“All school buses must have a vehicle location tracking device (VLTD) or panic button as prescribed in the Motor Vehicles Act, 1989,” Warwade said, adding that every bus must also install retro-reflective tape and GPS. “If buses are hired from private operators, they must display a signboard reading ‘on school duty’. Vehicles should be painted golden yellow as per IS-5-1994 standards and must be equipped with a first aid box. Speed governors will ensure that the speed does not exceed 40 km/hour,” he said.
Warwade asked the officials concerned to ensure that all school vehicles have dry powder fire extinguishers and are registered as commercial vehicles. “These vehicles must also obtain a permit under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, from the competent authority.
New vehicles, up to eight years old, will need a bi-annual fitness certificate, while older vehicles will require an annual fitness check. School buses must have CCTV to record vehicle movement during their journey," Warwade said, adding that the footage must be stored for 60 days. However, CCTV is not mandatory for vehicles with fewer than 14 seats.
He called for the formation of a children’s transport committee in each school, which must meet regularly. Warwade stressed the importance of regular district road safety committee meetings to educate members and ensure that the provisions of the Bihar Motor Cars (Amendment) Regulations, 2020, are enforced for the safety of schoolchildren.
“Children should have a chapter on road safety in their textbooks to raise awareness about the causes of road accidents and provide a basic understanding of road signs and symbols,” he added.
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