Connecticut Administrative Code

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-…

Regulations of Connecticut State AgenciesSec. 14-275b-133. DefinitionsAs used in sections 14-275b-133 to 14-275b-149, inclusive:(a) \"Bus\" means a motor vehicle with motive power, except a van-type vehicle or trailer, designed for carrying more than ten (10) persons; (b) \"Carri…

Regulations of Connecticut State AgenciesSec. 14-275b-134. Classification of vehiclesAs used in sections 14-275b-135 to 14-275b-149, inclusive, of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies, the following vehicle classes will have the following meanings: CLASS OF VEHICLEVEHICL…

Regulations of Connecticut State AgenciesSec. 14-275b-135. Seating systemsAll seating systems for students with mobility impairments shall meet the following requirements: (a) For class HS vehicles:(1) Conventional seating shall meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safe…

Regulations of Connecticut State AgenciesSec. 14-275b-136. LiftsAll lift platforms on vehicles used to transport students with mobility impairments shall meet the following requirements and shall be able to lift a maximum weight of eight hundred (800) pounds on HS and HB vehicles…

Regulations of Connecticut State AgenciesSec. 14-275b-137. RampsFor all classes of vehicles, ramps shall meet the requirements of Section 14-275c-31 (b) of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies, except that ramps not used for emergency exit purposes shall have a slope not…

Regulations of Connecticut State AgenciesSec. 14-275b-138. Wheelchair and appliance anchorages (tiedowns)(a) All wheelchair and appliance anchorage straps, or an equivalent floor to appliance flexible anchorage, when not in use, shall not be located on the floor of the vehicle bu…

Regulations of Connecticut State AgenciesSec. 14-275b-139. Passenger restraints(a) All occupants of a vehicle used exclusively or customarily to transport students with mobility impairments shall be provided with at least one (1) restraint complying with FMVSS #209 and #210, and …

Regulations of Connecticut State AgenciesSec. 14-275b-140. Modifications to vehicle headroom(a) No modification from the manufactured standard shall be made to the vehicle headroom in class HS or class HB vehicles. (b) Class HV-2 vehicles may be modified in accordance with the fo…

Regulations of Connecticut State AgenciesSec. 14-275b-141. Interior construction(a) All interior surfaces of a vehicle shall be free from sharp edges and protruding surfaces presenting a hazard to occupants. Any fiberglass materials added to vehicles shall be covered with a smoot…

Regulations of Connecticut State AgenciesSec. 14-275b-142. Signs(a) Special signs for vehicles other than class HS shall be constructed and attached in accordance with the provisions of Section 14-280 (b) of the General Statutes and any regulations enacted thereunder. Signs and m…

Regulations of Connecticut State AgenciesSec. 14-275b-143. CommunicationFor each vehicle equipped to carry students with mobility impairments, two-way communications shall be provided from and to the vehicle by means of electromagnetic devices. Such devices shall be capable of re…

Regulations of Connecticut State AgenciesSec. 14-275b-144. Access(a) All classes of vehicles equipped to carry wheelchair bound students with mobility impairments shall provide two (2) means of egress from the vehicle. (b) All classes of vehicles except HP shall provide at least …

Regulations of Connecticut State AgenciesSec. 14-275b-145. Inspection, maintenance and records(a) All vehicles meeting the definitions of school bus or student transportation vehicle shall be subject to the requirements of Sections 14-275c-36 through 14-275c-43 of the Regulations…