Bihar govt enforces tougher rules for school buses and drivers

The Bihar government has launched a January-long enforcement drive to strengthen safety norms for school transportation, with Transport Minister Shravan Kumar warning that any lapse affecting children’s safety will invite strict action.

Announcing the measures, Kumar said ensuring safe travel for schoolchildren remains the government’s highest priority and that accountability will rest with both vehicle owners and school managements. He said all prescribed safety standards must be followed without exception.

Under the new guidelines, District Transport Officers will lead a special inspection campaign across all districts throughout the month.

The inspections will cover school buses and other vehicles used for student transport, examining safety equipment, vehicle documents, and driver eligibility.

Officials will focus on emergency preparedness, directing that all school vehicles be equipped with essential safety gear to ensure timely assistance when required. Compliance with speed limits and the installation of CCTV cameras will also be closely monitored.

As part of enhanced monitoring, authorities have made Vehicle Location Tracking Devices, panic buttons, and GPS systems mandatory in school vehicles to allow real-time tracking and faster response during emergencies.

CCTV cameras are compulsory in school buses, and video recordings must be preserved for a minimum of 60 days. Vehicles with fewer than 14 seats have been exempted from the CCTV requirement.

Speed governors must be installed in all school vehicles, limiting their maximum speed to 40 kilometers per hour.

The guidelines also introduce tighter norms for drivers. Those penalized more than twice in a year for red light violations, lane indiscipline, or unauthorized driving, or even once for speeding, dangerous driving, or driving under the influence, will be barred from operating school vehicles. Police verification of drivers and two close relatives has been made mandatory.

In addition, all school buses must carry first aid kits, fire extinguishers, and retroreflective tape. Vehicles are required to have valid registration, third-party insurance, pollution and fitness certificates, and permits.

Drivers must hold a valid heavy motor vehicle license and have at least one year of driving experience.