NJ Form SS-25 School Bus Out-of-Service Repair Cert – School bus safety remains a top priority across the United States, and New Jersey maintains one of the nation’s most rigorous inspection programs. When a school bus fails inspection and receives an out-of-service designation, operators must complete specific repairs and document them properly before the vehicle can return to passenger service. The official document for this process is New Jersey Form SS-25, the School Bus “Out of Service” Repair Certification.
This guide explains what Form SS-25 is, when it is required, how to complete it correctly, and where to obtain the current version directly from the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC).
What Is New Jersey Form SS-25?
Form SS-25 is the official certification issued by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission that confirms all out-of-service violations noted on an NJMVC Inspection Form have been fully repaired. The form certifies that the school bus now meets all applicable state and federal safety requirements and may be operated in accordance with N.J.A.C. 13:20-30.5.
The current version of the form is labeled SS-25 (R3/18). It must be completed by the person who performed the repairs (or an authorized designee), retained in the vehicle, and presented to NJMVC inspectors at the time of re-inspection.
When Is Form SS-25 Required?
New Jersey school buses undergo biannual inspections by the MVC School Bus Inspection Unit. Inspectors may also conduct roadside or terminal checks. Under N.J.A.C. 13:20-30.5, any school bus found to have mechanical conditions that could cause a breakdown, accident, or unsafe condition for passengers is declared and marked “out-of-service.”
Key rules include:
- The bus may not transport passengers while under an out-of-service order.
- It may be driven only to a repair facility or for re-inspection after repairs are completed.
- No one may remove the out-of-service marking until all required repairs are finished.
- Passenger transportation is prohibited until the bus is re-inspected and approved by the MVC Inspection Services Bus Unit.
Form SS-25 serves as the required certification that these repairs have been completed to state and federal standards.
How to Complete Form SS-25?
The form is straightforward. The repairer must provide the following information:
- Registration number of the school bus
- Bus number assigned by the operator
- Printed name of the repairer
- Signature of the repairer
- Name of the repair facility
- Date and time the repairs were completed
The certification statement on the form declares that all out-of-service violations listed on the NJMVC Inspection Form have been repaired and that the vehicle meets all state and federal requirements. Once signed, the completed Form SS-25 must remain in the bus and be shown to NJMVC personnel during re-inspection.
Download the Official New Jersey Form SS-25
Always use the official version provided by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. Download the current PDF here:
Download New Jersey Form SS-25 (School Bus Out-of-Service Repair Certification)
The form is also listed under “Service Repair Certification” on the official NJ MVC School Bus Inspections page.
Related School Bus Inspection Requirements in New Jersey
Form SS-25 is part of a broader safety framework. Operators should also be familiar with these related requirements:
- Biannual Inspections — All school vehicles registered for pupil transportation must be inspected twice each year by the MVC School Bus Inspection Unit.
- Driver Daily Reports — Drivers must complete a daily condition report under N.J.A.C. 13:20-30.7. Operators must certify that any defects noted have been repaired.
- Quarterly Maintenance Inspections — Specific equipment must be inspected and maintained at least every three months (or per manufacturer recommendations) and documented on the official Quarterly Inspection Report.
- Out-of-Service Criteria — Detailed standards for brakes, tires, steering, lighting, and other systems appear in N.J.A.C. 13:20-31.
For the complete set of school bus regulations, visit the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission School Bus Inspections page.
Contact Information for the NJ MVC School Bus Inspection Unit
Questions about Form SS-25, scheduling re-inspections, or school bus compliance should be directed to:
- Address: Operations Bus Unit, P.O. Box 177, Trenton, NJ 08666-0177
- Phone: (609) 633-9473
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.nj.gov/mvc/inspection/schoolbus.htm
Why Proper Completion of Form SS-25 Matters?
Failing to properly certify repairs or operating a bus that remains out of service can result in penalties under New Jersey law. More importantly, accurate documentation and timely repairs help protect the safety of students, drivers, and the public. New Jersey’s strict inspection and certification process is designed to keep school transportation among the safest modes of travel in the United States.
Operators, fleet managers, and repair facilities should keep a supply of the current Form SS-25 on hand and ensure every completed form is retained with the vehicle until the next successful MVC re-inspection.