School Has Started – Watch for Buses

School buses are back on the road, so be especially careful during your morning and afternoon commute.

It’s been 11 weeks since children have been crossing streets, waiting at bus stops, and hopping on and off of school buses.

WHAT IS THE LAW?
When a bus is stopped to pick up children, the law requires motorists to stop if they are traveling in the same direction as the bus. Motorists are also required to stop if they are traveling in the opposite direction of the bus – unless the road is divided by a physical barrier, wall or median, or it’s a four-lane highway divided by a center-turn lane.

KNOW THE FACTS, & THE ODDS
School bus drivers report vehicles that pass a stopped school bus, and cameras mounted on bus side arms help in identifying them. The drivers fill out a form which identifies the vehicle and includes the license tag number, and submit it. The troopers assigned to school bus safety investiage each complaint filed. Stiff penalties accompany a conviction for passing a stopped school bus. Motorists receive five points against their driver’s license, face a $200 fine, and possibly 120 days in jail. Anyone who witnesses a school bus stop arm violation should report the vehicle’s license tag number to Highway Patrol.