Section 347.44. Painting requirements for school buses; restrictions as to painting of other vehicles.

 

(1)  All school buses shall be painted as follows:

(a) With the exception of trim, the body, including hood, fenders, cowl and roof shall be painted a uniform color, national school bus glossy yellow, according to national institute of standards and technology specifications;

(b) The body trim, if used, shall be black; and

(c) The words, “SCHOOL BUS", in black letters at least 8 inches high shall appear on both the front and rear of the upper body area or on a sign attached thereto.

(2)  A motor vehicle described in s. 340.01 (56) (b) may, but need not, comply with sub. (1) . If the motor vehicle complies with sub. (1) , the vehicle shall comply with other regulations relating to school buses prescribed by the department by rule.

(3)  No person may paint or in any way designate a motor vehicle in the manner described in sub. (1) except as expressly authorized by this section.

(4)  When a motor vehicle in compliance with sub. (1) , s. 347.25 (2) , and the rules of the department relating to school bus equipment is no longer operated as a school bus, the registration of the motor vehicle for another purpose may not be permitted until the owner:

(a) Physically removes the signs identifying the vehicle as a school bus, the lights required by s. 347.25 (2) and such other equipment as the department may specify by rule; and

(b) Repaints the entire vehicle to a color other than national school bus glossy yellow or any color commonly referred to as yellow.

1975 c. 121 , 199 , 224 , 429 ; 1977 c. 29 s. 1654 (7) (e) ; 1977 c. 228 ; 1979 c. 221 ; 1983 a. 175 ; 1985 a. 287 ; 1989 a. 165 . Cross-reference: See also ch. Trans 300 , Wis. adm. code.