How much does a school bus weigh?

In the United States, school buses are usually painted a special shade of yellow, known as National School Bus Yellow. This colour was chosen in the 1930s because it is quickly visible in rear-view mirrors and visible from half a mile away in low visibility conditions.

The average empty standard school bus in the US weighs around 11 tonnes (or 22,000 pounds). Together with the passengers and their equipment, the bus can weigh considerably more.

School buses, as we know them, emerged at the beginning of the 20th century and have continually evolved with changing requirements for passenger safety and comfort. Knowing the weight of the bus is important for safety: it determines the maximum number of passengers the bus can carry and also influences the requirements on the level of engine power and braking system.

Last Updated on 02.11.2023