REQUIRED VEHICLE EQUIPMENT AND DEVICES
At the time of manufacturer, every public sector vehicle operated on or over the streets and
highways of this State must be equipped in compliance with applicable Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standards (Title 49 C.F.R. Part 571) as well as the State of North Carolina Uniform
Traffic Control Laws, with the exception of certain date-of-manufacture exemptions, every
public sector vehicle should be equipped as follows:
Auditory Devices
The horn must be capable of emitting sound that is audible under normal conditions from a
distance of not less than 200 feet. The horn must be easily accessed by the driver.
Visibility Devices
Windshield Wipers must be used and the same number of windshield wipers that were originally
equipped at the time of manufacturer must remain on the vehicle to properly clean the
windshield(s). The wipers should be easily accessible to the driver by a working switch.
There must be two exterior rear vision mirrors (one on either side of the vehicle). The mirrors
should be firmly attached to the outside of the bus and be positioned so that they reflect a view of
the highway to the driver. Each exterior rear vision mirror manufactured on or after February 7,
1998, should have a minimum reflective surface of 50 square inches and the right (curbside)
mirror should be located on the bus so that the lowest mounted part of the mirror and its
mounting is at a minimum of 80 inches above the ground.
In addition to the above requirement, transit buses should be equipped with an inside rear-view
mirror capable of giving the driver a clear view of seated or standing passengers. Buses having a
passenger exit door that is located out of the driver’s site should be quipped with an interior
mirror, or a combination of mirrors that enable the driver to view the passenger exit door as
passenger(s) enter and leave the vehicle.
The exterior right (curbside) rear vision mirror and its mounting on buses may be located lower
than 80 inches from the ground, if the buses are used exclusively for paratransit operations.
Trailer buses and articulated buses may be equipped with closed circuit video systems or adult
monitors that are activated by driver voice control.
Electrical Devices
Electrical wiring should be secured so that they do not rub against moving parts, heated surfaces
or become chafed or worn. Buses manufactured on or after February 7, 1998, should be
equipped with storage battery that provides electrical power to the main disconnect switch. The
disconnect switch should be located in an accessible location adjacent to or near the battery and
be clearly marked. Every storage battery on each public-sector bus should be mounted with
proper retainers or securement devices in a compartment, which provides adequate ventilation
and drainage.
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Brakes
Braking systems must comply with North Carolina State as applicable, and should be maintained
in good working order.
Buses having a rear passenger door should be equipped with a rear exit door/brake interlock that
automatically applies the brake(s) when the driver activates the passenger exit door to the open
position. The interlock brake application should remain activated until the driver deactivates the
door and it returns to the closed position. The exit door emergency release of the interlock
function.
Air pressure application to the brake(s) during interlock operation on buses equipped with rear
exit door/brake interlock should be regulated at the original equipment manufacturer’s
specifications.
Gauges, every bus using compressed air, vacuum or a combination thereof, shall be equipped
with gauges and warning signal devices as required by North Carolina Statues. These required
warning devices should not have override switches.
Rails and Bars
Every bus designed and constructed to allow standees should be equipped with overhead grab
rails for standee passengers. Overhead grab rails should extend the length of the bus, except for
in the gap at the rear doorway, and conclude into vertical stanchions or turn up into a ceiling
fastener.
Buses designed for carrying more than 16 passengers should be equipped with grab handles,
stanchions or bars at least 10 inches long. The handles should be installed to permit safe onboard
circulation, seating and standing assistance, and safe boarding/disembarking by elderly and
disabled persons. A safety bar and panel directly behind each entry and exit stepwell should be
present in buses.
Standee Line
Every bus designed and constructed to allow standees should be plainly marked with a line of
contrasting color at least two inches wide or equipped with some other means to indicate that
passengers are prohibited from occupying a space forward of a perpendicular plane drawn
through the rear of the driver’s seat and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the bus.
A sign should be posted a or near the front of the bus stating that it is a violation for a bus to be
operated with passengers occupying an area forward of the standee line.
Steps and Flooring
Flooring, steps and thresholds on all vehicles should have slip resistant surfaces that do not have
protruding or sharp edges, lips and overhangs. All step edges and thresholds shall have a band of
color(s) running the full width of the step or edge which contrasts from the step tread and riser,
either light on dark or dark on light.
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Doors
Power activated doors on all buses should be equipped, with a manual device designed to release
the door closing mechanism.
Buses should be equipped with emergency door(s) or exits, or side windows or roof hatches as
required by FMVSS No. 217 Bus Window Retention and Release Title 49 C F.R. Part 571,
Section 217, effective August 26, 1982).
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