NYS Department of Motor Vehicles
Governor's Traffic Safety Committee

The United States Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), has determined added risks are associated with the operation of certain standard production model vehicles.  A cautionary warning has been issued for 15-passenger vans because these vehicles have been involved in a disproportionate share of rollover accidents.

It has been determined that the risk of rollover is increased if these vehicles are operated at relatively high rates of speed and fully loaded.  NHTSA research has found that the risk of a rollover crash is greatly increased when these vehicles are operated with ten or more passengers.

If your organization is operating these vehicles, they should be driven by your most experienced and competent drivers.  Your drivers should comply with all posted and advisory speed limits and reduce speed on sharp turns.  All occupants should wear seat belts.

It is suggested that serious consideration be given to not using these vehicles with more than ten occupants.  It is also suggested that a more stable vehicle be purchased for use in your service in the future.

More information can be found on NHTSA's internet web page at:  http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov  Just follow the links related to 15-passenger vans.

Be advised that with few exceptions vehicles operated in New York State primarily for transporting passengers under the age of 21 to and/or from school (public or private) and school activities with a passenger capacity of 11 or more, including the driver, must have been manufactured to meet state and federal school bus safety standards. This does not include post secondary higher education.

If you have further questions you can contact the Motor Carrier Safety Bureau at (518) 485-2448.

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http://www.nysgtsc.state.ny.us/15passvan.htm -- Revised: January 05, 2006

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