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              

Federal Law                                                                          

North Carolina State Law.

Buying, Selling and Using Vans                        

Federal Law

North Carolina Law

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)

Frequently Asked Questions

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