The number of passengers on a school bus must not exceed what?

The correct answer is based on regulations that state the number of passengers on a school bus must not exceed the California Highway Patrol (CHP) inspection capacity rating. This rating is determined during the vehicle inspection process and signifies the maximum number of passengers the bus can safely accommodate, ensuring compliance with safety standards. It is crucial for maintaining the safety of all passengers on board, as exceeding this capacity can lead to unsafe conditions, such as difficulty in maneuvering the bus, increased risk of accidents, and compromised evacuation procedures in emergencies.

Other options may not provide specific safety guidelines or legal requirements, making them less appropriate in this context. The driver’s discretion might lead to unsafe judgment calls, while half of the bus’s total capacity does not address the official safety standards set by regulatory bodies. State recommendations may vary and often do not carry the same weight as specific inspection ratings mandated by the CHP.