LAYTON -- Although it's now legal, it might still be some time before you see an advertisement on the side of a local school bus.
The 2011 Legislature passed House Bill 199, which allows a local school board or charter school governing board to sell advertising space on the exterior of a school bus.
Just last week, the Utah Department of Transportation established standard rules governing the placement of the advertisements to ensure safe operation of the buses.
The rules are fairly simple and state that the advertisements cannot cover, obscure or interfere with the operation of any lighting, reflective tape, emergency exits or any other safety equipment, said UDOT Engineer Ahmad Jabber.
Also, the advertisements cannot be placed within 6 inches of any required markings or lighting and cannot be illuminated, reflective or resemble a traffic control device. The ads cannot contain messages of a sexual nature and cannot promote gambling or alcohol, tobacco or drug use.
Under the new law, a school district can sell ad space, then put any revenue generated into the district's general fund.
The Davis School District has no immediate plans for advertisements on its school buses.
"We are aware of (the new policy)," said Davis School District spokesman Chris Williams, "but we haven't yet had any discussion within the district."
He said it will take some time before district officials decide if and when to place ads.
"It would involve discussion with our in-house attorney and our superintendency," Williams said.
"It would involve a whole new policy."
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