Indiana § 20-27-8-1 - School bus drivers and monitors; standards

Full text of Indiana Indiana Code § 20-27-8-1 — School bus drivers and monitors; standards, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 20-27-8-1. School bus drivers and monitors; standards

Sec. 1. (a) An individual may not drive a school bus for the transportation of students or be employed as a school bus monitor unless the individual satisfies the following requirements:

(1) Is of good moral character.

(2) Does not use intoxicating liquor during school hours.

(3) Does not use intoxicating liquor to excess at any time.

(4) Is not addicted to any narcotic drug.

(5) Is at least:

(A) twenty-one (21) years of age for driving a school bus; or

(B) eighteen (18) years of age for employment as a school bus monitor.

(6) In the case of a school bus driver, holds a valid public passenger chauffeur's license or commercial driver's license issued by the state or any other state.

(7) Possesses the following required physical characteristics:

(A) Sufficient physical ability to be a school bus driver, as determined by the committee.

(B) The full normal use of both hands, both arms, both feet, both legs, both eyes, and both ears.

(C) Freedom from any communicable disease that:

(i) may be transmitted through airborne or droplet means; or

(ii) requires isolation of the infected person under 410 IAC 1-2.3.

(D) Freedom from any mental, nervous, organic, or functional disease that might impair the person's ability to properly operate a school bus.

(E) This clause does not apply to a school bus monitor. Visual acuity, with or without glasses, equal to the vision requirements under 49 CFR 391.41 and a field of vision with one hundred fifty (150) degree minimum and with depth perception of at least eighty percent (80%) or forty-eight (48) seconds of arc or less angle of stereopsis.

(b) This subsection applies to a school bus monitor. Notwithstanding subsection (a)(5)(B), a school corporation or school bus driver may not employ an individual who is less than twenty-one (21) years of age as a school bus monitor unless the school corporation or school bus driver does not receive a sufficient number of qualified applicants for employment as a school bus monitor who are at least twenty-one (21) years of age. A school corporation or school bus driver shall maintain a record of applicants, their ages, and their qualifications to show compliance with this subsection.

[Pre-2005 Elementary and Secondary Education Recodification Citation: 20-9.1-3-1.]

As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.11. Amended by P.L.219-2015, SEC.3; P.L.127-2016, SEC.19; P.L.167-2018, SEC.3; P.L.168-2022, SEC.8.

Source: official Indiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Indiana § 20-27-8-1

What does Indiana Code § 20-27-8-1 cover?

Section 20-27-8-1 ("School bus drivers and monitors; standards") is part of the Indiana Code, the codified statutory law of Indiana. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Indiana § 20-27-8-1?

A common citation format is "Indiana Code § 20-27-8-1" (Indiana). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Indiana law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Indiana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Indiana attorney.

How does Indiana § 20-27-8-1 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Indiana can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Indiana.