(a) The division of motor vehicles, and state and local law enforcement officers, are authorized to stop and conduct a visual inspection of any school bus as defined in 31-1-3, on public roads and highways and in public and private parking areas. The random inspections shall be conducted at a time when no school children are on the school bus. Nothing in this section shall preclude a law enforcement officer from stopping a school bus which is transporting children for any visible violation of applicable safety standards. Whenever a law enforcement officer stops a school bus, he or she shall verify that the vehicle identification number (VIN) listed on the registration card is the same as the VIN listed on the body of the bus.
(b) Any federal or state employee authorized to stop and inspect trucks on the highways or roads of this state is authorized to conduct inspections of any school bus.
(c) Any school bus found to be in violation of applicable laws and/or regulations may be immediately impounded, and notification shall be sent to the registered owner, the school superintendent and the school committee for which the bus transports children. The bus shall not be used to transport children until the violation is cured and the bus is inspected by a state employed or state certified inspector.
History of Section.
P.L. 1986, ch. 344, § 2; P.L. 2004, ch. 6, § 16.