TITLE 31

Motor and Other vehicles

CHAPTER 31-23

Equipment and Accessories Generally

SECTION 31-23-42.1



   § 31-23-42.1  Special mirrors on school

buses. –

Every school bus as defined in § 31-1-3(z) shall be equipped with a system

of mirrors that will give the seated driver a view of the roadway to each side

of the bus, and the area immediately in front of the front bumper, in

accordance with the following specifications:



   (1) At least seven and one-half inches (7 1/2") of a

thirty-inch (30") long rod shall be visible to the driver, either by direct

view or by means of an indirect visibility system, when the rod is placed

upright on the ground at any point along a traverse line extending one foot

from the forward-most point of the bus and one foot from the length and width

and rear of the bus.



   (2) Every school bus owner shall maintain a measuring rod

thirty inches (30") in length with distinctive identification marks located at

seven and one-half inch (7 1/2") intervals for purposes of adjusting the system

of mirrors required by this section in accordance with these specifications.



   (3) Other mirrors shall be located and adjustable so as to

meet their intended minimum requirements, and may be incorporated in the system

of mirrors required by this section.



   (4) Each school bus shall be equipped with at least two (2)

flat-surfaced rectangular exterior mirrors, one situated on each side of the

bus forward of the operator and any entrance door. The reflecting surface shall

not be obscured and shall have a minimum reflective surface of fifty square

inches (50 sq. in.). The mirrors shall be firmly supported and adjustable, and

shall afford the driver a clear, stable, reflected view of the road surface at

each side of the vehicle for a continual distance beginning at a point not

greater than two hundred feet (200') to the rear and continuing to the horizon

when measured on a straight and level road.



   (5) Exterior mirror mounts shall include a wide-angle

adjustable convex mirror to provide a close-in field of vision to the operator.

Each school bus shall be equipped with convex mirrors that shall be mounted at

the left front corner and the right front corner of the vehicle, sufficiently

adjustable to enable a seated operator to observe a reflection of the area in

front of the bus where children might stand or pass.



   (6) Each school bus shall be equipped with interior mirrors

that shall afford the driver a view of the bus interior, emergency door, and

the roadway to the immediate rear of the bus. Every school bus with a seating

capacity of sixteen (16) passengers or fewer shall have a convex rear view

mirror located near the right front corner, so as to provide the operator with

a view of the ground area at the entrance door when the door is not equipped

with safety glass in the lower portion of the door.



   (7) Violations of this section are subject to fines

enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.



History of Section.

(P.L. 1969, ch. 176, § 1; P.L. 1975, ch. 198, § 1; P.L. 1986, ch.

448, § 1; P.L. 2002, ch. 292, § 120; P.L. 2004, ch. 6, §

17.)