Transportation Directors and Administrators,
The Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZ DPS) State-Regulated Vehicle Troopers and
Inspectors have recently observed an increasing number of cleaning supplies, chemical products,
and decorations on school buses. This practice represents a serious safety hazard to the students
and staff who ride and operate these vehicles.
Effective immediately, any school bus found to be carrying cleaning supplies, chemical products,
or containing decorations will be placed out of service. In such cases, the assigned Transportation
Director or Supervisor will be required to submit an incident report to the Student Transportation
Unit at AZ DPS.
While some schools have expressed that Minimum Standards do not explicitly prohibit the
transport of cleaning supplies or decorations on school buses, the Arizona Administrative Code
(A.A.C.) R13-13-108(B) clearly states, “any item noted by the Department that could cause
injury or present a danger to a passenger or school bus driver.”
Based on this regulation, the presence of cleaning chemicals, disinfectants, decorations, or
similar hazardous materials on a school bus constitutes a safety violation under the Arizona
Minimum Standards for School Buses and School Bus Drivers. These materials pose risks of
inhalation, chemical burns, exposure during normal operation, and driver distraction, as well as
increasing the danger in the event of a collision or emergency evacuation.
To underscore the seriousness of this issue, last spring, a bus aide sprayed a student in the face
with a cleaning solution on a special needs bus, resulting in criminal charges being filed against
that employee. Supervisors and directors may also be exposed to vicarious liability for permitting
unsafe practices to continue. Continued violations could result in elevated enforcement actions,
including potential findings of child endangerment.
We urge all districts and transportation departments to immediately review current bus cleaning
product storage practices and decorations. Cleaning agents must be stored securely outside of the
bus and used only under approved maintenance procedures. Decorations are prohibited on a
school bus at all times. Your cooperation and diligence in upholding these safety standards help
ensure the protection and well-being of Arizona’s students.
The following is an example notice that can be provided to school transportation personnel:
Drivers, please be advised that cleaning supplies, chemicals, disinfectants, and
decorations are not permitted on any school bus under Arizona Minimum
Standards and A.A.C. R13-13-108(B), which prohibits any item that could cause
injury or present a danger to passengers or drivers. The Department of Public
Safety (AZ DPS) has directed that any bus found carrying such materials will be
placed out of service, and an incident report shall be required. These substances
pose serious health and safety risks to students and staff, and past incidents have

resulted in criminal charges. Please ensure all cleaning agents remain secured at
the transportation facility and decorations are not on buses. Student safety and
regulatory compliance are our highest priorities.
For questions or clarification regarding compliance requirements, please contact the Student
Transportation Unit at the AZ DPS.
Thank you for your continued commitment to student safety and adherence to Arizona’s school
transportation regulations.

Clarification Notice (October 23, 2025)
After receiving numerous correspondence regarding today’s letter on cleaning supplies and
decorations, the following clarifications are being provided:
Cleaning Supplies:
Cleaning supplies may be stored under the bus in a secure container that prevents shifting
and spillage of bottles or canisters. Cleaning products may not be stored anywhere within
the passenger compartment of the bus.
Disinfectant Wipes & Hand Sanitizers:
Disinfectant wipes may be kept in the passenger compartments of buses only if they are
stored in a secure location, away from children’s immediate access under the direct
control of the driver and/or an aide at all times. Hand sanitizers, though not classified as
cleaning supplies, can also be contained in the passenger compartments of buses and
should be monitored due to their potential harm if swallowed or misused.
Seating Labels:
Official school district seating labels do not constitute decorations, provided they are kept
to a reasonable size (no more than 3 inches (H) x 5 inches (L), constructed of magnetic,
paper stock or laminated cards, of tasteful design and appearance, and are not similar in
appearance of or not placed within 12 inches of any emergency exit or emergency
labeling.
Any questions, concerns, or complaints regarding this clarification may be directed to:

Student Transportation Unit, Arizona Department of Public Safety