Before reading this material, it would be helpful for you
to first read the State of NC Private School Requirements.

Are school buses in NC required to be yellow in color?  G.S. 20-4.01(27)d4 mandates that all school buses acquired on or after August 1, 2007 (those picking up children from and returning them to their homes each day) be painted primarily yellow below the roofline and bear the plainly visible words "School Bus" on the front and rear.  In order for a school bus to be able to stop traffic on NC highways (or their right-of-ways) when picking up and depositing children at their homes, it must be of the same color as NC public school yellow buses and equipped with the same type flashing lights, mirrors and front bumper arm as NC public school yellow buses which pick up children each morning.  G.S. 20-4.01(27)d3 defines activity buses as buses "generally painted a different color from a school bus." 

Are schools and child care centers covered under the NC Child Booster Seat law?   Click here for this information.  Also, click on and read the NC child restraint systems statutes.

Is there more information available on the web concerning NC school buses?  Yes.  Click here to access this information.

What determines if a vehicle is a bus?  A vehicle is a bus if it is built to transport eleven or more persons including the driver.  It is a school bus if it is used to transport students to or from school or school-related events.  It is illegal to buy, sell or lease a new school bus that does not meet the federal motor vehicle safety standards applicable to school buses.

What number can I call to obtain answers to other school bus-related questions?  The telephone number is (919) 861-3106.  For NC public school bus questions, call (919) 807-3571.

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