Tour buses: modified tour buses.

Existing law defines "tour bus" for purposes of regulation under the Vehicle Code. Existing law requires an operator of a tour bus to use a safety belt and to report any accidents involving the tour bus to the Department of the California Highway Patrol. This bill would provide that the definition includes a tour bus that has had its roof substantially structurally modified or removed. The bill would authorize local authorities to adopt rules and regulations to restrict the routes or streets upon which a modified tour bus may be operated, as specified. The bill would authorize local authorities to adopt rules and regulations to prohibit the use of loudspeakers or public address systems by a modified tour bus and instead require the use of headphones or similar devices by passengers for any information or presentation provided for the passengers.