Passing a stopped school bus can violate traffic laws, and each state has different rules regarding this.
These laws dictate where and when you must stop and how to pass safely.
They are designed to prevent serious accidents, ensuring the safety of schoolchildren as they walk, often unpredictably, to and from the bus. Drivers may not see a child until it's too late, making these laws crucial for public safety.
Common School Bus Safety Laws
Most state traffic laws require motorists to stop and wait for stopped buses year-round, not just during the school year or near school zones.
Buses typically use flashing red lights and a swing-out stop sign when picking up or dropping off passengers.
Once the bus is ready to move again, the driver will stop signaling and pull back the stop arm, potentially waving traffic on.
On two-lane roadways, vehicles on the opposite side must also stop for a stopped school bus.
This rule generally doesn't apply on highways with a physical barrier or multiple lanes of traffic, though drivers should still be vigilant for children and crossing guards.
While you can usually pass a moving bus like any other vehicle, be cautious of yellow lights, indicating the bus will stop soon.
State Laws: When to Stop for a School Bus
State laws regarding stopped school buses can vary.
For instance, in Washington, you don't need to stop for a school bus on a highway or on any public road with three or more lanes when traveling on the opposite side.
California law similarly exempts drivers from stopping on a divided or multilane highway when traveling in the opposite direction.
In contrast, New York requires drivers to stop for a school bus on the opposite side of a divided highway.
Texas mandates a complete stop when approaching a stopped school bus until the bus moves again, the visual signal is deactivated, or the bus driver signals the motorist to proceed.
In Pennsylvania, drivers must stop at least 10 feet from the bus and wait until the red flashing lights stop and the stop sign is withdrawn before proceeding.
Penalties for Improperly Passing a School Bus
Law enforcement officers may issue tickets for violating school bus traffic laws.
The penalties are often fines but can escalate if the violation causes an accident. In Florida, for example, passing a school bus illegally on the left-hand side results in a $165 fine, while passing on the right-hand side, where students enter and exit, incurs a $265 fine.
Repeat offenses can lead to higher penalties and even the loss of a driver's license.
In Florida, a subsequent left-hand pass violation results in another $165 fine and a minimum 90-day license suspension. A repeat right-hand pass violation leads to another $265 fine, at least 180-day license suspension, and a mandatory hearing.
