As the school year begins, school buses return to the streets—bright, slow, and frequent. To keep everyone safe, it’s important for all drivers to know how to properly share the road with these vehicles.
Be Alert and Prepared
School buses make frequent stops and travel at slower speeds than other vehicles. Slow down, stay attentive, and anticipate stops—especially in neighborhoods and school zones.
Recognize the Light Signals
Yellow Flashing Lights
Indicate the bus is preparing to stop. Slow down and prepare to stop your vehicle.
Red Flashing Lights and Extended Stop-Arms
Signal that the bus has stopped and children are boarding or disembarking. You must come to a complete stop and remain there until the lights are off, the stop-arm retracts, and the bus starts moving again.
Know When to Stop and When You Don’t Have To
In most states, drivers traveling in either direction must stop for a bus with red flashing lights and an extended stop-arm, even on multi-lane roads without a median. The only exception is when a physical barrier or median separates the lanes—then, only drivers traveling in the same direction as the bus must stop.
Watch for Children and Blind Spots
Never pass a stopped school bus. Be alert for children crossing the street, especially from between parked cars or behind the bus. The front of a bus has a blind spot for the driver, so children crossing there must be far enough ahead to be seen.
Stay Safe at Bus Stops
Children should always cross in front of the bus and only after the driver signals it is safe. They should never cross behind the bus. Crossing arms, when present, help ensure children cross at a safe distance from the front of the bus.
Follow Local Laws and Stay Informed
Many states have increased penalties for passing a stopped school bus, including fines, points on your license, and even license suspension. Some states now use stop-arm cameras to catch violators. Always follow the rules in your area to avoid dangerous situations and costly penalties.
Final Takeaways for Drivers
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Slow down and stay alert near schools and neighborhoods.
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Understand bus light signals: yellow means prepare to stop, red means stop and wait.
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Never pass a stopped school bus.
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Watch for children crossing, especially in front of the bus.
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Be aware of local traffic laws and penalties.
By staying alert, patient, and respectful on the road, you help protect students, their families, and your community.