(a) The Department of the California Highway Patrol shall inspect and certify every youth bus at least once each school year to ascertain whether its condition complies with all provisions of law.
(b) No person shall drive any youth bus unless there is displayed therein a certificate issued by the Department of the California Highway Patrol stating that on a certain date, which shall be within 13 months of the date of operation, an authorized employee of the Department of the California Highway Patrol inspected the youth bus and found that on the date of inspection the youth bus complied with the applicable provisions of state law. The Commissioner of the California Highway Patrol shall provide, by rule or regulation, for the issuance and display of distinctive inspection certificates.
(c) The Commissioner of the California Highway Patrol may determine the fee and method of collection for the annual inspection of youth buses. The fee, established by regulation, shall be sufficient to cover the cost to the department for youth bus inspections and testing of drivers pursuant to Section 12523. All fees received shall be deposited in the Motor Vehicle Account in the State Transportation Fund.
(Amended by Stats. 1982, Ch. 1273, Sec. 4.)