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Date: April 6, 2009 - Revised Attention: ASCIP Members Subject: Pupil Transportation Contracted by Private Party Download a printer-friendly version. Each school year ASCIP receives numerous inquiries from Members regarding parents purchasing transportation services for their children to attend school activities, such as proms, homecomings and other similar events in vehicles other than a school bus. A popular mode of transportation to events such as the above are vans, charter coaches, limousines, etc. In September of 2006, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) issued an Information Bulletin which states that transportation in vehicles other than a school bus authorized by law is limited to those listed in California Vehicle Code Section 545 (a)-(j). Since the issuance of the information bulletin in 2006, Vehicle Code Section 545 was amended by AB830 of Session 2007-2008 which added subsection (k) to the Vehicle Code on September 30, 2008 thereby allowing parents to contract for certain motor vehicles in accordance with Public Utilities Code which are capable of carrying up to 25 passengers (including driver). (k) A motor vehicle, other than a motor vehicle described in subdivision (b), that is designed to carry not more than 25 persons including the driver, while being used for the transportation of pupils to or from school-related activities if the vehicle is operated by a passenger charter-party carrier certified and licensed by the Public Utilities Commission pursuant to Chapter 8 (commencing with Section 5351) of Division 2 of the Public Utilities Code that is not under a contractual agreement with a school or school district, and the transportation does not duplicate schoolbus service or any other transportation services for pupils contracted, arranged, or otherwise provided by the school or school district. Drivers of vehicles outlined in CVC Section 545 (a)-(k) require additional training, special licensing and background checks. Districts should advise parents who wish to contract for subject transportation services to confirm that the service provider is properly licensed, trained and background checked. The addition of subsection (k) to CVC Section 545 DOES NOT alter the 12-passenger or the 15-passenger motor vehicle restrictions placed on school districts. ASCIP staff is available to assist in addressing transportation concerns as they may arise.
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