TITLE 33

EDUCATION

CHAPTER 15

TRANSPORTATION OF PUPILS

33-1515.  REQUIREMENTS FOR AUTHORIZED VEHICLES FOR THE TRANSPORTATION OF PUPILS TO AND FROM SCHOOL AND SCHOOL-RELATED EVENTS. (1) For the purpose of this section, the term "authorized vehicle" shall exclude any motor vehicle deemed a school bus when it has a seating capacity of more than ten (10) persons and meets the current national and state minimum standards for school bus construction and shall exclude parental transportation of children.

(2)  Authorized vehicles may be used when school bus transportation cannot be reasonably provided and shall not be routinely used for service for home-to-school and school-to-home purposes except for preschool children, special needs children, homeless children, foster children, children inaccessible to school buses, and students placed in alternative schools or for work programs or vocational or trades training.

(3)  Authorized vehicles may be used when school bus transportation cannot be reasonably provided for trips that are an extension of the instructional program.

(4)  The authorized vehicle shall be equipped with safety equipment, including a fire extinguisher, first aid kit, body fluid cleanup kit, spare fuses, and emergency reflectors.

(5)  The name of the school district, or the name of the contractor, if applicable, shall be clearly marked on the side of the vehicle.

(6)  Authorized vehicles shall be inspected by a qualified mechanic at intervals of not more than sixty (60) days during each school year. This inspection shall cover at the minimum all applicable requirements, documentation, and service procedures provided for by the state department of education and by the board of trustees of the school district.

(7)  It is the responsibility of each authorized vehicle driver to complete and document a daily pre-trip inspection before transporting pupils.

(8)  Loading of authorized vehicles shall be performed in compliance with the passenger, weight, and other associated restrictions as identified by the original equipment manufacturer.

(9)  Drivers of authorized vehicles shall meet at least the minimum requirements specified by the state department of education.

History:

[33-1515, added 2025, ch. 278, sec. 7, p. 1182.]