2025 School Bus Construction Standards
The Ohio Department of Public Safety has “final filed” an amended set of rules for the construction of Ohio School Buses. This filing will result in an update to the Administrative Code effective July 1, 2025. All school buses manufactured after this date are required to comply with these updated rules.
Here is a link to the the new rules, showing the amendments: https://ebconsultinggroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Construction-Standards-July-1-2025.pdf
Following is a summary of the significant amendments:
- Buses manufactured after July 1, 2025 will no longer be permitted to carry fusees (roadway flares).
- All buses manufactured after January 1, 2027 must use LED type eight light warning systems
- All buses manufactured after January 1, 2027 must have STOP on the rear of the bus in 10-inch letters with red reflective material between the black letters.
- Electric or Hybrid electric buses must meet all Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and Society of Automotive Engineers standards in place at the time of manufacture.
As a reminder, school buses are required to meet the construction standards in place at their time of manufacture. New construction standards are not retroactive.