Virginia Law

The following words and terms when used in this chapter shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

"Classroom instruction" means training provided by a qualified driver instructor through lectures, demonstrations, audio-visual presentations, computer-based instruction, driving simulation devices, or similar means. Instruction occurring outside a classroom is included if it does not involve actual operation of a school bus and its components by the student.

"Color-black" means federal standard No. 595, black.

"Color-yellow" means national school bus yellow School Bus Manufacturers Technical Council (SBMTC) color standard 008.

"Multifunction School Activity Bus (MFSAB)" means a school bus whose purposes do not include transporting students to and from home or school bus stops as defined in 49 CFR 571.3. This subcategory of school bus meets all Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) for school buses and meets all regulations for school buses, except the traffic control devices, color, use of cruise control, and seating requirements.

"Nonconforming bus" means any vehicle designed to carry more than 10 passengers that is used to transport children to or from school or school-related activities that does not meet the federal standards, 49 CFR Part 571, specific to school buses or multifunction school activity buses. These vehicles are not approved for transporting students to and from school or school-related activities.

"School bus" means any motor vehicle other than a station wagon, automobile, truck, or commercial bus that is (i) designed and used primarily for the transportation of pupils to and from public, private, or religious schools, or for the transportation of pupils who are physically handicapped to and from a sheltered workshop; (ii) painted yellow with the words "School Bus" in black letters of a specified size on the front and rear; and (iii) equipped with warning devices prescribed in § 46.2-1090 of the Code of Virginia. A yellow school bus may have a white roof provided such vehicle is painted in accordance with regulations and specifications of the Department of Education.

"Specially equipped bus" means a school bus designed, equipped, or modified to accommodate students with special needs.

"Type A school bus" means a conversion bus constructed utilizing a cutaway front-section vehicle with a left side driver's door. This definition includes two classifications. Type A1, with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 14,500 pounds or less; and Type A2, with a GVWR greater than 14,500 pounds, but less than or equal to 21,500 pounds.

"Type B school bus" means a bus constructed utilizing a stripped chassis. The entrance door is behind the front wheels. This definition includes two classifications: Type B1, with a GVWR of 10,000 pounds or less; and Type B2, with a GVWR greater than 10,000 pounds.

"Type C (Conventional) school bus" means a body installed upon a flat-back cowl chassis with a hood and fenders. This definition shall include two classifications: Type C1, with a GVWR range of 17,500 pounds with a design seating capacity range from 16 to 30 persons; and Type C2 with a GVWR of more than 21,500 pounds designed for carrying more than 30 persons. The engine is in front of the windshield and the entrance door is behind the front wheels. Both Type C1 and Type C2 must be equipped with dual rear tires.

"Type D school bus" means a bus with a body constructed utilizing a stripped chassis. The entrance door is ahead of the front wheels. This bus is also known as a rear engine or front engine transit style school bus.

"Vehicle" means any vehicle owned or operated by, or owned or operated by any person under contract by, a county, city, town, or school board in which any school pupils or personnel are transported at public expense from any public school or public school activity.