If your commute includes passing by schools or bus stops, be aware of your responsibility for the safety of students. Be cautious whenever you see a school bus, especially at the beginning of the school year, as students and bus drivers get familiar with new routines. Expect pedestrians in crosswalks when approaching school zones and be prepared to stop. 

 

School buses transport approximately 100,000–110,000 students annually. Students are at risk near the bus and while crossing streets to board. Give students space and expect them to cross the road. It is important to follow the law and stop when approaching a yellow school bus, alternate vehicle, or van displaying a “SCHOOL BUS” sign with flashing signals. Failing to stop is classified as a Class IV misdemeanor and can result in a $500 fine and 3 points on a driver’s record. Accumulating 12 points in 2 years = license revocation.

 

If a school bus or pupil transport vehicle has red lights flashing and a stop sign extended, you must come to a complete stop. It is the law. It does not matter which side of the road you are traveling on. Remain stopped until the lights stop flashing or the stop sign folds back. The only exception to this law is if a school bus has stopped on the other side of a divided highway with a solid barrier between travel directions. In this case, you do not have to stop. 

 

Remember: 

• Flashing yellow lights mean the bus is preparing to stop, and drivers should slow down and prepare to stop.
• Stop immediately when a school bus activates its red flashing lights and extends its stop sign.
• Remain stopped until the red lights stop flashing and the stop sign is retracted.
• Stop even if you are driving on the opposite side of the road, unless specific exceptions apply.