Why Not to Use Vans for School Transportation
Federal law prohibits buying, selling, or leasing a new school bus that does not meet all Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards applicable to school buses. A 12-15 PASSENGER VAN IS A SCHOOL BUS WHEN IT IS USED TO TRANSPORT STUDENTS TO OR FROM SCHOOL OR SCHOOL-RELATED EVENTS. Even though USE is not prohibited in North Carolina, nor is buying, selling or leasing a USED vehicle, the existence of this federal law places a tremendous liability exposure to buyers, sellers and users.
Definitions of Vehicles and Vehicle Types
Buying, Selling and Using Vans
Other States (2004 Comparison)
South Carolina Law (Jacob’s Law)
Studies and Recommendations
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)
National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services (NASDPTS)