Do all school buses have to be yellow?
Type I School Buses must be National School Bus Glossy Yellow. It is legal for the hood and fenders to be lusterless black. Type II School Buses, manufactured after January 1, 2000, must be painted school bus yellow.
Who is responsible for establishing school bus routes and stops?
The School Board has the authority and responsibility to establish bus routes and stops. The school bussing coordinator should also be consulted. When the stop is on a state highway, the Vermont Agency of Transportation can be consulted and may send someone out to look at the stop and put up a sign if warranted.
What is the appropriate use of school buses that are registered as municipal vehicles?
In order for a school bus to obtain a municipal registration it must be owned by a municipality and used entirely by that municipality or any other municipality. A municipality may allow one of its buses to be used by another municipality. Compensation is not relevant.
Do buses transporting Vermont students to and from school (or in connection to school activities) need to be registered in this state?
There is no requirement that a school bus registered and garaged out-of-state, used for transportation of Vermont students, be registered in Vermont.
Does a school bus "garaged" in Vermont need to be registered in Vermont, or is it acceptable to have out-of-state plates?
If the bus is garaged in Vermont it must be registered in Vermont. Vehicles incidentally in Vermont are not required to be registered in Vermont if they are here temporarily and will soon be returning to their home garage.
How long is a DOT (Department of Transportation) physical good for?
A DOT physical is good for up to two (2) years and will be accepted by DMV (including for testing purposes) as long as valid, regardless of issue and expiration date.
What paperwork needs to be maintained by school transportation coordinators?
- Copies of physicals (to include vision and hearing screening),
- Initial 3-year driving record,
- Documentation indicating all students are participating in emergency evacuations twice a year, and
- Records of vehicle pre-trip inspections.
Contractors also need to be in compliance with all CDL driver qualification requirements and regulations (FMCSR 391).
How can I find a drug testing program for my company?
Contact Vermont League of Cities and Towns, Vermont Student Transportation Association, Vermont Truck and Bus Association or Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
Who needs to be part of a drug testing program?
Employers of drivers holding CDL's must have a drug testing program. Drivers holding CDL's are subject to random testing. These requirements do not impact individuals holding a Type II endorsement.