Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 50, December 14, 2024
Section 104.3 - Standards(a)Off-roadway loading zones. A school bus loading zone should be established off the roadway whenever possible, provided the following items are satisfied: (1) There is an area of sufficient width to safely accommodate both the bus and students.(2) Students to be received or discharged either reside or walk to or from the loading zone on the same side of the roadway as the loading zone or are afforded the protection of a traffic signal, stop sign, uniformed police officer, or other appropriately attired person-such as a school crossing guard-authorized to direct, control or regulate traffic.(3) The loading zone can withstand daily use by a school bus.(4) If the loading zone is on private property, permission is obtained from the owner or other person in charge or possession of the property.(5) If the loading zone is within the highway right-of-way, approval is obtained from the local authorities.(b)On-roadway loading zones. If it is not possible or practical to establish a school bus loading zone off the roadway, the loading zone should be located to optimize driver sight distance to the school bus in both directions. Outside a business or residence district, the required sight distance to a school bus stopped on the roadway shall be a minimum of 500 feet unless: (1) The school district chooses a location for a loading zone with a lower sight distance because it is safer for the school bus to stop at this location than it is for the student to walk to a location that satisfies the 500-foot sight distance requirements.(2) The local authorities as defined in 75 Pa.C.S. § 102 (relating to definitions) approve the location chosen by the school district. See § 15.3 (relating to special operating privileges).(c)Separate roadways. A school bus loading zone may be established on a separate roadway only at the following locations: (1) Where the students to be received or discharged reside on the same side of the roadway as the school bus loading zone.(2) At or near a signalized intersection where students walking across the separate roadway to the school bus loading zone are afforded the protection of the traffic signal.(3) At or near an intersection where traffic on the separate roadway is required to stop for a stop sign.(4) At or near an intersection or other place where students walking across the separate roadway are afforded the protection of a uniformed police officer or other appropriately attired person-such as a school crossing guard-authorized to direct, control or regulate traffic.(d)Backing of school bus. If a school bus is required to back in the vicinity of a loading zone, the pupils to be received or discharged shall be on the bus during the backing.(e)Use of visual signals. The red and amber visual signals may not be actuated in an off-roadway loading zone.The provisions of this § 104.3 amended August 20, 1982, effective 8/21/1982, 12 Pa.B. 2797. This section cited in 67 Pa. Code § 15.3 (relating to special operating privileges).