Section 281.43.44. Standards for common carriers.

These standards are intended to apply to any vehicle operated by a common carrier when used exclusively for student transportation to and from school.

       43.44(1) Vehicles.

        a.           The vehicles need not be painted yellow and black as required for conventional school buses.

  b.                The vehicles shall, while transporting children to and from school, be equipped with temporary signs, located conspicuously on the front and back of the vehicle. The sign on the front shall have the words “School Bus” printed in black letters not less than six inches high, on a background of national school bus glossy yellow. The sign on the rear shall be at least ten square feet in size and shall be painted national school bus glossy yellow, and have the words “School Bus” printed in black letters not less than eight inches high. The yellow is to be in accordance with the colorimetric specification of Federal Standard No.     595a, Color 13432; the black matching Federal Standard 595a, Color 17038. Both the six-inch and eight-inch letters shall be Series “D” as specified in the Standard Alphabet—Federal Highway Administration, 1966.

        c.           Rescinded, effective 8/11/82.

       43.44(2) Drivers.

        a.           The driver shall have an appropriate driver’s license issued by the Iowa department of transportation.

        b.           The driver shall possess a school bus driver’s authorization issued by the Iowa department of education.

        c.           The driver shall receive training in accordance with state requirements for school bus drivers.

       43.44(3) Seating.

        a.           Each passenger shall have a comfortable seat.

        b.           Standees are prohibited.

       43.44(4) Loading and unloading procedures.

        a.           Vehicle shall pull close enough to curb to prevent another vehicle from passing on right side.

        b.           If vehicle is not equipped with flashing warning lights or stop arm, or if use of this equipment is prohibited by law, the pupils, on unloading, shall be instructed to remain at the curb until bus has pulled away and it is safe for them to cross the street.

       43.44(5) Inspection of vehicles.

        a.           Drivers shall be required to perform daily pretrip inspections of their vehicles and to report promptly and in writing any defects or deficiencies discovered that may affect the safety of the vehicle’s operation or result in its mechanical breakdown in accordance with rule 281—43.41(285).

        b.           Vehicles shall be inspected semiannually by personnel of the department of education in accordance with the provisions of Iowa Code section 285.8(4).

       43.44(6) Other requirements.

        a.           Local school officials shall provide the carrier with passenger conduct rules and the driver shall abide by the policies and procedures established by the local district.

        b.           The carrier shall make a report to the bureau of nutrition and school transportation of the department of education on any accident involving property damage or personal injury while a vehicle is being used as a school bus. The report shall be made on the Iowa Accident Report Form.

        c.           Student instruction for passenger safety shall be the responsibility of the local school district as specified in rule 281—43.40(285).