Zonar tablets are the most versatile mobile devices in the transportation industry. Applicable to fleets of all vehicle types, this innovative platform works both inside and outside the vehicle to provide fleet managers valuable operational information. The tablets help automate common processes offering the flexibility to create custom applications and integrating to maximize operational value.
Zonar tablet features include
- Driver Hours-of Service
- Electronic Verified Inspection Reports
- Two-Way Messaging
- Advanced navigation
- Camera and video for documenting defects or damaged freight
- Driver-friendly applications including web-browsing and email access
- Flexible Android operating system
The tablets can be configured to meet the laws requiring audio or visual displays while the vehicle is in motion:
- Screen off while in motion but will play all audio from applications.
- Screen off while in motion with no audio playback.
- The driver is not able to interact with the tablet until the vehicle is no longer in motion.
- The standard setting can be set on the tablet when the law allows: Screen on with all audio while in motion.
Screen Off Driving
The Screen Off Driving feature allows the user to configure the behavior of the display while the vehicle is in motion at the account level. There are two options at the account level:
- Screen Off, All Audio: When the asset is in motion the tablet screen turns off and cannot be turned back on until the vehicle stops or is turned off. Audio from any app that was running before the screen went off will play, such as navigation and messaging.
- Screen Off, No Audio: When the asset is in motion the tablet screen turns off and cannot be turned back on until the vehicle stops or is turned off. Audio from any app that was running before the screen went off will be disabled.
Compliance
FCC Compliance Statement (Part 15.19)
IC Compliance Statement (RSS-210)
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules and with RSS-210 of Industry Canada (IC). Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
- This device may not cause harmful interference, and
- This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Mounting Position Considerations
Verify placement acceptability with state DOT/law enforcement prior to installation.
Do
- Mount in the vehicle at a convenient height and angle for drivers and co-drivers to access.
- Make sure the location of the installed tablet does not block driver view (including mirrors and gauges) or interfere with vehicle safe operation of the vehicle’s controls.
- Make sure the placement of the tablet allows drivers/co-drivers to easily dock and undock the tablet.
- Make sure the mounting surface is strong enough to support the mount and the tablet.
- Choose a location which does not impede driver/co-driver entry.
- Choose a location which is within easy reach of driver/co-driver, and within normal line-of-sight.
- Lay all components out prior to installation to check for cable length and interference issues.
Don’t
- Do not mount the tablet in an area that may interfere with the deployment of an air bag.
- Do not install the tablet in a location that may impact the driver/co-driver in the event of an accident or sudden stop.
- Do not mount the tablet in dirty or wet areas.
- Do not mount the tablet in areas of direct sunlight
- Do not mount the tablet in front of an open AC or heater vent. If unable to install elsewhere, close the louvered vent the tablet is installed in front of.
- Do not mount the tablet near windows and vents which may pass rain water.
- Avoid mounting the tablet in an area that may limit leg room or where the tablet may likely be used as foot, elbow, etc. rest.
Cable Management
- Strain-relieve and support all cable installations.
- Avoid sharp bends and tight radius installations of cables.
- Avoid moving components (e. g. doors, steering shafts, handles, fans, etc.).
- Provide an adequate “Service Loop” i. e. “cable slack” to allow for servicing of equipment.
- Avoid routing cables through doors, windows, and other pinch points.
- Avoid routing cables in high personnel traffic areas.
- Avoid routing antenna cables near radio and PA equipment.
Installation Considerations
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Does not exceed the height of the dash line and is kept low enough not to obstruct the view through the windshield. |
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Installed in a position that does not obstruct the operation of door opening equipment. |
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Installed with enough spacing between crucial elements such as handrails, ensuring compliance with snag tests.
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Installed clear of switches and gauges the driver needs access to. |
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Installed within reach of the driver, but set far enough off panels to ensure proper switch operation. |
General Requirements
- Do not exceed the height line of the dashboard.
- Do not block the view out of the front or side windows.
- Do not block or cover gauges or switches.
- Do not affect the opening or closing of the door.
- Make sure the tablet is securely mounted.
NATIONAL SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION SPECIFICATIONS AND PROCEDURES
Specially Equipped School Bus Specifications Pg. 59
The specifications in this section are intended to supplement specifications in the BODY AND CHASSIS section. In general, specially equipped buses shall meet all the requirements of the preceding sections, plus those listed in this section. It is recognized that the field of special transportation is characterized by varied needs for individual cases and by rapidly emerging technologies for meeting individual student needs. A flexible, “common sense” approach to the adoption and enforcement of specifications for these vehicles, therefore, is prudent.
Technology and Equipment, New Pg. 61
It is the intent of these specifications to accommodate new technologies and equipment that will better facilitate the transportation of students with special needs. New technology and equipment is acceptable for use in specially equipped vehicles if:
- It does not compromise the effectiveness or integrity of any major safety system.
- (Examples of safety systems include, but are not limited to, compartmentalization, the eight-lamp warning system, emergency exits and the approved color scheme.)
- It does not diminish the safety of the bus interior.
- It does not create additional risk to students who are boarding or exiting the bus or are in or near the school bus loading zone.
- It does not require undue additional activity and/or responsibility for the driver.
- It generally increases efficiency and/or safety of the bus, generally provides for a safer or more pleasant experience for the occupants and pedestrians in the vicinity of the bus and/or generally assists the driver and makes his/her many tasks easier to perform.
Operational Procedures Pg. 141
K. Using New Technologies and Products- pg. 163
1. Operators should explore the use of new technologies and products, whenever practicable, to improve the safety, effectiveness, accountability and efficiency of student transportation operations. While it may be considered a “best practice” to utilize the latest emerging technologies, a prudent administrator must recognize that there are core competencies inherent to school bus operations and bus driver responsibility. It is recommended that transporters be aware of the possibility of over- reliance on technology.
2. Current technologies include, but are not limited to:
a. Computerized…
(1) Routing;
(2) Timekeeping;
(3) Activity trips;
(4) Student tracking;
(5) Employee tracking;
(6) Vehicle maintenance; and
(7) Training records.
b. Automatic vehicle location;
c. Global positioning systems (GPSs);
d. Electronic pre-trip and post-trip inspections; and
e. Electronic fuel dispensers.
SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION SECURITY AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS PG. 197
School Bus Security Equipment and Emerging Technology- Pg. 207
- Global Positioning System technology;
- Silent alarm and two-way communication system (e.g., “panic button”);
- Flashing front and rear marker identification lamps to signal predetermined emergency message (e.g., hostage, intruder on board, etc.);
- Name of student transportation provider and identification number on the bus roof;
- Ability to lock entrance (service) door, emergency door(s), roof hatches and outside compartments;
- A reinforced entrance (service) door to prevent forced entry into the bus; and
- Video and audio in bus cabin such that first responders may see and hear the threat real-time (i.e., as it is happening) for maximum assessment and real time solutions.
General Property- Pg. 471
Drivers and motor carriers shall not permit any greater quantity of baggage in vehicles than can be safely and conveniently carried and safely secured. In no event shall aisles, doors, steps or emergency exits be blocked.
Aisle- Pg. 19
All emergency exit doors shall be accessible by a 12-inch minimum aisle. The aisle shall be unobstructed at all times by any type of barrier, seat, wheelchair or tie-down, unless a flip seat is installed and occupied. The track of a track seating system is exempt from this requirement. A flip seat in the unoccupied (up) position shall not obstruct the 12-inch minimum aisle to any side emergency exit door.
Door, Entrance- pg. 101
Visually inspect and operate entrance door and inspect door to properly open and close without any obstruction of movement. Inspect manually operated door to make sure door will maintain an open and closed position.
Door shall not have any locking device except for interlock systems. On power-operated entrance doors, the emergency release valve, switch or device to release the entrance door must be placed above or to the immediate left or immediate right of the entrance door and must be clearly labeled.
Instruments and Instrument Panel- Pg. 41
C. The instruments and gauges shall be mounted on the instrument panel so that each is clearly visible to the driver while seated in a normal driving position.
CFR 393
Parts And Accessories Necessary For Safe Operation
393.60: Glazing In Specified Openings.
(e) Prohibition on obstructions to the driver’s field of view—(1) Devices mounted at the top of the windshield. Antennas, transponders, and similar devices must not be mounted more than 152 mm (6 inches) below the upper edge of the windshield. These devices must be located outside the area swept by the windshield wipers, and outside the driver’s sight lines to the road and highway signs and signals.
FMVSS - Standard No. 111 - Rearview Mirrors - Passenger Cars, Multipurpose Passenger Vehicles, Trucks, Buses, School Buses and Motorcycles (Effective 1-1-68)
This standard specifies requirements for the performance and location of inside and outside rear-view mirrors. Its purpose is to reduce the number of deaths and injuries that occur when the driver of a motor vehicle does not have a clear and reasonably unobstructed view to the rear.
SNAG HAZARD RULE/DROP AND DRAG TEST
NHTSA - The Handrail Inspection Tool and Procedure
(https://www.nhtsa.gov/people/injury/buses/handrail/handrail.html)
The inspection tool is inexpensive and the procedure for detecting potentially fatal handrail designs is quite simple. The inspection tool is a standard 1/2 in. hex nut measuring 3/4 in. across the flats. This nut is tied to 1/8 in. thick cotton cord measuring 36 in. in length with overhand knots. The drawstring should have a minimum length of 30 in. when tied to the nut and attached so that a pull of at least 10 pounds does not separate the nut from or break the drawstring.
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Steps to conduct a handrail inspection are:
Note: It is important to drop the inspection tool over the handrail in such a way as to simulate a child exiting the bus. This is a drop and drag test. Do not create a snagging situation by placing the nut in an area that would not be exposed to a drawstring or other articles. |
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Inspection Results
- Take the bus out of service and repair it if the inspection tool catches or snags anywhere on the handrail.
- If the nut separates from the drawstring or the drawstring breaks, reassemble the tool and retest. If the inspection tool pulls freely without catching or snagging, the bus should not be rejected.
UNITED STATES EXCEPTIONS
CALIFORNIA
CVC Section 27602(a), “A person shall not drive a motor vehicle if a television receiver, a video monitor, or a television or video screen, or any other similar means of visually displaying a television broadcast or video signal that produces entertainment or business applications, is operating and is located in the motor vehicle at a point forward of the back of the driver’s seat, or is operating and the monitor, screen, or display is visible to the driver while driving the motor vehicle.”
ILLINOIS
Illinois requires the install cannot obscure any required driver visibility areas or infringe upon the effectiveness of the driver’s ability to operate the vehicle. Also requires having one month of inspections available and another month as backup (60 days), available on the tablet.
NEW YORK
The install cannot obscure any required driver visibility areas or infringe upon the effectiveness of the driver’s ability to operate the vehicle per the Bus & Passenger carrier Safety Rules & Regulations. The black screen while driving and low beeping for threshold alerts are necessary for this purpose.
NEW MEXICO
NMAC 6.40.2 does address the issue of new technology and equipment. The equipment is acceptable as long as it meets the requirements listed below. New Mexico requires that the units be programmed so the screen is turned off while the bus is in motion. It is also recommended that the unit be mounted in the left side glove box or in a location behind the driver’s seat.
AAA. TECHNOLOGY AND NEW EQUIPMENT: It is the intent of these standards to accommodate new technologies and equipment, which will better facilitate the transportation of students. When a new technology, piece of equipment, or component is desired to be applied to the school bus, and it meets the following criteria, it may be acceptable.
- The technology, equipment or component shall not compromise the effectiveness or integrity of any major safety system, unless it completely replaces the system. (Examples of safety systems include, but are not limited to, compartmentalization, the eight light warning system, emergency exit opportunity, and the uncluttered yellow color scheme.)
- The technology, equipment or component shall not diminish the safe environment of the interior of the bus.
- The technology, equipment or component shall not create additional risk to students who are boarding or exiting the bus or are in or about the school bus loading zone.
- The technology, equipment or component shall not create undue additional activity and/or responsibility for the driver.
- The technology, equipment or component shall generally increase efficiency and/or safety of the bus, or generally provide for a safer or more pleasant experience for the occupants and pedestrians in the vicinity of the bus, or generally assist the driver or make his/her many tasks easier to perform.
- The inspection technology sensory equipment including the GPS and emergency notification systems shall be provided which meets the standard established by previous state procurement.
- An electronic child check system shall be provided which will provide for notification when a school bus is not inspected for any students being left unattended inside the school bus at the end of the school bus route.
- All doors shall be equipped when manufacturing technology becomes available with a keyless remote locking device, to include primarily the emergency and service doors.
TEXAS
The install cannot obscure any required driver visibility areas or infringe upon the effectiveness of the driver’s ability to operate the vehicle.
VIRGINIA
https://www.doe.virginia.gov/support/transportation/index.shtml
Communication and Camera Systems – (Optional)
A. Communication systems. If communication systems are used on school buses, the systems shall be subject to written policies adopted by the local school board. Installation shall be subject to the Department of Education fleet assessment.
- The radio mounting shall be in the driver’s compartment in a safe, secure location, so as not to interfere with normal bus operation.
- Mounting shall be permanent. Temporary mountings will not be acceptable.
- Wiring shall be protected by a proper fuse or circuit breaker and permanently connected to an accessory circuit shut off by ignition switch. Plug-in type connections are not acceptable.
- Antenna shall be permanently mounted so as not to interfere with driver’s vision of roadway. Antenna lead-in cable shall be permanently secured with the proper clamps, grommets, and sealant. Antenna cable may not pass through window opening.
B. Public address system. For use by driver, the system contains an inside speaker and/or an external speaker that is of special use when driver needs to caution pupils about surrounding dangers at school bus stops. Inside speakers shall be recessed type.
C. AM/FM radios, cassette players or CD players. If AM/FM radios, cassette players, or CD players are installed, they shall be properly mounted by the body manufacturer or local shop personnel. All wiring shall be properly connected and concealed and any speakers shall be of recessed type.
No internal speakers, other than the driver’s communication systems, may be installed within 4 feet of the driver’s seat back in its rearmost upright position.
D. Interior Camera Systems.
- The equipment must be installed in an area at the front of the bus.
- The equipment is outside the federal head impact zone, FMVSS 222 (School Bus Passenger Seating and Crash Protection).
- The equipment is located in an area not likely to cause student injury.
- The equipment will have no sharp edges or projections.
E. Exterior Camera System Monitors.
- Exterior view camera systems may be installed to view areas of restricted visibility outside of the public school bus and shall meet the following criteria:
- Shall not be mounted where it blocks the driver view in any direction.
- Shall only activate when the bus is in reverse for a rear camera or when the bus is in park or has the turn signals activated for side cameras.
- Shall be automatically controlled without requiring driver action.
- The exterior camera system monitor may be incorporated as part of the interior rear view mirror and shall not interfere with the normal use of the mirror.
F. Stop Arm Video Monitoring Systems.
- Stop Arm video monitoring systems on public school buses shall include the minimum system requirements established by the Code of Virginia.
- The system shall produce live digital and recorded video of vehicles being operated in violation of the Code of Virginia.
- The system shall produce a recorded image of the license plate
- The system shall record the activation status of at least one warning device (activation of either and/or the red traffic warning lights and the side stop sign) mounted on the public school bus and the time, date, and location of the vehicle when the image is recorded.
- The system shall not obscure the lettering on the side of the bus.
- The system shall not impede or block any emergency exits.
- Wiring shall not be mounted on the outside of the public school bus and shall not be mounted inside the driver/passenger area.
- All roof and side mounting locations shall be sealed to ensure no leaks.
- The system shall have separate wiring from any emergency lights, alarms, etc.
- All exterior camera housings shall be painted NSBY.
- The system shall operate automatically and not require driver activation.
- Vendor/Manufacturer shall provide documentation to the locality that the system is properly mounted and camera(s) are capturing clear video identifying a moving vehicle.
- Vendor/Manufacturer shall warranty the complete system for at least 12 months after the school division accepts documentation of mounting.
- Exterior camera(s) shall be designed to eliminate movement due to vandalism and rough roads.
WASHINGTON
Though the guidelines for Washington state only talk about the handrail, the inspectors use the nut and string test when they find other items mounted in or near the stairwell that may be a snag hazard.
2018 School Bus Specifications Manual
Pg. 28- v.2022
Handrails
At least 1 handrail not less than 20 inches in length shall be provided in an unobstructed location inside the doorway and shall be designed to prevent entanglement, as evidenced by the passing of the NHTSA string and nut test. The handrail shall be a minimum of 1-inch diameter and be constructed from corrosion resistant material(s).
CANADA EXCEPTIONS
FEDERAL STANDARDS
CSA D250 – Federal School Bus Manufacturing Standard
The requirements of this Standard shall not preclude the use of new technology or new pieces of equipment or components not specified in this Standard if the technology, equipment, or components meet the following criteria:
(a) The effectiveness or integrity of any major safety system (e.g., compartmentalization, emergency exit opportunity, the uncluttered yellow color scheme) shall not be compromised.
(b) The safe environment of the bus interior shall not be diminished.
(c) There shall be no additional risk to students during entry or egress or while in or near the loading zone.
(d) There shall be an enhancement in the efficiency and/or safety of the bus, an enhancement in the safety or experience of the occupants and pedestrians in the vicinity of the bus, or an aid to the performance of the driver’s tasks.
NSC 11B – Federal PMVI Standard
No windshield shall have any obstruction, decal or device in the area swept by the OEM wipers.
| Auxiliary Controls or Devices: Reject if | - device is in such an unsafe condition that it could be a risk to the driver or passenger. |
| - device is insecure or loose, or in danger of shifting in a way that could impede normal operation of the vehicle. |
ONTARIO
The installation into a school bus needs to comply with two separate rules:
- The federal school bus manufacturing requirements (CSA D250);
- Ontario-specific display screen laws.
From an application of the federal standards standpoint, the device is compliant so long as it does not interfere with any controls, block the view of indicator lamps, gauges, etc. and does not interfere with the driver’s view of the road or students. Ontario's display screen laws allow a screen (“mobile data terminal display”) to be mounted in a commercial vehicle provided that it is “placed securely in or mounted to the motor vehicle so that it does not move while the vehicle is in motion”.
Ontario Highway Traffic Act:
78.(1) No person shall drive a motor vehicle on a highway if the display screen of a television, computer or other device in the motor vehicle is visible to the driver. 2009, c.4, s.1.
Exceptions
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply in respect of the display screen of,
(a) a global positioning system navigation device while being used to provide navigation information;
(b) a hand-held wireless communication device or a device that is prescribed for the purpose of subsection 78.1 (1);
(c) a logistical transportation tracking system device used for commercial purposes to track vehicle location, driver status or the delivery of packages or other goods;
(d) a collision avoidance system device that has no other function than to deliver a collision avoidance system; or
(e) an instrument, gauge or system that is used to provide information to the driver regarding the status of various systems of the motor vehicle. 2009, c.4, s.1.
(3) Subsection (1) does not apply to the driver of an ambulance, fire department vehicle or police department vehicle. 2009, c.4, s.1.
Exemption by Regulation
(4) The Minister may make regulations exempting any class of persons or vehicles or any device from this section and prescribing conditions and circumstances for any such exemption. 2009, c.4, s.1.
Supporting Regulation (Ontario Regulation 366/09)
Exemption for certain commercial activities
6. (1) Drivers of commercial motor vehicles, within the meaning of subsection 16 (1) of the Act, may drive a commercial motor vehicle on a highway with a mobile data terminal display screen in the vehicle visible to the driver.
(2) The following persons, while engaged in the performance of their duties, may drive a motor vehicle on a highway with a mobile data terminal display screen in the motor vehicle visible to the driver:
1. Drivers of motor vehicles clearly identified as courier delivery vehicles.
2. Drivers of tow trucks or roadside assistance service vehicles.
3. Drivers of taxicabs and limousines licensed by a municipality or airport authority to provide passenger service.
Exempt Devices
7. The display screens of the following devices may be visible to any driver in a motor vehicle driven on a highway:
1. A device that displays,
i. information on the conditions, use and immediate environment of the vehicle, or
ii. information on road or weather conditions.
2. An ignition interlock device.
3. A car audio control that displays only text or static images.
4. A hand-held device that displays only text or static images and is connected directly into and operates using the audio system controls of the motor vehicle.
Requirement That Display Screens be Secure
8. The exemptions in sections 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 apply only if the display screen of the computer, mobile data terminal or other device is placed securely in or mounted to the motor vehicle so that it does not move while the vehicle is in motion.
BRITISH COLUMBIA
Same as Ontario.
MANITOBA
Manitoba allows school divisions to install on-board monitoring systems per CSA D250 and the Manitoba School Bus Regulation 465/88R. The regulation allows modification with prior approval from the Department of Education. This is not a TV screen which would be prohibited under the HTA if within the driver’s field of vision. The system should not interfere with the day to day operation of the vehicle, must be secured, and not impact line of sight while bus school bus is loading/unloading students. It must follow the Bus OEM direction on the installation of the units, e.g. tying into the proper wiring system and securing the wires so as to not impose a hazard from the original equipment.
NEW BRUNSWICK
Must be compliant with CSA D250 and NSC 11(B).
NUNAVUT
Must be compliant with CSA D250 and NSC 11(B).
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
Must be compliant with CSA D250 and NSC 11(B).
QUEBEC__________________________________________________________________________________________
No specific regulation. Follow standard commercial vehicle regulations.
SASKATCHEWAN
The Saskatchewan Traffic Safety Act states:
241(1) No person shall operate or cause to be operated on a highway a vehicle equipped with a television set, video screen or computer screen unless:
(a) the equipment is securely and safely mounted in the vehicle;
(b) the equipment is located so that it does not obstruct the view of the driver; and
(c) except as provided in subsection (2), any image that is displayed by the equipment is not visible to the driver.
(2) An image displayed on a television set, video screen or computer screen may be located so that it is visible to the driver if the image only displays information that is solely designed to assist the driver:
(a) in the safe operation of the vehicle, or in ensuring the safety and security of its load or its passengers;
(b) to navigate;
(c) by displaying the time;
(d) if that driver is a peace officer, to carry out his or her duties as a peace officer; or
(e) to assess fees or charges payable by passengers or users of the vehicle.
YUKON______________________________________________________________________________________________
Must be compliant with CSA D250 and NSC 11(B).