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When you buy a school bus for your district, it might seem like the only factors to consider are the price, mileage, and overall condition of the bus. However, what you might not know is that, in order to operate that bus in Indiana, it needs to meet specific requirements set out by the Department of Education.

Some of these specifications are not required in other states, and failure to comply with these regulations could lead to costly updates in order to operate it legally. In this guide, we’ll cover the key requirements for school buses in Indiana and explain the differences between in-state and out-of-state purchases, helping you avoid potential pitfalls.

In-State vs. Out-of-State Purchases

When you buy a bus from an Indiana dealer, you can trust that the bus meets all state and federal regulations. Indiana dealers are required to submit paperwork every year to confirm compliance with these standards, so any bus you purchase locally is ready to go.

However, if you buy a bus from out of state, you may run into challenges. While out-of-state buses will comply with statutes laid out by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), they aren’t always built to meet Indiana’s specific requirements. Likewise, the seller may not always provide a compliance letter verifying that the bus is up to code for use in Indiana.

If you’ve purchased a bus from another state and aren’t sure if it meets Indiana regulations, it’s important to have it checked by an authorized dealer, such as Kerlin Bus Sales. We can determine if your bus needs updates and make any necessary modifications to bring it into compliance. That said, not all buses can be modified to meet Indiana’s requirements, so it’s important to consult with us early in the process.

Kerlin also has a particular advantage when it comes to Thomas Built Buses. We have access to detailed equipment records, making it easy to verify whether a Thomas bus meets Indiana’s requirements or if modifications are necessary.

Key Indiana School Bus Specifications

Indiana has several state-specific safety requirements for school buses, and ensuring compliance with these regulations is critical. Here are four key areas where your bus must meet specific standards:

Rear Impact Zone

Indiana mandates that school buses have reinforced rear impact zones to protect passengers in the event of a collision. The rear bumper must be made of pressed steel at least 3/16 inches thick and extend 12 inches forward from the rear of the bus, helping absorb impacts and minimize damage.

Emergency Exits

To ensure quick evacuation during emergencies, Indiana buses based on size are required to have a designated number of emergency exits. This includes at least one roof hatch and side emergency windows spaced evenly throughout the bus. Emergency doors must also be equipped with electric plunger switches that activate a warning buzzer if the exits are opened or tampered with.

Roof Hatches

In addition to side exits, Indiana requires at least one roof hatch to provide an additional escape route, particularly in rollover situations. This safety feature is essential for ensuring passengers can evacuate from the top of the bus if necessary.

Noise Suppression Switch

Indiana buses must include a noise suppression switch to reduce distractions for drivers. This switch disables fans, defrosters, and other noise-producing accessories, allowing the driver to communicate clearly and hear critical sounds, especially in emergencies.

Get Expert Advice on School Bus Compliance

Whether you've purchased a bus from out of state or simply need to verify that your bus complies with Indiana’s regulations, the team at Kerlin Bus Sales is here to help. Our team can inspect your bus, perform necessary modifications, and ensure it meets all state and federal standards. With a network of service technicians located throughout the state and a comprehensive service center, Kerlin makes compliance easy. To get in touch with one of our technicians about checking your bus for Indiana state compliance, click here.