Bus safety may not be so important to automobile drivers, but to the people who use buses, laws regarding bus safety are vital—even if some of those laws are a bit dated.

What is a Bus?

Photo: Oran Viriyincy

By definition, a bus is a passenger bus, coach or other motor vehicle that can seat 15 or more passengers. Such a bus can be operated by a bus company and includes the transit vehicles of a public transit system.

Bus Safety Issues

You could probably guess that it is illegal to hijack a bus or commit assault with the intent to hijack a bus, but in case you didn’t know that, the state of Utah has clearly detailed what entails a bus-hijacking in the Utah code. If a person seizes or exercises control of a bus within Utah, that person will likely be charged with a first-degree felony. If a person attempts to gain control of a bus by threat, intimidation or violence, that individual may be charged with a second-degree felony.

If you want to carry a concealed weapon on board a bus, you’d better have a concealed weapons license or have the permission of the owner of the bus, or you’ll be guilty of a third-degree felony.

Also, you should avoid shooting a gun or hurling a missile at or into any bus or bus terminal unless you want to be charged with a third-degree felony. That would seem to create a bus safety issue. However, if you are peace officer or security personnel, you can shoot a gun or hurl a missile at or into a bus or terminal if you do so as part of your job.

You had better leave your alcohol, smoking implements and bad language at home when you take a bus ride. Someone who violates this law may be ejected from the bus by the driver and any passengers who are requested to assist in the removal of the individual.

The code states that a person who steals baggage or cargo from a bus or bus terminal will be guilty of theft. You’d think that goes without saying, but you never know when someone just doesn’t understand that taking someone else’s belongings, no matter where they are, will generally always be stealing and will bring legal woes.

A word to the wise: don’t try to obstruct the operation of a bus. If you use force, intimidation or violence to obstruct or impede a bus, you could be charged with a class C misdemeanor. Additionally, conspiring with another person to obstruct the operation of a bus will make you both guilty of a class C misdemeanor.

A Utah Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help

If after these warnings and suggestions you still have bus-related legal problems, or any criminal issues, hire a qualified Utah criminal defense attorney. Allow him to advise you and represent your interests in court where he has the education and expertise. He can help you in your time of need.