(i) Effective date. School buses manufactured prior to the effective date of this regulation must meet the emergency exit requirements as specified in the FMVSS and this Part that were applicable on the vehicle date of manufacture for emergency door(s), exit window(s), push out window(s), roof exit(s) dimensions, location, identification lights and lettering. All school buses manufactured on or after the effective date of this regulation shall meet all the applicable emergency exit requirements of the FMVSS effective at the time of manufacture, as well as the applicable provisions of this section.

(ii) Audible warning device. An audible warning device shall be provided to alert driver if any emergency exit (door, window or roof hatch) is locked. The warning device shall function while engine is running or ignition is in the on position and shall incorporate an interlocking electrical circuit that prevents the engine from being started when locked.

(iii) The number of emergency exits shall be provided in accordance with the following listing:

(i) Emergency door. The emergency door shall have a minimum dimension of 45 inches (vertical) and 24 inches (horizontal). Type D exception. For a Type D rear engine bus, a rear emergency exit window that meets the FMVSS Standards for size and location shall be acceptable.

(ii) Red door light. All doors shall have a two-inch ruby or red light mounted on inside above the door connected to headlight or marker light circuit.

(iii) Exit markings. The words “EMERGENCY EXIT” shall be placed both inside and outside directly above, on or adjacent to the exit in letters of one and one-half inch minimum height. An arrow of contrasting color (red or black) shall also be placed on the interior and exterior of the door, as close as practicable to the door handle, which will indicate direction to move the handle to unlatch the door. All lettering and numbering shall conform to series B of Standard Alphabets for Highway Signs within the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (17 NYCRR, Chapter V).

(iv) Hinges. All doors shall be hinged on two or more door-type hinges, properly spaced.

(v) Sealer strip. All doors shall be sealed on all edges with rubber sealer strip.

(vi) Outward opening. All emergency doors shall open outward at least 90 degrees. Those doors that are required to be equipped with a door stop (holder) shall maintain this 90 degree opening when door stop is engaged.

(vii) Opening device. All doors shall be provided with a three-point fastening device operated independently of the driver. The inside opening device shall operate upward and shall be of contrasting color and easily accessible. It shall be substantially constructed and engineered in such a manner that it provides for easy opening and yet is protected against accidental release.

(viii) Outside door handle. All doors shall be equipped with a recessed or flush outside handle, designed to prevent hitching to or riding thereon and constructed to quickly release the door from the outside.

(ix) Warning device. All doors shall be equipped with a device, connected to a audible warning signal, located in the driver's compartment which shall be activated when the door is open or not fully latched. The switch shall be enclosed and wires leading from switch shall be concealed in bus body.

(x) Door rigidity. All doors shall be constructed in a manner to provide at least equal rigidity and crash resistance on the sides and rear of the bus, except the upper door section shall be equipped with approved glazing. The lower portion of the rear emergency door shall have an area large enough to provide adequate vision and may be equipped with glazing approved by DMV only.

(i) Push-out windows. Each window shall be hinged at the top and shall open approximately 90 degrees, or as near as practicable thereto, from the closed position and shall be connected electrically to an audible signal which will warn the driver when such windows are not completely latched. Side push-out windows shall have a minimum height of at least 17 inches and a minimum width of at least 23½ inches. Rear pushout windows shall have a minimum height of 17 inches and a minimum width of 45 inches for a single window. If two windows are provided, each shall have a minimum height of 17 inches and minimum width of 23½ inches. Push-out windows shall have a positive latching device that is designed to prevent accidental opening.

(ii) Side emergency windows. For buses equipped with two side emergency push out windows on the same side of the bus, one window shall be located forward and one to the rear of the midpoint of the passenger section.

(i) School buses manufactured as 1984 or subsequent models:

(ii) Hinges. If hinged, the roof hatch shall be located on the hatch toward the front of the bus.

(iii) Safety chain. If not equipped with hinges, the roof hatch shall be equipped with a chain to prevent cover from being separated from vehicle.

(iv) Spacing. Roof hatches shall not be closer than three feet when more than one hatch is installed.