School Bus Wash and Exterior Cleaning Inspection

Inspection template for verifying that school bus exterior washing and cleaning keep lamps, reflectors, warning lights, and signage visible, and that road grime does not obscure required markings or safety features.

Inspection Setup and Scope

• Bus identifier and inspection date recorded
  Record the unit number, route number if applicable, and date of inspection.
• Inspection performed after wash or exterior cleaning event
  Confirm this inspection is tied to a completed wash, detailing, or exterior cleaning task.
• Inspection area provides safe access around the vehicle
  Confirm the walk-around area is clear enough to inspect all sides of the bus without obstruction.

Exterior Wash Quality and Road Grime Removal

• Body panels free of heavy road grime and mud buildup
  Check that dirt, mud, salt residue, and road film have been removed from visible exterior surfaces.
• Windows, mirrors, and camera lenses clean and streak-free
  Verify that glass and viewing surfaces are clean enough to support safe driving and passenger visibility.
• Wheel wells, lower body, and splash zones cleaned
  Inspect lower exterior areas for accumulated grime that could transfer to markings, lights, or reflective surfaces.

Lamps, Reflectors, and Warning Lights

• Headlamps, tail lamps, stop lamps, and turn signals visible and unobstructed
  Confirm lamps are not covered by dirt, residue, or streaking that reduces visibility.
• Reflectors clean and clearly visible from intended viewing angle
  Check all required reflectors for cleanliness and visibility.
• Warning lights clean and visible
  Verify that amber and red warning lights are not obscured by grime, wax, or residue.
• Lens covers free of haze, film, or residue that reduces light output
  Inspect lens surfaces for contamination that may reduce effective illumination or conspicuity.

Required Markings, Signage, and Conspicuity

• School bus markings legible and not obscured
  Verify that required lettering and identifiers remain readable after cleaning.
• Stop arm, crossing control arm, and related decals visible
  Confirm that safety devices and their markings are visible and not hidden by dirt or residue.
• Emergency exit labels and exterior instructions visible
  Check that exterior emergency markings and instructions are readable and unobstructed.

Final Condition and Corrective Actions

• Any remaining deficiency documented
  Describe any unresolved non-conformance, including location and affected component.
• Photo evidence captured for any failed critical item
  Attach photos showing the deficiency and affected area when a critical item fails.
• Bus released for service
  Confirm the vehicle may return to service only when all critical items pass and no visibility-related deficiencies remain.