The following requirements apply to drivers of school buses during rail grade crossings:
(1) All school buses shall stop at all rail grade crossings except:
(a) Where traffic is controlled by a police officer or flagger;
(b) Where a functioning traffic control signal is transmitting a green light;
(c) Where the tracks are used exclusively for a streetcar or industrial switching purposes;
(d) Where the utilities and transportation commission has approved the installation of an "exempt" sign; or
(e) Where the crossing is abandoned and is marked with a sign indicating it is out-of-service.
(2) In order to lessen the potential for collisions, school bus drivers shall use simultaneously flashing amber hazard lamps within two hundred feet prior to stopping for a rail grade crossing.
(3) The school bus driver shall open the door and driver window to listen for approaching trains.
(4) Drivers shall take reasonable action to ensure that passengers are quiet and shall turn off all noise making devices such as fans and radios while listening for approaching trains.
(5) Drivers shall not proceed until the door is closed, visibility is clear, and the school bus can safely proceed across and completely clear the rail grade.
(6) Drivers shall not change gears of a school bus equipped with a manual transmission while the school bus is crossing a rail grade.
[Statutory Authority: RCW
46.61.380. WSR 16-10-114, § 392-145-070, filed 5/4/16, effective 9/1/16; WSR 14-15-049, § 392-145-070, filed 7/11/14, effective 8/11/14; WSR 07-05-058, § 392-145-070, filed 2/20/07, effective 11/1/07.]