In theory, a good tablet app can be your bus drivers' best friend, a co-pilot which doesn't require paying for a second adult on the bus. It can show the map and route, calculate alternative routes, provide alerts to mistakes such as children getting off at the wrong stop, and more.
However, districts need to be careful. Some states have regulations restricting how drivers can view or interact with screens during their route. Arguably, some of these laws are too restrictive, given all the benefits a tablet app can bring - but as of writing in 2025, they're still the law.
So do your research and know whether you'll be able to make full use of tablets installed in your buses.
States With Known Restrictions On Screens In Buses
Note: This list may be incomplete, and should not be taken as legal advice. Check with your school's lawyers or state contacts to be certain about your local regulations before investing in new technology.
- California: Bans all screens visible to the driver; the tablet must be fully turned off while driving.
- New York: The tablet cannot obscure the driver's vision or infringe on their ability to drive. Usable tablet controls are, at least, discouraged.
- Texas: Similar to New York, the tablet cannot block vision or interfere with the driver.
- Illinois: Same, cannot block vision or interfere with the driver. Also, tablets must have maintenance records.
- Washington: The tablet cannot block student entry/egress, or be prone to entanglement. (Eg, backpack straps getting hung up on the tablet.)
- New Mexico: Requires the tablet screen to be off while the bus is in motion, and otherwise cannot compromise the driver's vision or student safety.
- Virginia: Regulations on "communication systems" in buses potentially apply. If so, the tablet must be mounted so it doesn't interfere with the driver, with a permanent / non-temporary mounting. Wiring must be protected by a circuit breaker, no plug-in devices allowed.
Many other states have no regulations on tablets at all, so they can be assumed as street-legal as long as they aren't a direct safety hazard.
Best Practices For Mounting / Placing Tablets
Assuming your state allows for tablets and tablet apps in buses, there are some best practices you can follow to minimize the chances of any kind of incident.
- Purchase tablets with automatic screen off and/or sound off capabilities while the bus is moving, to comply with any potential regulations.
- Install the tablet below the level of the dashboard, so it does not obstruct driver view at all.
- Place it somewhere in the center console, so it's viewable/usable by other adults on board.
- The mounting should make it easy to mount/unmount the tablet, while still remaining firmly in place.
- Likewise, make sure the mounting surface is strong enough to support the tablet, even if there's a crash. Metal is better than plastic, if possible.
- Avoid placement with significant direct sunlight, which can damage the tablet over time.
- Do not block any critical systems such as driver airbags or the A/C system.
- Keep it away from windows that might allow rain or other moisture to hit the tablet.
Follow those guidelines, and you'll probably be good. Just keep in mind, state laws can and will change, so keep an eye on any new student safety regulations that are passed.
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