Policy CJDC - Transportation: Operations: Lights and Railroad Crossings

Policy CJDC - Transportation: Operations: Lights and Railroad Crossings (PDF) 

Issue Date: February 15, 2023

Updated: October 23, 2024

Lights

The operator of a school bus shall operate alternating flashing red light signals at all times when children are unloading from a school bus to cross a highway, or when a school bus is stopped for the purpose of loading children who must cross a highway to board the bus, or at any other time when it would be hazardous for vehicles to proceed past the stopped school bus.

The alternating flashing red light signals may not be operated except when the school bus is stopped for loading or unloading school children or for an emergency purpose.

Utah Code § 41-6a-1302(4) (2024)

The flashing yellow lights shall be displayed by the school bus operator at least 100 feet, but not more than 500 feet, before every stop at which the alternately flashing red lights will be actuated.

Utah Code § 41-6a-1301(3) (2015)

Standees

Students must be seated at all times while being transported to and from school. The school bus operator will not permit standees under any circumstances.

National School Transportation Specifications and Procedures p. 148-49 (May 2015)

Railroad Crossing

The operator of any school bus, whether carrying passengers or not, must follow the procedures and precautions for making railroad crossings set forth in the National School Transportation Specifications and Procedures, Appendix D, “Recommended Procedures for School Bus Drivers at Railroad Grade Crossings.”

National School Transportation Specifications and Procedures Appendix D p. 380-81 (May 2015)