After letting children on or off, the bus driver must turn off all flashing warning lamps. They could run into the road at any time. 1992, c. 159; 1997, c. 65. While it is acceptable to pass a school bus with yellow warning lights flashing, it is both dangerous and illegal to pass a school bus with red lights flashing. (a.) However, a stop is required when following a bus that is stopped on a two-lane road or you are going in the opposite direction of the bus on a highway that has less than four lanes, as they are generally not divided. When the bus flashes red lights (located at the top front and back of the bus), you must stop from either direction until the children are safely across the street and the lights stop flashing. In almost all states, it is law to stop for a stopped child carrying bus whether you are approaching or are behind the bus on a non-divided roadway. If you are following a bus, increase your following distance in order to get a better view. I got the ticket two weeks later. When the red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended this indicates that the bus HAS stopped and that children are now getting on or off the bus. It does not matter which side of the road you are traveling on. Hi, I passed a school bus with blinking yellow lights while traveling the speed limit - 40 mph. In every state, it is illegal for you to pass a school bus while the stop-arm is extended and the red lights are flashing. Traffic approaching a school bus in the opposing roadway of a divided highway is not required to stop. According to the legislation, the penalties for passing a school bus incorrectly would be increased from $500 to $1,000. Your child should also make eye contact with the bus driver before crossing to make sure the driver can see that theyre crossing to avoid the danger zone. Many proposals has been made to change it. Other vehicles are not required to stop during this preliminary stage of the eight-light warning but should prepare to stop as soon as the bus comes to a full stop. Children waiting for the bus or leaving the bus might dart out into traffic. You must stop for a school bus when there are two solid yellow lines between lanes of traffic whether the school bus is on your side of the road or on the opposite side of the road. When a school bus stops to load or unload school children, the driver activates the mechanical and electrical signaling devices to notify other drivers of an impending stop. But in every other state, as long as you are on a non-divided roadway, you must stop for a bus unloading school children. You must always stop before reaching any school bus from either direction when it is stopped to load or unload school children except when you are on the opposite side of a highway having four or more lanes, even then proceed slowly. Youtube Some states specifically require you to slow down when passing or overtaking the bus. Even when the school bus is not in sight, children at a bus stop sometimes will run into the street unexpectedly. Learn more in the Maryland driver handbook. When the door opens all the red light flashing to tell traffic to stop. The vehicles shall remain stopped until stop sign is retracted and the red lights are discontinued after which they may proceed with due caution. It is against the law to attempt to speed up and pass the bus. Yellow flashing lights mean the bus is preparing to stop to load or unload children. Learn more in the Indiana driver guidebook. These rules protect children and drivers. Stop for a school bus that is loading or unloading students. Parents are encouraged to bring their . If you receive a visit or a phone call from a police officer you are probably going to receive a citation. The problem here, of course, is that some drivers ignore the warning, speed up and try to beat the red lights. A turn lane in the middle of a four-lane highway is NOT considered a barrier, but a fifth lane that is suitable for vehicular traffic. 2. If a school bus has stopped directly in front of a school to pick up or let off children or persons with developmental disabilities, a motorist may pass from either direction at a speed of no more than 10 mph. There is one exception to this rule: on divided highways, you are only required to stop when you are traveling in the same direction as the school bus. However, the yellow means you have to slow down and stop. The signal will change soon. Yellow lights indicate that they're coming to a stop for a pickup or if they're already stopped, the driver is on break or waiting for a pickup time to leave. Yellow flashing lights indicate the bus is preparing to stop to load or unload children. You must stop for a stopped school bus with flashing lights that is loading or Do not pass a school bus unless the driver signals you to do so. Any driver approaching a school bus or church bus from the rear shall not pass the bus when red stop warning signal lights are flashing. Safety Tip: Most school bus-related deaths and injuries occur while children cross the street after being discharged from the bus, not in collisions that involve school buses. The yellow lights flashing on school bus meaning the bus is slowing down then stop. Remember, even in a schoolyard, you must not pass a stopped school bus with its alternately flashing red warning lights activated. Fines are doubled for anyone that passes a stopped school bus. Whoever is convicted of passing a stopped school bus with overhead and stop arm red lights flashing shall, for the first offense, be fined not less than $115.00 nor more than $230.00, or imprisoned not less than 30 days nor more than 60 days, or both. A stop is NOT required when approaching a stopped bus from the opposite direction upon a highway of four or more lanes. When a vehicle is used to violate the school bus stop arm law, the owner or lessee of the vehicle is guilty of a petty misdemeanor. If charges are filed against multiple owners of a motor vehicle, only one (1) of the owners may be convicted and court costs may be assessed against only one (1) of the owners. When a school bus is preparing to stop to load or unload children, the driver of the bus will activate flashing yellow lights. Pennsylvania has special rules you must follow when you drive near a school bus. Drivers use these warning signals when Drivers of all ages are being cited for running the stop arm of a school bus, and the No. Slow down and prepare to stop your vehicle. You should stop if you can safely do so. Do not pass the school bus until: It is not necessary to stop when passing a school bus on a different road or when on a controlled-access highway where the bus is The operator of a motor vehicle on a highway providing two or more lanes in each direction need not stop when he meets a school bus which is traveling in the opposite direction even though the school bus is stopped and its red signal lights are flashing. You should not pass a bus at. To start, here's what is crystal clear when you look up the rules: When a bus is. Whenever a school bus is stopped on a highway with alternating red signal lamps flashing, the driver of any motor vehicle on the same highway in the lane occupied by the school bus and all lanes adjacent to the lane occupied by the school bus shall stop the drivers vehicle before reaching the school bus and shall not proceed until the school bus resumes motion or the flashing red signal lamps are turned off. ALL VEHICLES MUST STOP! Vehicles traveling in the opposite direction are not legally required to stop. We dont mind stopping if you give us adequate warning. Students that are K-8 and live two miles from the school or more will be eligible to ride the bus, with additional categories expanding possible bus access to others, like high school students and those who live less than two miles from school. You must stop for a school bus when you are on a multi-lane highway, whether the school bus is on your side of the road or on the opposite side of the road. Anticipate the bus stopping at its pickup and drop off points. However, with school buses it indicates the action of stopping and stopped until the service door is opened. Learn more in the Arizona driver handbook. Proceed with caution. Less than 1% of all traffic fatalities involve children on school transportation vehicles. The only time you do not have to stop is when you are on the other side of a divided highway. Buses typically travel at lower rates of speed and make frequent stops. If you see flashing yellow lights, that means the school bus is about to stop. I was going to make a left turn away from the bus and one mother watching the kids crossing the street told me If you dont stop Im calling the cops. Drivers on the same side of the divided highway as the school bus must stop if the red lights are flashing. You must stop for a school bus that is stopped with its red lights flashing whether it is on your side of the road, the opposite side of the road or at an intersection, you are approaching. Pull to right side of roadway. Do not depend on these lights if traveling behind a school bus. If you 're going the opposite direction, though, passing a school bus with flashing yellow lights is okay. A warning will be given in advance by the flashing red or amber lights on the front and rear of the bus. 1. You must stop for a school bus that is stopped with its red lights flashing whether it is on your side of the road, the opposite side of the road or at an intersection you are approaching. You must not proceed until the bus resumes motion or until signaled by the school bus driver to do so. Learn more in the Minnesota drivers manual. Flashing Red Lights Flashing red lights warn motorists that the school bus is loading or unloading students. When meeting or overtaking a bus, slow to 25 MPH and prepare to stop. If you are approaching a school bus that is stopped with its red lights flashing and stop arm extended and you are driving on the opposite side of a divided highway, (i.e. For each subsequent like offense occurring within three years, such person shall be fined not less than $115.00 nor more than $575.00, and imprisoned not less than 60 days nor more than six months. The driver shall not proceed until the school bus resumes motion or the flashing red lights are no longer activated. a. Small school buses (with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less) must be equipped with lap or lap/shoulder belts at all designated seating positions. Many school buses activate amber flashing lights well in advance of the stop to warn other drivers. Failure to do so could result in a fine between $30 and $300. When driving on a highway with separate roadways for traffic in opposite directions, divided by median space or a barrier not suitable for vehicular traffic, the driver need not stop, but should proceed with caution. They could be malfunctioning. The driver of a vehicle upon a highway that has four (4) lanes or more, whether or not there is a median or turn lane, need not stop upon meeting or passing a school bus that is on a different roadway or when upon a controlled-access highway if the school bus is stopped in a loading zone that is a part of or adjacent to the highway and where pedestrians are not permitted to cross the roadway. A school bus is every vehicle owned by a public or governmental agency, or privately owned and operated for compensation; for the transportation of children to and from school. Passing a stopped school bus on the right is a fine of $500 to $1,200 and license suspension of 30 days for first offense, no less than . Children are small and hard to see and may dart into the street or out from around parked vehicles. School bus stop arm violations can occur any time during the school year but they seem to be more frequent at the beginning of the school year and near the end as well. You must stop for a school bus that is stopped with its red lights flashing and/or stop arm extended. Motorists traveling at the time school buses make their runs should be on the alert. Baltimore Sun. I stopped when I saw the School bus stop and turned on the red light. Learn more in the Nevada Driver Handbook. The only time a vehicle is not required to stop for a school bus is when both vehicles are Before a school bus stops to load or discharge passengers, the driver will usually flash yellow warning lights. In South Dakota and Iowa you may not exceed 20 mph in this situation. http://publicsafety.ohio.gov/links/hsy7607.pdf. Do you think I should fight for it in the court ? Does not yellow indicate caution when driving and with other activities. You must stop when you approach a school bus with flashing red lights activated and stop arm extended. Children are likely to do something Below are specific rules for a variety of situations involving stopped school buses: Two-lane roadway: When a school bus stops for passengers, all traffic from both directions must stop. When you see them, decrease speed and be prepared to stop. The vehicle must come to a complete stop when the bus is stopped. But its an opinion. Personally, I dont think the arrangement is the problem. You must stop when approaching a school bus that is displaying flashing red lights while stopped to pick up or drop off children. When the red lights flash, stop before reaching the bus and remain stopped until the driver turns off the flashing red lights. School buses are responsible for safely transporting children to and from school. Approach a bus flashing these yellow lights with caution and anticipate a stop. 1990, c. H.8, s. 175 (8). Big yellow warning lights. Each school day, millions of children ride school buses. Washington, D.C. 20590, Twitter The driver of a vehicle that approaches a school bus from any direction on the same street, highway, or public vehicular area must stop and remain stopped when (1) the bus is displaying its mechanical stop signal or flashing red lights and (2) is stopped for the purpose of allowing passengers to board or leave the bus. It is against the law to pass on the right side of a school bus while it is displaying red or yellow flashing lights. Some drivers simply ignore both the amber warning lights and the flashing red stop lights. It is confusing. If a bus driver is traveling at 35mph or less the yellow lights will be turned on between 100 and 300 feet before stopping. G.S. On a divided highway, you do not have to stop for a stopped school bus, even if the lights are flashing, as long as you are in the opposing traffic lanes. After a school bus has stopped to let students off, watch for children on the side of the road. b. The amber warning lights will stay on until the bus door opens. School bus drivers travel more than half a million miles and transport almost three-quarters of a million children each school day. No it's not ok. Just as technically it's not ok to move through an intersection on yellow either. Here are some tips. 10.7.1 - Strobe Lights. While it is acceptable to pass a school bus with yellow warning lights flashing, it is both dangerous and illegal to How Far Away Should I Stop for a School Bus? If you approach a school bus from either direction and the bus is displaying alternately flashing red lights, you must stop. Drivers approaching a school bus from the rear may not pass the school bus when red signal lights are flashing and shall bring their vehicles to a com- plete stop before reaching the school bus when it is stopped. Failure to establish the identity of the driver will result in the enforcement agency sending a warning letter to the registered owner stating that a motor vehicle registered to the owner was reported as having unlawfully passed a stopped school bus. A multi-lane highway or multi-lane private road is defined as a highway or private road that consists of four lanes, having at least two traffic lanes in each direction. When the bus driver opens the bus door, the red stop lights and STOP arm. Driver upon a highway with separated roadways providing two or more lanes in each direction need not stop when approaching a school bus which is headed in the opposite direction even though the bus is stopped and the stop arm is extended and the red flashing lights are activated. I was stopped at the time she when she yelled that out to me. A vehicle that approaches a stopped school bus that is displaying flashing red warning lights, must stop not less than 20 feet from the bus and remain stopped until the bus resumes motion or the operator extinguishes the flashing red warning lights. However, vehicles proceeding in the opposite direction on a divided highway are not required to stop. If the vehicle that is involved in the violation is registered in the name of a rental or leasing company and the vehicle is rented or leased to another person at the time of the violation, the rental or leasing company may rebut the inference of quilt by providing the law enforcement officer or prosecuting authority with a copy of the rental or lease agreement in effect at the time of the violation. It is against the law for any driver to pass a school bus when the school bus displays a stop signal. If you are convicted of three of these violations in three years, your driver license will be revoked for a minimum of six months. the bus is stopped in a loading zone by a controlled-access highway where, On any four-lane or multi-lane highway only when traveling. Your email address will not be published. Because the bus hasnt pull the stop sign after I passed by it. Stop and remain stopped until the bus driver retracts the stop arm and deactivates the red warning lights. You must remain stopped until the school bus moves ahead or until the stop-sign arm and flashing lights are no longer shown. Required fields are marked *. A divided highway is two roadways separated by a strip of land or other space not intended for vehicular travel. As kids go back to school, it's time for a refresher course on one thing many drivers get wrong. Remain stopped until the red lights stop flashing, the stop arm has been withdrawn, and the children have reached a safe place (see picture below). Be sure to slow down, look out for kids . Learn more in the North Carolina driving handbook. REQUIRED STOPPING FOR SCHOOL BUSES Scenario 1: You are traveling on a two- or three-lane road Approaching the bus from the rear: When you see flashing red or amber warning lights, you are not permitted to pass the school bus and should be prepared to stop. When amber lights begin flashing on top of a school bus, they mean that the school bus is slowing down and preparing to stop. The bus driver will flash lights on the front and rear of the bus. . All lanes of traffic must stop for the school bus, except in opposing lanes if the highway is . Roadway of four lanes or more with a center turning lane: When a school bus stops for passengers, only traffic following the bus must stop. The penalty for failing to stop for a stopped school bus may not be waived, reduced, or suspended. A driver of any vehicle shall stop the vehicle at least 15 feet from a school bus when its warning light is flashing unless the vehicle is on the other side of a divided median. A: Yes, and great timing! School buses are the most regulated vehicles on the road; theyre designed to be safer than passenger vehicles in preventing crashes and injuries; and in every state, stop-arm laws protect children from other motorists. Please give me your opinion. This is required by law whether you are meeting the bus or traveling behind it under the following conditions: Drivers are required to stop for a stopped school bus when driving on a two-lane road. Drivers approaching a school bus on which the yellow/amber warning signal lights are flashing shall reduce the speed of their vehicles and shall bring the vehicle to a complete stop when the school bus stops, red lights flash, and stop sign is extended. . Your child should arrive at the bus stop at least five minutes before the bus arrives. Once the bus stops, the red lights and stop arm will be activated. Parents, its important to talk to your child, or children, about bus stop safety. You must remain stopped until the bus moves or the bus driver signals for you to proceed. Please advise. unloading passengers. Copyright 2007-2023 - All Rights Reserved, Home | Contact | Terms and Conditions | Free Tests | Privacy Policy, This website is not affiliated with any State or Government Entity. Whenever you approach a school bus from any direction, which has stopped to pick up or let off passengers while operating its flashing red lights, you must stop your vehicle at least 25 feet from the school bus. Where there are school buses, there are usually children. When the bus stops, motorists traveling behind or approaching the bus must stop at least 25 feet from the school bus. Stop and remain stopped until all persons are clear and the bus moves again. In several instances, courts have held that this "activation" is not complete until the stop sign is fully extended. They act similar to yellow lights. If a school bus or a school pupil transport vehicle has its lights flashing and a stop sign extended, you must stop. During the school year school buses are most likely to be on the road during a three hour period in the morning and a three hour period in the afternoon. Always drive with care when you are near a school bus. You are not required to stop if the bus is traveling towards you and the roadway is separated by a median or other physical barrier. The following are situations when you do not have to stop: When you are traveling the opposite direction of a school bus on a highway divided by a median where the vehicles traveling one direction are on a totally separate road from the vehicles traveling the opposite direction; After stopping for a school bus that is unloading school children, watch for school children walking along the side of the road. letting pupils on and off. Yellow flashing lights indicate the bus is preparing to stop to load or unload children. (MCL 257.907 (2) (l) and (4)) If you unlawfully drive around one in a "school zone" (30 minutes before and after school) or in a "school bus zone," the fine is doubled. Passing a school bus in PA is a possible 5 point violation. Fines are doubled for failing to stop for a school bus with red loading/ unloading lights flashing. The exception to this rule is when highways are separated in the center by median strips. This is because school buses are required to pick up on the residence side of traffic when there are 4 lanes. When amber lights begin flashing on top of a school bus, they mean that the school bus is slowing down and preparing to stop. The yellow flashing lights warn you to slow down and prepare to stop. Drivers who illegally pass a bus face up to a $1,000 fine and could have their license suspended for one year. Hi Lily Its pretty tough to say, but if you have a clean driving record I am confident you can work out a deal with the court to avoid having your driving record tarnished. Be especially alert every time you see a school bus. After the bus has stopped, the driver will activate the alternately flashing red warning lights. The school bus driver activates flashing yellow lights to indicate the school bus is preparing to stop to load or unload students. (MCL 257.601b (1)) Prepare to stop. Once the red warning lights have been activated you must stop your vehicle. The same holds true in Ohio when a roadway has 4 lanes or more. We also offer parents safety information about school buses and traffic safety rules for drivers and children to follow near bus stops and school zones. A school bus is a vehicle that can be identified by large School Bus signs on the front and back of the vehicle, or a yellow bus marked with the words School Bus in black letters. The driver must never attempt to pass in any direction until the school bus has finished receiving or discharging its passengers and begins moving without its red lights flashing. This quick guide will help you determine the exact school bus laws in your state. receiving or discharging children. If you fail to stop, you may be fined up to $1,000 and your driving privilege could be suspended for 1 year. Any driver meeting a school bus or church bus on which the red stop warning signal lights are flashing should reduce his speed and bring the vehicle to a complete stop while the bus stop signal arm is extended. In this case, all lanes of traffic must stop. You do not have to stop when the bus is stopped in a loading zone completely off the roadway and where the pedestrians are not allowed to cross the roadway. All are chrome yellow and display the words "School Bus." . As I get closer to the traffic light, I see these yellow lights flash. Through compartmentalization, children are protected from crashes by strong, closely -spaced seats that have energy-absorbing seat backs. Advice For After You Get A Traffic Ticket, How to Get A CDL in Ohio (A Complete 2023 Guide), How to Get An Ohio Driving Record (A Complete 2023 Guide), Ohio Drivers License Renewal (A Complete 2023 Guide), Arkansas When the divider is less than 20ft wide. Why didnt the bus driver have on flashers or stop sign if he IS stopped to avoid confusing drivers. You can identify this bus by a SCHOOL BUS sign, the red lights on the top and its unique yellow-orange color. You must also stop for a stopped school bus which is receiving or discharging students on school property or private property. When a stopped school bus flashes its red light(s), traffic that approaches from either direction, even in front of the school and in school parking lots, must stop before it reaches the bus. There is only one exception to the school bus stopping requirement. 2. Learn more in the Michigan driver handbook. If the owner(s) of the vehicle were not driving when the offense occurred, they must provide the States Attorneys Office with the name of the person driving the vehicle or their vehicle registration will be suspended for three months. When on a four-lane or multi-lane highway, traffic behind a stopped bus is required to stop. In 8 months this county has raked in 12m in camera fines. Two Lane Roadway: When a school bus stops for passengers, all traffic from both directions must stop. The fine for unlawfully passing a school bus in Michigan that is stopped with its red lights flashing is between $100 and $500. Traffic on the other side of the highway does not have to stop but should slow down and pass with caution. NHTSA is responsible for establishing Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards to reduce the number of fatalities and injuries resulting from motor vehicle crashes. Increased fines and imprisonment may result for violations resulting in injury or death. Learn more in the South Carolina driver guide here. Red flashing lights and extended stop arms indicate the bus has stopped and children are getting on or off. It is not necessary to stop for a school bus stopped on the other side of a divided highway, where the road is separated by a barrier such as a concrete or grass median, island or other structures that separate the flow of traffic. In Texas, breaking these laws will land you a fine up to $1,250 and, unlike other traffic tickets, it can't be taken away with defensive driving classes. Stop arm is extended if the kid did need to cross in front of the bus. I noticed that the closest two cars that were already behind the bus, waited until the reds went off, rather than to take off. The vehicle must remain stopped until the stop arm is pulled back and the bus resumes motion. If red lights are flashing on the school bus, the law requires that motorists approaching from either direction come to a full stop and remain stopped until the buss red lights no longer flash. Not stopping when approaching or overtaking a school bus which has stop. A yellow traffic signal light means CAUTION. Subdivision 1. You may not proceed until the bus resumes motion, or signaled by the school bus driver to proceed or the visual signals are no longer actuated. 3. Yellow Lights -School buses have two overhead alternately flashing yellow lights both front and rear. Red flashing lights mean the bus has stopped and children are getting on or off. When you come to a school or church bus that is stopped on any roadway to load or unload passengers, you must stop. On a two-lane road, both following and oncoming traffic must stop and remain stopped as long as the red lights near the top of the bus are flashing and/or the stop arm on the left side of the bus is extended. Remember, children are often unpredictable and may not see you coming. School bus drivers believing a motorist has unlawfully passed the stopped bus will, if possible, report the license plate number to the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction over the area where the alleged violation occurred. Divided highway of four lanes or more with a median separation: When a school bus stops for passengers, only traffic following the bus must stop. Passing a school bus with yellow lights flashing I was approaching an intersection when I saw a school bus on the opposite end of the intersection. After the school bus red lights have stopped flashing, watch for children along the side of the road and do not proceed until they have completely left the roadway. 4. My question, is it legal to for me to stop and then make the left turn while the kids are crossing on the right side of the intersection ? You may not attempt to overtake or proceed past the school bus until the bus driver has turned off the flashing red lights. Hey thanks for this excellent info! When approaching a school bus traveling in the opposite direction, a driver must slow the vehicle to 20 miles per hour or less when yellow lights are seen, and be prepared to stop when the stop arm is extended and red lights flash.