates: 1/10/2020 and 03/26/2025
Promulgated Under: 119.03
Statutory Authority: 3301.07, 3327.01, 4511.76
Rule Amplifies: 3301.07, 3327.01, 4511.76
Prior Effective Dates: 09/01/1970, 10/22/1984, 07/01/1991, 10/05/1998, 10/01/2004, 08/01/2007