Relates to signs on school buses

1 Co-sponsor

• Ruben Diaz

BILL NUMBER:S1352A

Title of bill

An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to signs on school buses

Purpose

To allow school bus signs, that are currently required to be illuminated, to be constructed with reflectorized TYPE III material.

Summary of provisions

Section 1 allows the required two "SCHOOL BUS" signs displayed on school buses to be constructed with the reflectorized TYPE III material. Additionally, this section states that the reflectorized signs do not need to be illuminated during the period between one-half hour after sunset and one-half hour before sunrise.

Section 2 provides for the effective date which is the one hundred twentieth day after it shall have become a law.

Existing law

Current law mandates two signs shall be conspicuously displayed designating an omnibus as a school bus by the use of the words "SCHOOL BUS" and creates standards for the size and color of the text. Additionally, current law requires that these signs be illuminated one-half hour after sunset and one-half hour before sunrise.

Justification

In recent years technology has advanced and made the illuminated sign requirement obsolete. The present technology for photo reflectorized coatings and graphics will allow a sign to be made economically, with industry-standard materials and offer advantages beyond the illuminated signs.

Currently, the illuminated signs provide greater cost, both initial and maintenance. The lights require additional wiring and are no longer a standard item for manufacturers - with New York and Maine being the only states that require this feature. Additionally, these lights accumulate snow and ice and are consequently often found to be the source of water leaks and the epicenter of structural corrosion. Both of these negative externalities can now be avoided with reflectorized coatings and graphics.

This technology also allows the text to conform to the curved shape of the bus design maintaining adequate visibility while slightly improving aerodynamics.

The incorporation of photo-reflective materials, similar to those used on traffic signs, for the "SCHOOL BUS" signs will enhance safety,

while decreasing the initial purchase and operating costs of New York's school bus fleet.

Legislative history

2009-2010 - S.8213

Fiscal implications

Will provide cost savings to school districts by reducing the costs of new buses and bus maintenance.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the one hundred and twentieth day after it shall have become law.