Indiana Administrative Code Title 575 - STATE SCHOOL BUS COMMITTEE
Here’s a full detailed explanation of Indiana Administrative Code (IAC) Title 575 – STATE SCHOOL BUS COMMITTEE, written clearly and without bringing in any outside law references. This explanation is only about Title 575 itself.
Overview of Title 575 – State School Bus Committee
Title 575 of the Indiana Administrative Code establishes the State School Bus Committee (SSBC) and governs everything related to the design, construction, inspection, safety, and operation of school buses within Indiana.
The Committee ensures that all school buses used to transport children in Indiana are safe, reliable, and meet strict technical standards.
Main Structure of Title 575
Title 575 is divided into several Articles and Rules that define the scope of authority, duties, and standards:
1. General Provisions
Defines the establishment of the State School Bus Committee (SSBC).
Membership includes representatives from:
Indiana Department of Education,
State Police,
Department of Transportation,
School superintendents,
Bus drivers, and
Mechanical/engineering experts.
The Committee has authority to adopt and enforce rules about bus construction, equipment, inspection, and operation.
2. School Bus Construction Standards
Sets minimum design requirements for school buses.
Covers details such as:
Body structure (roof, floor, frame strength).
Passenger compartment protection.
Emergency exits (number, size, and placement of doors, windows, and roof hatches).
Seating arrangements and seatbelt requirements.
Color standards (yellow body with black lettering).
Safety equipment (mirrors, stop arms, crossing control arms).
Lighting requirements (flashing red/amber lights, headlights, brake lights, reflectors).
Heating and ventilation systems.
Wheelchair accessibility standards for special needs buses.
3. School Bus Equipment Standards
Mandates specific mechanical and safety equipment.
Includes:
Braking system requirements.
Steering system safety checks.
Fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and body fluid clean-up kits.
Two-way communication systems.
Tires, suspension, and fuel system safety.
Exhaust system placement (to avoid fumes entering bus).
4. Inspection and Approval
All school buses must be inspected and approved before being put into service.
The inspection ensures buses meet construction and equipment standards.
The State School Bus Committee sets inspection forms, schedules, and procedures.
Buses failing inspection cannot be used until corrected.
5. Operation and Driver Requirements
Title 575 also governs how school buses are operated:
Drivers must follow all Committee safety rules.
Doors must remain closed when bus is in motion.
Passengers must remain seated when bus is moving.
Rules for loading/unloading children at bus stops.
Prohibits use of cell phones or unsafe practices by drivers.
6. Safety and Emergency Procedures
The Committee sets emergency drills for students.
Every bus must have evacuation procedures.
Rules for transporting hazardous materials (generally prohibited).
Guidelines for bad weather, breakdowns, or accidents.
7. Rulemaking and Updates
The Committee reviews and updates rules regularly.
Updates are often made to align with new safety technology (such as electronic stability control, GPS, cameras).
School districts must comply with the most recent standards adopted by the Committee.
Purpose of Title 575
The main goals are:
Protect student passengers.
Ensure uniform construction and operation of school buses statewide.
Provide a clear system for inspection, approval, and enforcement.
Establish a committee of experts to oversee safety.
✅ In short, Indiana Administrative Code Title 575 – State School Bus Committee is the complete framework for how Indiana ensures school buses are designed, built, inspected, and operated safely. It is not just about the buses themselves, but also about the people operating them and the systems keeping them safe
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