The following is a compilation of the statutes, rules and regulations governing the school transportation program in the State of Rhode Island, including the short titles of the statutes. State laws are referenced as Rhode Island General Law. Anyone intrested in the actual language of any reference, or for an interpretation of the reference, should call the the state director of school bus transportation at 401/277-2679.

RHODE ISLAND GENERAL LAW

11-44-22 Throwing articles at moving vehicles

16-7-16 Definitions

16-21-1 Transportation of public and private school pupils

16-21-17 School bus safety programs

24-10-18 Backing up prohibited

31-1-3(i) Types of vehicles (school bus)

31-3-9 Registration card carried in vehicle

31-6-1 Registration of school buses

31-10-5 Special age restrictions for drivers for Compensation

31-10-5.1 School bus driver annual training

31-10-27 License to be carried and exhibited on demand

31-11-21.1 Penalty for employing of unlicensed/unauthorized operator

31-20-4 Vehicles required to stop at all railroads - exceptions

31-20-10.3 School bus stops - routes

31-20-10.4 Exemption from discharge requirements

31-20-11 Marking of school buses - penalty for violation

31-20-12 Stopping for school bus required - penalty for violation

31-20-12.1 Private complaint - passing a school bus

31-20-13 School buses stopped on divided highway or loading zone

31-20-17 Stopping for crossing guards and mailers required

31-21-6 Admission or discharge of passengers

31-21-17.1 Private complaint stopping for crossing guard/bus monitor

31-22-10 Regulation as to school buses

31-22-10.1 Insurance for school buses

31-22-11 Inspection of school buses - penalty for violation

31-22-11.1 Enforcement of inspections of school buses

31-22-11.2 Maintenance of school buses

31-22-11.3 Random inspection of school buses

31-22-11.4 School bus drivers pretrip inspection

31-22-11.5 Use of school bus with suspended registration, expired inspection penalty

31-23-41 Safety belts in public service vehicles

31-23-42 First aid kit and heating equipment in school bus

31-23-42.1 Special mirrors on school buses

31-23-42.2 Power equipment on school buses

31-23-43 Wheel safety chocks

31-23-44 Approved type of wheels safety chocks - enforcement of requirements

31-23-45 Tire treads

31-23-51 Earphones and headsets prohibited

31-23-53 School bus public address sound system

31-23-54 School buses - fire extinguishers

31-23-55 Speedometer and odometer

31-23-56 Stop arm requirement

31-24-1 Times when lights required

31-27-10 Offenses by persons directing drivers

31-30-11.1 Signaling of stops for school buses (see Rules and Regulations for School Bus Transportation)

31-33-16 Examination of vehicles and licenses on highways

Rules and Regulations for School Bus Transportation

Part I
1.0 Organizational Rules
1.1 Authority
1.2 Purpose
1.3 Severability

Part II
2.0 School Bus Design, Equipment and Inspection Requirements
2.1 Aisles
2.2 Chassis Specifications
2.3 Defrosters
2.4 Drive Shaft Protection
2.5 Emergency Door
2.6 Entrance Door
2.7 Fire Extinguisher
2.8 First-Aid Kits
2.9 Foot Pedals
2.10 Heaters
2.11 Lights
2.12 Mirrors
2.13 Seats
2.14 Safety Belts
2.15 Speedometer and Odometer
2.16 Ventilation
2.17 Warning Devices
2.18 Warning Lamps
2.18.1 Four-Lamp Warning System
2.18.2 Eight-Lamp Warning System
2.18.3 Switches for Four-Lamp Warning System
2.18.4 Switches for Eight-Lamp Warning System
2.19 Width
2.20 Windshield and Windows
2.21 Windshield Wipers
2.22 Body
2.23 Tires
2.24 Public Address System
2.25 School District Sign
2.26 Inspection Approval
2.27 Rejection Notices
2.28 Inspection Reports
2.29 Suspensions
2.30 Approval Stickers and Notifications

Part III
3.0 Regulations for the Operator of a School Bus (Parts 3.1 - 3.11)

Part VI
4.0 School Bus Operator Training Requirements
4.1 Training Prior to Licensing
4.2 Behind the Wheel Instruction
4.3 Training Prior to License Renewal
4.4 Instruction Certificate
4.5 Operation

Part V
5.0 Regulations for School Bus Passengers
5.1 (Parts 5.1 - 5.23)

Part VI
6.0 Regulations for School Committees
6.1 Disciplinary Rules
6.2 School Bus Routes
6.3 School Bus Monitors

Part VII
7.0 Responsibilities of the Coordinator School Bus Transportation

Source:

Last updated October 13, 1995