School Bus Specifications - Texas Department of Public Safety

STOP ARMBuses shall be equipped with one stop arm, air or electrically driven, meeting SAE J1133 andthe following requirements:A. Design: The sign shall be octagon-shaped, constructed of zinc-coated steel, aluminum,or equivalent material of equal durability. It shall have a minimum one half (1/2) inchwide white border and the word “STOP” in white letters at least six (6) inches highagainst a red background on both sides. The letters, border and background shall be ofreflective materials meeting DOT FHWA FP-85 on both sides. Double-faced red,alternately flashing lamps, flashing both sides, one (1) above and below the word"STOP" each visible from both sides and shall be connected to, and flash with therequired school bus red flashing signal lamp circuit when the arm is extended, or an LEDStop Sign. The stop arm assembly shall be non-corrosive.B. Mounting: If only one (1) stop arm is provided, the stop arm shall be installed on theleft side of the school bus near the front cowl section. If a second stop arm is provided,it shall be installed on the left side of the bus near the rear section of the bus and shallhave one (1) "STOP" emblem facing the rear of the bus when the stop sign is in theopen position.C. Dual stop arms shall be provided on buses designed for forty seven (47) passengers orlarger.SUN SHIELDAn interior adjustable tinted transparent sun shield, with a finished edge and not less than 6” x30” for Types C, and D vehicles, shall be installed in a position convenient for use by the driver.The sun shield (visor) on all Type A buses shall be installed according to the manufacturer’sstandard.UNDERCOATINGEntire underside of body including floor members, wheel housings, and side panels below floorlevel shall be coated with fire resistant asphalt base, rubber base, or other undercoatingmaterial, applied by spray method to seal, deaden sound, insulate, and prevent oxidation. Anyundercoating material used shall be asbestos-free. Do not cover up or obliterate the chassisidentification plate.VENTILATIONAll school buses shall be equipped with an effective exhaust type ventilation system, static noncloseabletype installed in low-pressure area of roof, capable of ejecting foul air under alloperating conditions. System shall be adequately weatherproof and dustproof.WHEEL HOUSINGSWheel housings shall be constructed of sixteen (16) gauge or heavier steel and be rigidlyreinforced, shall be attached to floor and side panels in such manner as to prevent water ordust from entering body, and shall be designed for easy removal of tires. For materials seeSTRUCTURAL DESIGN; for covering see FLOOR AND FLOOR COVERING.Section C-16