Interpretation ID: nht90-1.5

TYPE: Interpretation-NHTSA

DATE: 01/01/90 EST

FROM: Cal Karl -- District 4700, State of Minnesota, Department of Public Safety, State Patrol

TO: All School Bus LCR II's

TITLE: Re School Bus Vandal Locks

ATTACHMT: Attached to letter dated 11-27-90 from P.J. Rice to C. Karl (A36; Std. 217); Also attached to letter dated 12-7-82 from F. Berndt to M.B. Mathieson; Also attached to letter dated 1-29-90 from C. Karl to M. Shaw (OCC 4403); Also attached to lett er dated 1-18-90 from R.E. Meadows; Also attached to letter dated 1-8-90 from R. Marion to C. Karl

TEXT:

Please be aware that some buses are appearing in the inspection process with vandal locks that do not comply with regulations.

49 CFR 571.217 provides for a lock on emergency exits. Effective 7/1/89, State Rule 3520.5010 subp 2 provides for locks on emergency doors and service door if they comply with 217.

571.217 requires the lock to disable the engine starting system if any emergency exit is locked. It further requires the presence of a person with a key or combination to activate such a mechanism.

Do not accept a bus that has a vandal lock that does not comply with this regulation. If there are buses in your area that have such locks, please make every effort to contact the operator and require that the lock be brought into compliance or removed.

Please review the language in 571.217. (Attached)