22-034 Code Vt. R. 22-000-034-X - SCHOOL BUS IDLING (6001 TO 6005)

Section 6001 School Bus Idling

Section 6002 Statutory Authority

23 V.S.A. § 1282(f)

Section 6003 Statement of Purpose

It is the purpose of these rules to implement 23 V.S.A. § 1282(f) by providing for the limited idling of school buses in specific circumstances.

Section 6004 Definitions

The following definitions shall apply to these rules:

a. "School Bus" includes all vehicles operated by or for the district for the purpose of transporting the district's students to or from school or school-related activities, whether the vehicles are owned by the district or contracted from vendors.

b. "School grounds" includes any area adjacent to school buildings and used at any time for school-related activities, including parking lots, playing fields, and driveways.

c. "Idling" means the primary propulsion engine is running while the vehicle is stationary.

Section 6005 Provisions

The district shall communicate this rule to all parents, drivers, and staff. The provisions of this rule shall be incorporated into transportation contracts and agreements.

The employer of a school bus driver shall ensure that the driver is informed of the rule and any related district policy, and that all complaints of non-compliance are reviewed and that appropriate corrective actions are taken.

The operator of a school bus:

a. shall turn off the primary propulsion engine immediately upon arrival at student loading or unloading areas on school grounds, and shall not restart the engine until the bus is loaded or unloaded and is ready to depart; and

b. shall not otherwise idle the bus engine for more than five (5) minutes in a sixty (60) minute period on school grounds.

The provisions of this rule shall not apply under the following conditions:

1. when the engine is required to operate special equipment for disabled persons;

2. when the engine is required to operate safety equipment other than lighting systems, such as windshield defrosters, and the operation of the equipment is necessary at that time to address specific safety, traffic, health, or emergency concerns; and

3. when the vehicle is being serviced and the operation of the engine is essential to the service being performed.

Notes

22-034 Code Vt. R. 22-000-034-X

STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 23 V.S.A. § 1282
EFFECTIVE DATE: May 1, 2008 Secretary of State Rule Log #08-013