Which entity determines the rules and regulations for the operation of a school bus?

The California Highway Patrol is responsible for establishing rules and regulations for the operation of school buses. This includes enacting safety measures, setting standards for bus drivers, and ensuring compliance with state laws governing school transportation. The Highway Patrol conducts inspections and provides guidelines that bus drivers must follow to ensure the safety of students while they are being transported.

While the California Department of Transportation plays a critical role in maintaining roadway safety and infrastructure, it does not specifically create the operational rules for school buses. School districts have the authority to implement policies relating to their specific transportation services, but they must follow the overarching state laws set by the California Highway Patrol. The California Legislature creates laws that may influence transportation regulations, but the direct oversight and enforcement of those rules for school buses fall largely under the jurisdiction of the California Highway Patrol.