Connecticut Administrative Code

Regulations of Connecticut State AgenciesSec. 14-275a-42. Emergency windows and roof exits(a) All school buses must be equipped with the minimum amount of emergency exits required by FMVSS-217 as determined by the vehicle seating capacity. Non-required emergency exits shall confo…

Regulations of Connecticut State AgenciesSec. 14-275a-43. Exhaust system and muffler(a) The exhaust system shall include all piping leading from the exhaust manifold, to and including the muffler(s) and tailpipe and all gaskets, seals and hangers. The system shall not extend into…

Regulations of Connecticut State AgenciesSec. 14-275a-44. Fire extinguishers(a) The bus shall be equipped with at least one pressurized, dry chemical-type fire extinguisher, mounted and secured in a bracket, and located in the driver's compartment in full view and readily accessi…

Regulations of Connecticut State AgenciesSec. 14-275a-45. First aid kits(a) The bus shall carry a removable first-aid kit in a readily identifiable and accessible location in the driver's area. (b) The contents of the first-aid kit shall include but not be limited to the followin…

Regulations of Connecticut State AgenciesSec. 14-275a-46. Floor covering(a) The floor in the under-seat area, including tops of wheel housings, driver's compartment and toe board, shall be covered with rubber floor covering or equivalent, having a minimum overall thickness of poi…

Regulations of Connecticut State AgenciesSec. 14-275a-47. Frame(a) The frame (or equivalent) shall be of such design and strength characteristics as to correspond at least to standard practices for trucks of the same general load capacities which are used for highway service. (b)…

Regulations of Connecticut State AgenciesSec. 14-275a-48. Fuel system and tank(s)(a) The fuel system shall comply with FMVSS No. 301. Type B, C and D buses. Fuel tank (or tanks) having a minimum thirty (30) gallon capacity shall be provided by the chassis manufacturer. Type A bus…

Regulations of Connecticut State AgenciesSec. 14-275a-49. Generator or alternator(a) Type A-2 and Type B buses with a GVWR of 15,000 lbs. or less shall have a minimum 130 ampere alternator. (b) Type A-2 and Type B buses with a GVWR over 15,000 lbs. and all Type C and Type D buses…

Regulations of Connecticut State AgenciesSec. 14-275a-50. Glazing, safety(a) All glazing shall conform to FMVSS 205 and be installed so that the required identification mark is legible. (b) Optional tinted and/or frost free glazing may be installed in all doors, windows and winds…

Regulations of Connecticut State AgenciesSec. 14-275a-51. Heaters(a) Each school bus must be equipped with a heating system capable of maintaining the interior temperatures as specified in SAE test procedure J2233. (b) All heaters installed by the body manufacturer shall bear a n…

Regulations of Connecticut State AgenciesSec. 14-275a-52. Heater connectionsEach heater system shall include a shut off valve on both the supply and return line. The valve shall be securely mounted in an accessible location in the engine compartment, except that on Type A and B b…

Regulations of Connecticut State AgenciesSec. 14-275a-53. HornA horn capable of producing complex sound in the bands of audio frequencies between 250 and 2000 cycles per second and tested in accordance with SAE J377 MAR 85 at no less than 92dB(A) shall be conveniently controlled …

Regulations of Connecticut State AgenciesSec. 14-275a-54. Identification(a) Signs or lettering, other than required or permitted by this regulation shall not appear on the front, back, or sides of the bus including any form of advertising other than the manufacturer's logo. (b) T…

Regulations of Connecticut State AgenciesSec. 14-275a-55. Ignition lockA lock, key or other device to prevent the vehicle's engine from being started by unauthorized persons shall be provided. (Adopted effective May 2, 2007)

Regulations of Connecticut State AgenciesSec. 14-275a-56. Instruments(a) The bus shall be equipped with the following non-glare illuminated instruments and gauges maintained in good working order, mounted for easy maintenance and repair and in such a manner that each is clearly v…

Regulations of Connecticut State AgenciesSec. 14-275a-57. Interior(a) The body shall be thermally insulated between the inner and outer panels with a fire-resistant material listed by the Underwriters' Laboratories, Inc. This material shall also serve to reduce the noise level an…

Regulations of Connecticut State AgenciesSec. 14-275a-58. Lamps and signals(a) Each school bus shall be equipped with the following stop and tail lamps:1. Two (2) red, stop lamps, with a minimum diameter of seven (7) inches, or if a shape other than round, a minimum of 38 square …

Regulations of Connecticut State AgenciesSec. 14-275a-59. Locked compartmentThe first-aid kit, body fluids cleanup kit, if required, warning devices, and wheel chocks may be stored under lock and key provided that the locking device is connected with an automatic audible warning …

Regulations of Connecticut State AgenciesSec. 14-275a-60. Mirrors(a) The interior mirror shall be clear view laminated glass or clear view glass bonded to a backing which retains the glass in the event of breakage. The mirror shall have rounded corners and protected edges. All Ty…

Regulations of Connecticut State AgenciesSec. 14-275a-61. Mounting(a) The chassis frame shall support the rear body cross member. The bus body shall be attached to the chassis frame at each main floor sill, to prevent shifting or separation of the body from the chassis under seve…

Regulations of Connecticut State AgenciesSec. 14-275a-62. Reflectors(a) Required reflectors shall be marked with an SAE or Department of Transportation designation.(b) Any school bus may have reflectorized tape, otherwise known as retro-reflective sheeting, applied to the sides a…

Regulations of Connecticut State AgenciesSec. 14-275a-63. Restraining barriers(a) A padded restraining barrier the same height as the seat backs shall be placed between the driver's seat and the left front seat so as not to interfere with the fore and aft adjustment of the driver…

Regulations of Connecticut State AgenciesSec. 14-275a-64. Reverse direction alarmAn automatic audible alarm shall be installed behind the rear axle and shall comply with the published Backup Alarm Standards (SAE J994B), providing a minimum of 112 dbA. (Adopted effective May 2, 20…

Regulations of Connecticut State AgenciesSec. 14-275a-65. Rub rails(a) There shall be one (1) rub rail located on each side of the bus at seat cushion level which extends from the rear side of the entrance door completely around the bus body (except the emergency door or any main…

Regulations of Connecticut State AgenciesSec. 14-275a-66. Seating(a) Passenger Seating1. All seats shall have a minimum cushion depth of fifteen (15) inches and must comply with all requirements of FMVSS No. 222. 2. Each seat leg shall be secured to the floor by a minimum of two …

Regulations of Connecticut State AgenciesSec. 14-275a-67. Service entrance(a) The Service Door1. The service door shall be in the driver's control, designed to afford easy release and to provide a positive latching device on manual operating doors to prevent accidental opening. W…

Regulations of Connecticut State AgenciesSec. 14-275a-68. Shock absorbersThe bus shall be equipped with double-action shock absorbers compatible with manufacturer's rated axle capacity at each wheel location. (Adopted effective May 2, 2007)

Regulations of Connecticut State AgenciesSec. 14-275a-69. Steering gear(a) The steering gear shall be approved by the chassis manufacturer and designed to ensure safe and accurate performance under all load and speed conditions. (b) If external adjustments are required, steering …

Regulations of Connecticut State AgenciesSec. 14-275a-70. Steering wheelThere shall be clearance of at least two (2) inches between the steering wheel and cowl, instrument panel, windshield, or any other surface. (Adopted effective May 2, 2007)

Regulations of Connecticut State AgenciesSec. 14-275a-71. Stirrup stepsIf the windshield and lamps are not easily accessible from the ground, there shall be at least one folding stirrup step or recessed foothold and suitable located handles on each side of the front of the body f…

Regulations of Connecticut State AgenciesSec. 14-275a-72. Storage compartmentA storage container for tools, tire, and/or tow chains may be located either inside or outside the passenger compartment. If inside, it shall have a cover capable of being securely latched and fastened t…

Regulations of Connecticut State AgenciesSec. 14-275a-73. Sun visor(a) An interior adjustable sun visor, with a finished edge and not less than six (6) inches by thirty (30) inches for Types A-2, B, C and D buses, shall be installed in a position convenient for use by the driver.…

Regulations of Connecticut State AgenciesSec. 14-275a-74. Tires(a) Tubeless radial tires of good quality and proper size and ply rating commensurate with chassis manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating shall be provided. (b) Recapped, regrooved, remolded or retreaded tires sha…

Regulations of Connecticut State AgenciesSec. 14-275a-75. Traction assist devices(a) Each school bus shall carry a full set of tire chains or other traction assist devices approved by the commissioner for installation on at least one (1) rear tire on each side of the bus whenever…

Regulations of Connecticut State AgenciesSec. 14-275a-76. UndercoatingThe entire underside of the body, including the front fenders, floor member, and side panels below the floor level, shall be coated with a fire-resistant undercoating material. (Adopted effective May 2, 2007)

Regulations of Connecticut State AgenciesSec. 14-275a-77. Ventilation(a) Auxiliary fans shall meet the following requirements: 1. Fans for left and right sides shall be placed in a location where they can be adjusted for maximum effectiveness and where they do not obstruct vision…

Regulations of Connecticut State AgenciesSec. 14-275a-78. Video camerasAn optional video camera may be installed provided that it complies with the following:(a) The camera must be installed inside a non-flammable rigid container with corners rounded to not less than three-eighth…

Regulations of Connecticut State AgenciesSec. 14-275a-79. Weight distribution and gross weightThe gross weight of the loaded vehicle shall at no time exceed the chassis manufacturer's maximum gross vehicle weight rating, nor the individual axle weight ratings. (Adopted effective …

Regulations of Connecticut State AgenciesSec. 14-275a-80. Wheel housings(a) The wheel housing opening shall allow easy access for tire removal and service.(b) Wheel housings shall be attached to the floor sheets in such a manner so as to prevent any dust, water or fumes from ente…

Regulations of Connecticut State AgenciesSec. 14-275a-81. Window openingsAll side windows shall operate freely, and with the exception of the driver's, shall open a maximum of five (5) inches, shall open from the top only and shall be equipped with no latches other than those of …

Regulations of Connecticut State AgenciesSec. 14-275a-82. Windshields(a) The windshield shall be large enough to permit the driver to see the highway clearly, shall be slanted to reduce glare, and shall be installed between front corner posts that are so designed and located as t…

Regulations of Connecticut State AgenciesSec. 14-275a-83. Windshield wipersA two-speed windshield wiping system shall be used with non-reflective wiper arms and blades. (Adopted effective May 2, 2007)

Regulations of Connecticut State AgenciesSec. 14-275a-84. Windshield washerA windshield washer that will effectively clean the entire area covered by both windshield wipers shall be provided. (Adopted effective May 2, 2007)

Regulations of Connecticut State AgenciesSec. 14-275a-85. Warning devices for disabled vehiclesAt least three (3) warning devices, which conform to FMVSS-125 for use in warning traffic in event of prolonged stops on the highway, shall be provided. (Adopted effective May 2, 2007)

Regulations of Connecticut State AgenciesSec. 14-275a-86. Wiring(a) All wiring shall conform to current SAE Standard J1292.(b) Circuits1. Wiring shall be arranged in circuits, as required by SAE Standard J1292, with each circuit protected by a fuse, circuit breaker or electronic …

Regulations of Connecticut State AgenciesSec. 14-275a-87. Interpretation(a) Any references in sections 14-275a-21 to 14-275a-87, inclusive, of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies to any Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard, SAE Standard, procedure or recommended practi…

Regulations of Connecticut State AgenciesSec. 14-275b-132. Purpose. Effective date. ScopeThe purpose of this regulation is to establish standards for vehicles used for the transportation of students who are mobility impaired. The standards in Sections 14-275b-133 through 14-275b-…