Minnesota Administrative Rules

7470.1100 DRIVER OF TYPE A, B, C, D, OR MULTIFUNCTIONAL SCHOOL ACTIVITY BUS.

The driver of a type A, B, C, D, or multifunctional school activity bus shall:

A.

bring the bus to a full stop and disengage gears by shifting into neutral or park before loading and unloading pupils;

B.

use the prewarning amber flashing signals, flashing red signals, and stop signal arm, if equipped, in accordance with Minnesota Statutes, section 169.443;

C.

maintain at least a 50-foot interval when following another bus entering or leaving the school ground, and at least 500 feet when traveling on the highway, in accordance with Minnesota Statutes, section 169.18, subdivision 8, paragraph (b);

D.

load or unload pupils only where the view is unobstructed to the motorist for 500 feet in either direction on a roadway with a speed limit of 35 miles per hour or greater and where the view is unobstructed for at least 100 feet where the speed limit is less than 35 miles per hour;

E.

be responsible for safely delivering the pupils who must cross the highway to the left side of the road by one of the following methods: the pupil shall pass around in front of the vehicle and cross the road only upon receiving word or signal from the driver; or the pupil shall pass around in front of the bus and be conducted across the road by the school bus patrol or the bus monitor; or the driver shall personally conduct the pupils across the road; and

F.

stop at all railroad crossings whether carrying passengers or not in accordance with Minnesota Statutes, section 169.28. The driver shall activate the four-way hazard warning lights not less than 100 feet from the nearest rail, and stop not less than ten feet from the nearest rail. While so stopped, the driver shall open the driver's window and service door to look and listen in both directions along the track for any approaching train. Eight-lamp prewarning alternately flashing amber signals and flashing red stop signals must not be used at railroad crossings. Hazard warning signals should be used.

Statutory Authority:

MS s 169.449

History:

20 SR 722; 32 SR 1983

Published Electronically:

May 16, 2008