10A NCAC 70I .0918         VEHICLES USED FOR TRANSPORTATION OF CHILDREN

(a)  Vehicle Requirements for Transporting Children.

(1)           Vehicles shall comply with all motor vehicle laws and regulations for the State of North Carolina.

(2)           Motor vehicles shall be maintained in a safe operating condition and shall be registered and inspected.

(3)           A first-aid kit shall be in all motor vehicles.

(4)           The bed of an open body or a stake bed vehicle shall not be used for transporting children.

(b)  Driver Requirements.  The name of and a copy of a valid driver's license for each person transporting children shall be maintained in a separate file at the facility.

(c)  Safety Practices for Transporting Children.

(1)           The interior of each vehicle shall be maintained in a clean and safe condition with clear passage to operable doors.

(2)           The driver shall ensure that all passengers follow North Carolina laws regarding seat belt usage and shall adhere to child passenger restraint laws when transporting children.

(3)           The driver shall not transport more persons, including children and adults, than allowed by the design capacity of the vehicle.

(4)           Children shall have at least one 30 minute rest stop for every four hours of continuous travel.

(5)           Children shall not be transported for more than 10 hours in any 24-hour period.

(d)  Transportation Records.  Insurance verification and the vehicle identification certificate shall be kept in the vehicle in accordance with State law.  Emergency medical information shall be kept in the vehicle for each child occupying the vehicle.

(e)  Insurance.  If a residential child-care facility's transportation services are provided by a private individual, a firm under contract, or by another arrangement, the facility shall maintain a file copy of the individual's or firm's insurance coverage.

(f)  Emergency Transportation.  A residential child-care facility shall have a plan for transporting children when emergency situations arise that includes:

(1)           the need for immediate medical care;

(2)           picking a child up at school before the end of the school day; and

(3)           transporting the child during adverse weather conditions.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 131D-10.5; 143B-153;

Eff. October 1, 2008;

Amended Eff. November 1, 2009;

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. April 5, 2016.