Resources Government Related Articles New Indiana School Bus Laws to Go into Effect
New Indiana School Bus Laws to Go into Effect PDF Print E-mail
Written by Janna Smeltzer   
Tuesday, 09 June 2009 00:00
Indiana school bus drivers will have a few new requirements to adhere to when they return to school later this summer, including a new law effective July 1 that requires them to walk the bus aisle before leaving the bus to make sure students aren’t sleeping in seats.

Many school corporations already had local rules mandating that child checks take place, but Senate Bill 228 closes any remaining loophole. State bus specifications already allow schools the option to purchase vehicles equipped with electronic reminders. In the event a child is still left on the bus, schools are required to notify the Department of Education within five business days.

“There have been some problems in the state, so this puts a little more teeth into it now,” said Ron Chew, executive director of the Indiana School Bus Drivers Association.

A new law will also require drivers of buses with no student passengers to stop at railroad crossings before proceeding down the road. Previously, only school buses carrying children were subject to stops. The state Department of Education was also tasked with a new requirement to provide drivers of multi-function school activity buses and other multi-purpose vehicles with training on using child restraint systems. Finally, a law increased the penalty for passing a school bus that is stopped to load or unload students by making the infraction a Class A misdemeanor and recommending a suspension of the offending driver’s license.
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Last Updated on Thursday, 19 November 2009 12:25