Interpretation ID: nht87-2.60

TYPE: INTERPRETATION-NHTSA

DATE: JULY 30, 1987

FROM: LEONARD CAIN -- DIRECTOR, SCHOOL BUILDING AND TRANSPORTATION - MISSISSIPPI DEPT. OF EDUCATION

TO: JOAN TILLMAN -- NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION

ATTACHMT: FEBRUARY 23, 1988 LETTER FROM JONES TO CAIN

TEXT: In our telephone conversation yesterday, you made reference to not having any knowledge of Standard 17. Through the years this division has received numerous communiques from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration regarding Standard 17 and i ts application for transporting students to and from school and related activities.

Enclosed is a copy of a Notice from the NHTSA making reference to Standard 17, Pupil Transportation Safety. You will note on page 2 of this notice that the last paragraph makes specific reference to color under the definition of school bus identificatio n and marking requirements.

Would you please provide an official interpretation of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for school buses regarding the following questions:

(1) Does a vehicle (type 1 bus) purchased by a local public school district for transporting students for only activity purposes have to conform to all Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards? Does a bus purchased and used solely for activity purposes ha ve to be painted school bus yellow?

(2) Does a van (designed to carry 11 or more persons) purchased by a local public school district for transportating students for only activity purposes have to conform to all Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards? Does a van purchased and used solely for activity purposes have to be painted school bus yellow?

Your help is sincerely appreciated.