Rule 3301-83-20 | General rules.
(A) For purposes of this paragraph, "vehicle(s)" means school buses and motor vans, as defined in rule 3301-83-19 and rule 3301-83-04 of the Administrative Code.
(1) The use of alcohol, nicotine products, or any cigarette, tobacco, alternative to nicotine product, vapor product, or electronic smoking device, as those terms are defined in section 2927.02 of the Revised Code, and non-prescribed drugs is prohibited in the vehicle.
(2) 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 C.F.R. 35.104 and C.F.R. 36.104.
(3) All vehicles will 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.
(4) The following equipment may be installed or stored in the vehicle: broom, snow brush, ice scraper, and trash container. All equipment will be properly secured.
(5) All vehicles will be equipped with emergency assistance cards which list three telephone numbers to call. The cards are to provide space for describing the location of the vehicle and the type of emergency.
(6) The vehicle driver will use the seat belt whenever the vehicle is in motion.
(7) Identified route hazards will be documented and provided to vehicle drivers whose routes are affected. Vehicle drivers should report any such regular pedestrian or vehicular concerns as the following:
(a) Construction sites;
(b) Areas of poor visibility;
(c) Restricted sight distances;
(d) Railroad crossings.
(e) Other route hazards as noted by the vehicle driver.
(8) Fueling
(a) Vehicles will not be fueled while the engine is running.
(b) Smoking will not be permitted while fueling.
(c) Vehicles will not be fueled with pupils on board.
(9) Except in cases of extreme-emergency, cellular telephones, including hands-free and wireless devices, or other portable communication devices will not be used by the driver while the vehicle is in motion or while the driver is supervising the loading or unloading of students.
(10) Medically necessary oxygen for students may be transported provided it is properly secured. The oxygen will be housed in portable units less than fifteen pounds total weight each. Guidelines for transporting oxygen developed by the department of education and workforce are available at: education.ohio.gov.
(11) Districts will adopt engine idling time policies that minimize the amount of time diesel engines are left idling. Diesel engine idling in excess of five minutes in school loading zones is not permitted unless a wheelchair lift is needed.
(B) When school buses are transporting items such as music instruments, athletic equipment, etc., which cannot be held by passengers in their laps, the items will be stored in the rear of the school bus. The placement of such items in the rear of the bus will not displace students. When it is necessary to transport such equipment concurrently with pupils, space is to be provided to comply with this rule without having standees in the bus. A clear aisle to all doors and emergency exits will be maintained at all times. Equipment needed to assist preschool and special needs children will be safely and properly secured.
(C) When motor vans are transporting items such as music instruments, athletic equipment, etc., which cannot be held by passengers in their laps, the items will be properly secured in the storage compartment of the van. The placement of such items in the storage compartment will not obscure the driver's vision through the rear window. Equipment needed to assist preschool and special needs children will be safely and properly secured.
(D) Maximum hours. The school bus driver will not operate the bus for more than ten hours in any one twenty-four-hour period. Operation means on-road driving. Lay-over time does not count as operating time.
Last updated July 1, 2025 at 12:00 AM
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