§435.APPENDIX F. Lettering through Paint Requirements

a)         LETTERING

 

1)         Exterior

 

The body and chassis manufacturer's name, emblem, or other identification may be displayed (colorless or any color) on any unglazed surface of the MFSAB.

 

A vehicle identification number may be displayed on the exterior surface of the MFSAB roof.

 

A)        Front

 

Vehicle number assigned for identification shall be a minimum of four inches (10.16 cm) high and located as high as practicable.  Decals are permissible.  (See Section 12-802 of the Illinois Vehicle Equipment Law.)

 

B)        Left

 

The name of the owner or the entity for which the MFSAB is operated or both shall be painted in a contrasting color on both sides, centered as high as practicable below the window line, in letters at least four inches (10.16 cm) high. (See Section 12-802(b) of the Illinois Vehicle Equipment Law.) 

 

"EMERGENCY DOOR" in letters at least 1.95 inches (5 cm) high must be located at the top of, or directly above, any emergency exit door. 

 

For any emergency window exit, "EMERGENCY EXIT" must be located at the top of, or directly above, or at the bottom of, the emergency window exit in letters at least 1.95 inches (5 cm) high. 

 

An arrow, at least 5.9 inches (14.99 cm) in length and ¾ inch (1.91 cm) in width, indicating the direction each release mechanism should be turned to open the door or window must be located within 5.9 inches (14.99 cm) of the release handle. 

 

Decals are permissible.  All required lettering and labeling must be a color that contrasts with its background.  (See 49 CFR 571.217.)

 

Optional:  Vehicle number assigned for identification may be displayed at a minimum height of four inches (10.16 cm).

 

Decals are permissible. 

 

C)        Rear

 

"EMERGENCY DOOR" in letters at least 1.95 inches (5 cm) high must be located at the top of, or directly above, any emergency exit door.

 

For any emergency window exit, "EMERGENCY EXIT" must be located at the top of, or directly above, or at the bottom of, the emergency window exit in letters at least 1.95 inches (5 cm) high.

 

An arrow, at least 5.9 inches (14.99 cm) in length and ¾ inch (1.91 cm) in width, indicating the direction each release mechanism should be turned to open the door or window must be located within 5.9 inches (14.99 cm) of the release handle. 

 

Vehicle number assigned for identification shall be a minimum four inches (10.16 cm) high.  Decals are permissible. 

 

All required lettering and labeling must be a color that contrasts with its background. (See 49 CFR 571.217.)

 

If MFSAB uses alternate fuel (e.g., propane, CNG), vehicle must be marked with identifying decal.  The decal shall be diamond shaped with white or silver scotchlite letters one inch in height and a stroke of the brush at least ¼ inch (.64 cm) wide on a black background with a white or silver scotchlite border bearing either the words or letters:

 

"PROPANE" = If propelled by liquefied petroleum gas other than liquefied natural gas; or

 

"CNG" = If propelled by compressed natural gas.  The sign or decal shall be maintained in good legible condition.

 

The alternate fuel decal shall be displayed near the rear bumper and visible from the rear of vehicle. (See Section 12-704.3 of the Illinois Vehicle Equipment Law.)

 

A white decal with black lettering and numerals that measure one inch (2.54 cm) high must be displayed on the rear of the MFSAB.  The decal must display either the words TO REPORT ERRATIC DRIVING or TO COMMENT ON MY DRIVING CALL followed by the area code and telephone number of the MFSAB owner.  The decal shall be located on the rear window glazing below the rear seat back, on the MFSAB body below the window line, or on the rear bumper.  The decal must be visible to the motoring public from the rear of the MFSAB and cannot obstruct any required lettering or numerals.  The decal cannot be located on any emergency door glazing or any emergency window glazing.  Magnetic signs are prohibited.  (See Section 12-821 of the Illinois Vehicle Equipment Law.)

 

Exception:  The TO REPORT ERRATIC DRIVING or TO COMMENT ON MY DRIVING CALL decal may be applied by the MFSAB owner after the MFSAB is purchased.

 

D)        Right

 

The name of the owner or the entity or both for which the MFSAB is operated shall be painted in a contrasting color on both sides, centered as high as practicable below the window line, in letters at least four inches (10.16 cm) high.  (See Section 12-802 of the Illinois Vehicle Equipment Law.) 

 

The following lettering must be at least two inches (5.08 cm) high:

 

i)          The word "CAPACITY", or abbreviation "CAP." plus numerals showing rated passenger capacity followed by the word "PASSENGERS", or the abbreviation "PASS.", shall be displayed on the outside of the body near the rear edge of the service entrance.

 

ii)         Empty weight in pounds must be shown.  Empty weight is indicated by "EW".  (See Section 12-802 of the Illinois Vehicle Equipment Law.)

 

Manufacturer's identification name or emblem may be displayed, but not on service door glazing.  Manufacturer's name or emblem must not interfere with required lettering.  Decals are permissible. 

 

"EMERGENCY DOOR" in letters at least 1.95 inches (5 cm) high must be located at the top of, or directly above, any emergency exit door. 

 

For any emergency window exit "EMERGENCY EXIT" must be located at the top of, or directly above, or at the bottom of, the emergency window exit in letters at least 1.95 inches (5 cm) high. 

 

An arrow, at least 5.9 inches (14.99 cm) in length and ¾ inch (1.91 cm) in width, indicating the direction each release mechanism should be turned to open the door or window must be located within 5.9 inches (14.99 cm) of the release handle. 

 

Decals are permissible.  All required lettering and labeling must be a color that contrasts with its background.  (See 49 CFR 571.217.)

 

Optional:  If audio and/or visual recording devices are present on the MFSAB, one white decal with black lettering measuring one inch (2.54 cm) high shall be displayed on the exterior of the service (i.e., entrance) door, or on the MFSAB body adjacent to the service door if the door is not adequate to accommodate the decal.  The decal shall serve as a notice of audio and/or visual recordings.  The decal must not be located on any service door glazing.  Magnetic signs are prohibited.  (See Section 14-3(m) of the Illinois Criminal Code.)

 

2)         Interior

 

A)        Front

 

Each letter or numeral must be at least two inches (5.08 cm) high and contrasting sharply with its background.  A colorless background strip (such as white, aluminum or silver) may be used.  Decals are permitted.

 

On right side:  Either "CAPACITY" or "CAP." plus numerals showing rated passenger capacity, followed by either "PASSENGER" or "PASS."

 

As nearly as practicable opposite the center of aisle, but to right of inside mirror, either "NO STANDEES" or "NO STANDEES PERMITTED".

 

The vehicle's length (rounded up to next whole foot) shall be displayed on the bulkhead clearly within the driver's view.  (For example:  vehicle length of 39.1 feet will be displayed as 40 feet.) 

 

A red cross formed of five equal squares with words "FIRST-AID KIT" shall be displayed on the compartment door, or cover, if the first-aid kit is to be carried in the locked compartment.

 

The words "FIRE EXTINGUISHER" shall be displayed on the compartment door, or cover, if the fire extinguisher is to be carried in the locked compartment.

 

Optional:  If audio and/or visual recording devices are present on the MFSAB, one white decal with black lettering measuring one inch (2.54 cm) high shall be displayed on the front interior bulkhead.  The decal shall serve as a notice of audio and/or visual recordings.  The decal must not obstruct any other required lettering on the bulkhead.  Magnetic signs are prohibited.  (See Section 14-3(m) of the Illinois Criminal Code.)

 

Optional:  A "No Smoking" sign may be posted on the interior surface of an MFSAB.

 

B)        Left

 

"EMERGENCY DOOR" in letters at least 1.95 inches (5 cm) high must be located at the top of, or directly above, any emergency exit door. 

 

For any emergency window exit, "EMERGENCY EXIT" must be located at the top of, or directly above, or at the bottom of the emergency window exit in letters at least 1.95 inches (5 cm) high. 

 

The labeling must be of a color that contrasts with its background. 

 

Concise operating instructions describing the motions necessary to unlatch and open the exit must be located within 5.85 inches (15 cm) of the release mechanism on the inside surface of the MFSAB.  These operating instructions shall be in letters at least .39 inches (1 cm) high and of a color that contrasts with its background. (See 49 CFR 571.217.)

 

C)        Rear

 

"EMERGENCY DOOR" in letters at least 1.95 inches (5 cm) high must be located at the top of, or directly above, any emergency exit door.

 

For any emergency window exit, "EMERGENCY EXIT" must be located at the top of, or directly above, or at the bottom of the emergency window exit in letters at least 1.95 inches (5 cm) high. 

 

The labeling must be of a color that contrasts with its background.

 

Concise operating instructions describing the motions necessary to unlatch and open the door must be located within 5.85 inches (15 cm) of the release mechanism on the inside surface of the MFSAB.  These operating instructions shall be in letters at least .39 inches (1 cm) high and of a color that contrasts with its background. (See 49 CFR 571.217.)

 

D)        Right

 

"EMERGENCY DOOR" in letters at least 1.95 inches (5 cm) high must be located at the top of, or directly above, any side emergency door. 

 

For any emergency window exit "EMERGENCY EXIT" in letters at least 1.95 inches (5 cm) high must be located at the top of, or directly above, or at the bottom of the emergency window exit. 

 

The labeling must be of a color that contrasts with its background. 

 

Concise operating instructions describing the motions necessary to unlatch and open the exit must be located within 5.85 inches (15 cm) of the release mechanism on the inside surface of the MFSAB.  These instructions shall be in letters at least .39 inches (1 cm) high and of a color that contrasts with its background. (See 49 CFR 571.217.)

 

E)        Ceiling

 

Roof exit must be labeled "EMERGENCY EXIT" in letters at least 1.95 inches (5 cm) high, of a color that contrasts with its background.  The labeling must be located on an inside surface of the exit, or within 11.7 inches (30 cm) of the roof exit opening. 

 

Concise operating instructions describing the motions necessary to unlatch and open the emergency exit shall be located within 5.85 inches (15 cm) of the release mechanism.  These instructions shall be in letters at least .39 inches (1 cm) high and of a color that contrasts with its background. (See 49 CFR 571.217.)

 

b)         LIGHTS

 

Light Emitting Diode (LED) lamps that meet applicable FMVSS or SAE Standards/Recommended Practices are acceptable.  Two or more lamps or reflectors may be combined if the requirements for each lamp or reflector are met.  However, no clearance lamp shall be combined with a tail lamp.  (See 49 CFR 571.108-S6.3.)

 

1)         Back Up

 

Two white lights shall be provided.  Must meet federal standards (49 CFR 571.108).

 

2)         Clearance, Front

 

Two clearance lights (amber) visible from the front at highest and widest portions of the body.  Must conform to federal standards (49 CFR 571.108). May be combined with sidemarker lamp provided the requirements for both lights are met.

 

Exception:  MFSAB that measure less than 80 inches (203.2 cm) wide are exempt. (See 49 CFR 571.108.)

 

3)         Clearance, Rear

 

Two clearance lights (red) mounted at highest and widest parts of body.  Must conform to federal standards (49 CFR 571.108).

 

Exception:  MFSAB that measure less than 80 inches (203.2 cm) wide are exempt. (See 49 CFR 571.108.)

 

4)         Identification, Front

 

Three amber lights mounted at center front near top of body.  Must conform to federal standards (49 CFR 571.108).

 

Exception:  MFSAB that measure less than 80 inches (203.2 cm) wide are exempt. (See 49 CFR 571.108.)

 

5)         Identification, Rear

 

Three red lights mounted at center rear near top of body.  Must conform to federal standards (49 CFR 571.108).

 

Exception:  MFSAB that measure less than 80 inches (203.2 cm) wide are exempt. (See 49 CFR 571.108.)

 

6)         Flashing Signal System (not applicable)

 

MFSAB cannot be equipped with a flashing signal system.

 

7)         Headlights

 

Shall have at least two headlamps with at least one mounted on each side of the front of the MFSAB.  Lamp body must be securely attached.  Lenses, reflectors, bulbs, etc., must be in good condition, properly aimed and fill required intensity.  Shall conform to federal standards (49 CFR 571.108).

 

8)         Interior

 

Adequate light to illuminate aisles, step well, and emergency passageways.

 

9)         License Plate

 

Adequate white light to illuminate license plate. (See 49 CFR 571.108.)  May be combined with one of the tail lights.

 

10)         Parking Lights

 

Shall be one lamp on each side; white or amber color.  (See 49 CFR 571.108.)

 

All MFSAB 80 or more inches (203.2 cm) in overall width that are equipped with side marker lamps, clearance lamps, and intermediate side marker lamps are exempt from having parking lights.  However, if the vehicle is equipped with parking lights, they must be operational.  (See 49 CFR 571.108.)

 

11)         Sidemarker, Left

 

Two lamps:  one amber at front and one red at rear, mounted as high as practicable and located on the side of the MFSAB.  Shall conform to federal standards (49 CFR 571.108).

 

12)         Sidemarker, Right

 

Two lamps:  one amber at front and one red at rear, mounted as high as practicable and located on the side of the MFSAB.  Shall conform to federal standards (49 CFR 571.108).

 

13)         Step Well

 

At least the nosings of the service entrance steps and the floor around the step well shall be automatically illuminated with white light when the ignition is on and the service entrance door is open.

 

No lamp shall be installed so as to shine directly into the eyes of a pupil moving through the service entrance and looking at the service steps.

 

14)         Stop

 

Two red lights mounted at same height and as high as practicable below window line.  Seven inch (17.78 cm) minimum diameter or 19 square inches.  Not less than 36 inches (91.44 cm) apart laterally.  Must conform to federal standards (49 CFR 571.108).

 

15)         Strobe

 

Lamp must comply with following requirements:

 

A)        One per MFSAB;

 

B)        Shall emit white or bluish/white light;

 

C)        Shall be visible from any direction;

 

D)        Shall flash 60 to 120 times per minute;

 

E)        Shall be visible in normal sunlight;

 

F)         Mounted at or behind center of rooftop and equal distance from each side. 

 

Distance from rear will be calculated by measuring height of filament (in inches) and multiplying same by 30 inches.  (Filament height x 30 = distance from rear of MFSAB where lamp is to be located.)

 

If a roof exit, air conditioner or the size of the MFSAB interferes with the placement of a strobe as required in this subsection (b)(15)(F), the strobe can be placed to the rear of the roof exit or air conditioner as near as practicable above the rear axle, horizontally centered between the rear tires.

 

16)         Tail

 

Two red lights mounted with centers not less than 40 inches (101.6 cm) nor more than 50 inches (127 cm) from surface on which vehicle stands.  Must conform to federal standards (49 CFR 571.108).

 

17)         Turn Signal, Front

 

One amber lamp located on each side at or near the front.  They shall be located at the same height and as far apart as practicable.  Lamps must conform to federal standards (49 CFR 571.108).  The lamps may be located on the fender or the cowl, if practicable.

 

18)         Turn Signal, Rear

 

One red or amber lens on each side at the same height and as far apart as practicable below window.  Must meet federal standard 49 CFR 571.108.

 

c)         LOCKED COMPARTMENT (optional)

 

The fire extinguisher, first-aid kit, and/or warning devices may be stored either in a closed, unlocked compartment or under lock and key, provided the locking device is connected with an automatic warning signal that will alert driver when the compartment is locked.  The automatic alarm shall be both audible and visible to the seated driver.  The alarm shall alert the driver when the engine is running and the compartment is locked and cannot be readily opened without using a tool, key, or combination.  An alarm cut-off or "squelch" control is prohibited.

 

Each safety item inside the compartment shall be named on the outside of the compartment cover or door. In addition, a RED CROSS formed of five equal squares shall be displayed on the cover when the first aid kit is inside the compartment.

 

d)         MIRRORS

 

Every required mirror shall be of reflecting material protected from abrasion, scratching, and corrosion.  Mirror shall be firmly installed on stable supports so as to give a clear, stable, reflected view.  Mirrors must meet all requirements of 49 CFR 571.111 to provide the required field of view.

 

Convex crossover mirrors can be combined with either the right or left side safety mirrors provided the convex mirror meets the field of view and size requirements of 49 CFR 571.111.

 

1)         Exterior

 

A)        Rear View Driving

 

Shall be mounted outside on the left and right sides of the MFSAB.  Must give seated driver a view to the rear along each side of the MFSAB.  Must be at least 50 square inches of usable flat rectangular reflecting surface on each side.  (See 49 CFR 571.111.)

 

If the rear view driving mirror does not provide the required field of view, a convex driving mirror must be installed to expand the driving view to the rear.  However, the usable flat reflecting surface must be rectangular and must maintain at least 50 square inches.

 

B)        Right Side Safety

 

An outside convex mirror, either alone or in combination with the crossover mirror system, shall give the seated driver a view of the roadway along the right side of the MFSAB between the most forward surface of the right front tire and the rear of the rear bumper.  The projected reflecting surface of this convex mirror shall be at least 40 square inches (7⅛ inches (18.10 cm) diameter if a circle).

 

Extra-wide-angle convex mirror heads are permissible on right front corner only.

 

C)        Left Side Safety (Optional)

 

A convex mirror is required if the left rear view driving mirror system does not give the seated driver a reflected view of the roadway along the left side of the MFSAB between the front edge of the driver's seat (in most forward position) and the rear of the rear bumper.  The convex mirror shall be installed so that either alone or in combination with the rear view driving mirror gives the seated driver the proper view.

 

D)        Crossover

 

An outside convex mirror shall give the seated driver a view of the front bumper and the area of roadway in front of the MFSAB.  The projected reflecting surface of this mirror shall be at least 40 square inches (7⅛ inch (18.10 cm) diameter if a circle).  (See 49 CFR 571.111.)

 

Exception:  If the seated driver of a forward control MFSAB has a direct view of the front bumper and the area of roadway in front of the MFSAB, a crossover mirror is optional.

 

2)         Interior

 

Must have a clear view safety glass mirror, metal backed and framed with rounded corners and edges that shall be padded.  Shall afford a good view of the interior and roadway to the rear.

 

e)         PAINT REQUIREMENTS

 

The exterior of any MFSAB can be any color except national school bus glossy yellow. 

 

Each opening for a required emergency exit must be outlined around its outside perimeter with a minimum one inch (2.54 cm) wide retroreflective tape, including roof exits.  The retroreflective tape must be on the exterior surface of the MFSAB.  Required retroreflective tape can be located on the rear bumper or the rub rail, provided the space under the emergency exit door or emergency exit window is not adequate to accommodate the tape or provided rivets are present that prohibit the tape from being applied properly.  (See 49 CFR 571.217.)

 

(Source:  Amended at 37 Ill. Reg. 6791, effective May 3, 2013)