§ 31-20-11. Marking of school buses — Penalty for violation.
(a) Every bus used for the transportation of school children shall be painted yellow and bear upon the front and rear of it a plainly visible sign containing the words “school bus” in black letters not less than eight inches (8") in height. Every bus shall also bear on the right and left side the name of the school district for which the bus is transporting children in letters not less than four inches (4") in height and shall be painted black. Any bus being used for the transportation of persons, the majority of whom are under the age of eighteen (18) may display such a sign.
(b) Except as provided in this section, when a school bus is operated upon a street or highway for purposes other than the actual transportation of children, all marking indicating “school bus” shall be covered or concealed. Whenever any school bus is sold and/or is no longer used for the purpose of transporting children, its color shall be changed from national school bus chrome or any other shade of yellow to any other color, and the four (4) flashing warning lights shall be removed before the vehicle can be registered or reregistered for any purpose other than the transportation of school children.
(c) The division of motor vehicles shall require proof of the change of color and other modifications prior to registering the vehicle.
(d) Every school bus shall display a sign located below the rear window of the bus which reads “unlawful to pass when red lights are flashing”. The sign shall have black letters not less than four inches (4") nor more than six inches (6") high on a white reflective background.
(e) Any person, firm, or corporation found in violation of this section shall be fined not less than one hundred dollars ($100).
History of Section.P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 31, § 7; G.L. 1956, § 31-20-11; P.L. 1968, ch. 40, § 1; P.L. 1969, ch. 236, § 1; P.L. 1973, ch. 133, § 1; P.L. 1986, ch. 401, § 1; P.L. 1987, ch. 457, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 454, § 1.
Structure Rhode Island General Laws
Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles
Chapter 31-20 - Special Stops Required
Section 31-20-1. - When railroad crossing stops required of all vehicles.
Section 31-20-2. - Driving through railroad gate or barrier.
Section 31-20-3. - Stop signs at dangerous railroad crossings.
Section 31-20-4. - Vehicles required to stop at all railroads — Exceptions.
Section 31-20-5. - Moving of heavy equipment over railroad crossings.
Section 31-20-6. - Designation of through highways — Erection of stop and yield signs.
Section 31-20-7. - Specifications for stop signs.
Section 31-20-8. - Placement of stop signs.
Section 31-20-9. - Obedience to stop signs.
Section 31-20-10. - Vehicles emerging from alleys, driveways, and buildings.
Section 31-20-10.1, 31-20-10.2. - [Reserved.]
Section 31-20-10.3. - School bus stops — Routes.
Section 31-20-10.4. - Exemption from discharge requirements of § 31-20-10.3.
Section 31-20-11. - Marking of school buses — Penalty for violation.
Section 31-20-11.1. - Signaling of stops for school buses.
Section 31-20-12. - Stopping for school bus required — Penalty for violation.
Section 31-20-12.1. - Repealed.
Section 31-20-13. - School buses stopped on divided highway or in loading zone.
Section 31-20-15. - Posting of bridle path signs.
Section 31-20-16. - Stops at bridle path crossings.
Section 31-20-17. - Stopping for crossing guards and school bus monitors required.
Section 31-20-17.1. - Private complaint — Stopping for crossing guard/bus monitor required.