§ 13-420. Registration of school vehicles

   (a) Scope of section. --

   (1) A school type vehicle operated on a regular daily basis to transport students attending grades K through 12 shall be registered under this section.

   (2) A school type vehicle otherwise operated to transport persons for educational purposes or maintained by an educational institution as part of a transportation system shall be registered, at the option of the registrant:

      (i) Under this section; or

      (ii) Under any other appropriate section of this title.

   (3) The Administration may establish guidelines for the registration of school type vehicles in accordance with this section.

(b) Type I school vehicles. -- If it is only operated for the transportation of children, students, or teachers for educational purposes or in connection with a school activity or if it is operated, with approval from a board of education in any county, to provide transportation for persons 60 years old or older to civic, educational, social, or recreational activities, a Type I school vehicle (school bus) shall:

   (1) Display distinctive "school bus" registration plates issued by the Administration; and

   (2) Comply with all the requirements of the Maryland Vehicle Law and the regulations of the Administration that relate to a Type I school vehicle.

(c) Display of "school charter" registration plates. --

   (1) If it is operated for any purpose in addition to those specified in subsection (b) of this section, a Type I school vehicle (school bus) shall display distinctive "school charter" registration plates issued by the Administration.

   (2) The Administration shall issue "school charter" plates:

      (i) In place of and not in addition to "school bus" plates; and

      (ii) Only to vehicles complying with all the requirements of the Maryland Vehicle Law and the regulations of the Administration that relate to a Type I school vehicle.

(d) Type II school vehicles. -- A Type II school vehicle shall:

   (1) Display distinctive registration plates issued by the Administration; and

   (2) Comply with all the requirements of the Maryland Vehicle Law and the regulations of the Administration that relate to a Type II school vehicle.

HISTORY: An. Code 1957, art. 66 1/2, § 3-401.1; 1977, ch. 14, § 2; ch. 625; 1986, ch. 472, § 1; 1992, ch. 447.