UNITED STATES SCHOOL BUS LAWS
Disclaimer: Gardian Angel, LLC is not a lawyer, nor do they claim to be. We make no warranty, expressed or implied, and assume no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of any information contained herein. Simply put, we know that you are interested in learning when you should stop for a school bus so we complied information from the top sources across the web to help educate you more about this traffic safety topic in one central location rather than scouring through the web like we already have for you.
Lastly, if you have further questions for your specific state we encourage you to contact a lawyer in your area or perhaps visit your local Department of Motor Vehicles and discuss this matter with their staff, and consider ordering the most current edition of your state's Driver's Manual. Please enjoy.
Alabama School Bus Laws
You must stop when you are following or meeting a school bus or church bus stopped on the road while the stop signal arm is extended and displaying flashing red lights. Remain stopped until the stop signal is retracted and red lights are turned off. You should also stop when meeting or following a school or church bus which is stopped on a four to six lane undivided highway. A stop is not required on a divided highway having four or more lanes which permits at least two lanes of traffic to travel in opposite directions when meeting a school or church bus which is stopped in the opposing roadway or if the school or church bus is stopped in a loading zone which is a part of or adjacent to such highway and where pedestrians are not permitted to cross the roadway.
(source: School Training Solutions)
Upon meeting or overtaking in either direction a school bus receiving or discharging children, or a church bus receiving or discharging passengers, driver must stop and not proceed until bus resumes movement or visual signals are no longer actuated. Does not apply to traffic on a 4-lane divided highway moving in the opposite direction.
(source: AAA)
Alaska School Bus Laws
Vehicles must stop when red flashing lights are in operation and stop arm is extended. Drivers meeting and following bus must stop. 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.
(source: School Training Solutions)
Vehicles must stop for buses when loading or unloading passengers. Vehicles are not required to stop if on the opposite side of a divided highway.
School buses are to be painted “national school bus yellow.”
(source: AAA)
Arizona School Bus Laws
When approaching a school bus that is picking up or dropping off passengers, you must come to a complete stop before reaching the bus, regardless of your direction of travel. A school bus will have alternating flashing lights and a mechanical stop-sign arm extended while passengers are entering or leaving the bus. You must remain stopped until the school bus moves ahead or until the stop-sign arm and flashing lights are no longer shown. You are not required to stop for a school bus on a divided roadway when traveling in the opposite direction. A divided roadway is one in which the road is separated by physical barriers such as a fence, curbing or separation of the pavement. Roadway striping by itself does not constitute a physical separation of the roadway.
(source: School Training Solutions)
Driver’s must stop when buses are stopped and displaying alternately flashing signals except when the school bus is on a different roadway or controlled access highway or stopped in a loading zone where pedestrians are not permitted to enter the roadway.
(source: AAA)
Arkansas School Bus Laws
When approaching a school bus that is stopped and red warning lights on the bus are activated, all approaching vehicles are required to also stop. Regardless of where the driver may be in relation to the bus, whether it’s in the same lane of traffic, opposing lane or at an intersection, traffic must come to a complete stop until the school bus turns off the warning lights and begins to move. Drivers are not required to stop if the school bus is approaching along an opposite lane of travel separated by a median twenty feet or more in width.
(source: School Training Solutions)
Vehicles must stop for school bus loading or unloading, unless on a separate roadway of a highway divided by 20-foot strip.
School buses must be painted “national school bus yellow.”
(source: AAA)
California School Bus Laws
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.
(source: School Training Solutions)
Vehicles must stop upon meeting, from either direction, a school bus that is stopped for loading or unloading children that displays flashing red light signals and a stop signal arm, unless the school bus is on the opposite roadway of a divided highway.
(source: AAA)
Colorado School Bus Laws
You must stop your vehicle at least 20 feet before reaching 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 remain stopped until the flashing red lights are no longer operating. Watch carefully for children near the school bus and children crossing the roadway before proceeding. You are not required to stop if the bus is traveling toward you on a roadway that is separated by a median or other physical barrier.
(source: School Training Solutions)
Upon meeting or overtaking from either direction a school bus that has stopped, a motor vehicle driver must stop at least 20 feet before reaching the bus and not proceed until the visual signal lights are no longer being used.
(source: AAA)
Connecticut School Bus Laws
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 are not required to stop if the bus is traveling towards you and a median or other physical barrier separates the roadway.
(source: School Training Solutions)
Vehicles must stop at least ten feet from school buses loading or unloading that display flashing red signal lights. Vehicles from the opposite direction on a parkway or divided highway need not stop.
(source: AAA)
Delaware School Bus Laws
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.
(source: School Training Solutions)
When a school bus is stopped on the roadway or shoulder and is displaying flashing lamps, the driver of any vehicle approaching the school bus from the front or from the rear shall stop before passing the bus and remain stopped until such bus begins to move or no longer has the red stop lamps activated. On roadway or roadways with 4 or more lanes, the driver approaching from the front shall not stop.
(source: AAA)
District of Columbia School Bus Laws
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.
All school buses shall be painted national school bus chrome.
(source: AAA)
Florida School Bus Laws
On a two way street or highway, all drivers moving in either direction must stop for a stopped school bus which is picking up or dropping off children. You must remain stopped until all children are clear of the roadway and the bus’ stop arm is withdrawn. If the highway is divided by a raised barrier or an unpaved median at least five feet wide, you do not have to stop if you are moving in the opposite direction of the bus. Painted lines or pavement markings are not considered barriers. You must always stop if you are moving in the same direction as the bus and you must remain stopped until the bus stop arm is withdrawn.
(source: School Training Solutions)
Any person using, operating, or driving a vehicle on or over the roads or highways of this state shall, upon approaching any school bus that displays a stop signal bring such vehicle to a full stop while the bus is stopped, and the vehicle shall not pass the school bus until the signal has been withdrawn.
(source: AAA)
Georgia School Bus Laws
Once the flashing lights have turned red and the stop signs have extended from the side of the bus, it is unlawful for any vehicle to pass the stopped school bus while it is loading or unloading passengers. On a highway divided by a median, cars traveling on the opposite side from the stopped school bus are not required to stop.
(source: School Training Solutions)
The driver of a vehicle meeting or overtaking from either direction any school bus stopped on the highway shall stop before reaching the bus when the visual signals indicating that traffic should stop are in operation. School buses are authorized to mount video cameras on the vehicle to record violations of this law.
(source: AAA)
Hawaii School Bus Laws
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 driver’s 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. However, vehicles proceeding in the opposite direction on a divided highway are not required to stop. A divided highway is two roadways separated by a strip of land or other space not intended for vehicular travel.
(source: School Training Solutions)
Whenever a school bus is stopped on a roadway and its visual signals are activated, the driver of every motor vehicle on the same roadway, in either direction, must stop not less than 20 feet from the school bus and may proceed only when the school bus resumes motion and the visual signals are turned off. This rule does not apply when a bus is traveling on a different or divided roadway.
(source: AAA)
Idaho School Bus Laws
You must stop for a school bus that is loading or unloading students. 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. On a highway with two or more lanes going each direction, oncoming traffic is not required to stop when meeting a school bus.
(source: School Training Solutions)
Upon meeting or overtaking a school bus in either direction, a driver must stop and not proceed until the bus resumes movement or visual signals are no longer functioning. Oncoming traffic is not required to stop on a highway of more than 3 lanes even if visual signals are functioning.
(source: AAA)
Illinois School Bus Laws
You must stop before meeting or overtaking a school bus loading or unloading passengers on a two-lane roadway. You must remain stopped until the stop signal arm is no longer extended and the flashing lights are turned off or the driver signals you to pass. You do not always need to stop when meeting a stopped school bus on a roadway with four or more lanes or if you are traveling in the opposite direction of the bus, but you should drive cautiously.
(source: School Training Solutions)
Drivers approaching a school bus from the rear, or from the opposite direction on a 2-lane road, must stop for any school bus receiving or discharging students and may not proceed until the school bus resumes motion or the driver is signaled to proceed by the school bus driver. Drivers need not stop if traveling from the opposite direction on a road for 4 or more lanes.
(source: AAA)
Indiana School Bus Laws
You must stop when you approach a school bus with flashing red lights activated and stop arm extended. If you are driving on a highway that is divided by a barrier or unimproved median, you are required to stop only if you are traveling in the same direction as the school bus. You do not have to stop if you and a school bus are traveling in opposite directions on a road that has more than two lanes and is separated by a median strip not for vehicle travel.
(source: School Training Solutions)
Vehicles must stop upon meeting, from either direction, a school bus (beginning July 1, 2014, school buses are exempt) that is stopped for loading or unloading children and displays or has recently displayed a stop signal arm. This rule does not apply if the bus is on the opposite roadway of a divided highway.
(source: AAA)
Iowa School Bus Laws
When you meet an oncoming school bus displaying flashing amber lights, you must slow down to no more than 20 mph and be prepared to stop. If the red lights are flashing or if the stop arm is out, you must come to a complete stop at least 15 feet from the bus. You must remain stopped as long as the red lights flash or the stop arm is out. The only exception to this is where you are approaching the bus from the opposite direction on a road with at least two lanes in each direction. When overtaking a school bus, you may not pass when red or amber warning lights are flashing.
(source: School Training Solutions)
The driver of a vehicle, including the driver of a vehicle operating on a private road or driveway, when meeting a school bus with flashing amber warning lamps must slow to not more than 20 mph and not pass the bus, and must bring the vehicle to a complete stop when the school bus stops and the stop signal arm is extended. The vehicle must remain stopped until the stop signal arm is retracted after which time the driver may proceed with due caution. The driver of a vehicle upon a highway with 2 or more lanes in each direction need not stop upon meeting a school bus which is traveling in the opposite direction even though the school bus is stopped.
(source: AAA)
Kansas School Bus Laws
You must stop when meeting or overtaking a school bus, church bus or day care bus stopped to pick up or let off children. You must remain stopped until the STOP signal is retracted and the red lights are turned off. Approaching traffic in the opposite roadway of a divided highway shall not be required to stop, even if the school bus has the stop-arm extended and the alternately flashing warning signal lamps on.
(source: School Training Solutions)
Vehicles on the far side of a divided highway need not stop. It is unlawful to pass from either direction a school bus that is stopped with its lights flashing.
(source: AAA)
Kentucky School Bus Laws
When you come to a school or church bus that is stopped on any roadway to load or unload passengers, you must STOP. By law you must remain stopped until all people are clear of the roadway and the bus is in motion. A stop is NOT required when approaching a stopped bus from the opposite direction upon a highway of four or more lanes.
(source: School Training Solutions)
If any school or church bus is stopped and has a stop arm and signal lights activated, any vehicle approaching from any direction must stop and may not proceed until the bus has been put into motion. This rule does not apply when approaching a stopped bus from the opposite direction upon a highway of 4 or more lanes. School buses, loaded or unloaded, cannot turn right on red in Kentucky or left on red where two one way streets intersect.
(source: AAA)
Louisiana School Bus Laws
You must stop at least thirty feet from a stopped school bus that is loading or unloading children. This is required by law whether you are meeting the bus or traveling behind it. 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. When a school bus is stopped in opposite lanes on a roadway separated by a ditch, grassy median, elevated concrete barrier or any obstacle that prevents traffic from driving thereon, you are not required to stop. Drivers must stop for a stopped school bus when traveling on four lane or five lane roadways which are not separated by any barriers. When you have stopped, you must not proceed until the bus moves again or the visual warning signals are no longer in use.
(source: School Training Solutions)
Vehicles must stop upon meeting, from either direction, a school bus that is stopped for loading or unloading children and displays or has recently displayed a stop signal arm. This rule does not apply if the bus is on the opposite roadway of a divided highway.
(source: AAA)
Maine School Bus Laws
It is illegal to pass a stopped school bus with red lights flashing on school property, on any undivided highway or parking area in Maine. If you are approaching a stopped school bus from either direction, with its red lights flashing, you must bring your vehicle to a complete stop in front or rear of the school bus and wait while children are getting on or off the bus. You must not proceed until the bus resumes motion or until signaled by the school bus driver to do so. The operator of a vehicle on a way separated by curbing or other physical barrier need not stop on meeting or passing a school bus if traveling in a lane separated by the barrier from the lane in which that operator is traveling.
(source: School Training Solutions)
Upon meeting or overtaking in either direction a school bus receiving or discharging children on a road, parking area, or on school property, a driver must stop and not proceed until the bus resumes movement or the school bus operator signals to proceed.
A driver need not stop for a school bus if traveling in a lane separated by curbing or another physical barrier from the lane that the bus is in, or on a limited access highway where pedestrians are not permitted to cross the roadway with the school bus stopped in a loading zone.
(source: AAA)
Maryland School Bus Laws
If a school vehicle has stopped on a roadway and is operating the alternately flashing red lights, the driver of any vehicle following or approaching the school vehicle shall: stop at least 20 feet from the rear of the school vehicle, if approaching the school vehicle from its rear; or at least 20 feet from the front of the school vehicle, if approaching the school vehicle from its front. The driver of any vehicle following or approaching the school vehicle may not proceed until the school vehicle resumes motion or the alternately flashing red lights are deactivated. This does not apply to the driver of a vehicle on a physically divided highway.
(source: School Training Solutions)
If a school vehicle has stopped on a roadway and is operating flashing red lights, the driver of any other vehicle on the roadway shall stop at least 20 feet from the school vehicle, and may not proceed until the school vehicle either resumes motion or the red lights are deactivated. Drivers on the opposite side of a divided highway are not required to stop.
Drivers may not obstruct, hinder, or interfere with a school bus driver or individuals providing public transportation. Monitoring cameras may be placed on county school buses to record other vehicles committing violations relating to overtaking and passing school vehicles.
School buses may not be operated at a speed exceeding 50 mph.
All school buses used for the transportation of children to and from schools shall be equipped with seat back crash pads. School vehicles shall be painted national school bus yellow.
(source: AAA)
Massachusetts School Bus Laws
If a school bus or a school pupil transport vehicle has its lights flashing and a stop sign extended, you must 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 barrier between travel directions. In this case, you do not have to stop.
(source: School Training Solutions)
When approaching a vehicle which displays a sign bearing the words “School Bus” and which is equipped with front and rear alternating flashing red signal lamps which are flashing, and which has been stopped to allow pupils on or off of the vehicle, a person operating a motor vehicle shall, except when approaching from the opposite direction on a divided highway, bring his vehicle to a full stop before reaching said school bus and shall not proceed until the warning signals are deactivated.
(source: AAA)
Michigan School Bus Laws
When the red overhead lights are flashing, stop at least 20 feet from the school bus. Remain stopped until the flashing red lights are turned off or the bus resumes its travels. 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.
(source: School Training Solutions)
All vehicles must stop not less than 20 feet from a stopped school bus displaying alternately flashing red lights and may not proceed until the school bus has resumed motion or the visual signals are no longer actuated.
(source: AAA)
Minnesota School Bus Laws
Flashing red lights warn motorists that the school bus is loading or unloading students. When a school bus is stopped with its red lights flashing and its stop arm extended, you must stop your vehicle at least 20 feet from the bus. Oncoming traffic and motorists approaching the bus from behind may not move until the stop arm is retracted and the red lights are no longer flashing. You are not required to stop for a school bus with its red lights flashing if it is on the opposite side of a separated roadway.
(source: School Training Solutions)
When a school bus is stopped on any roadway and is displaying an extended stop signal arm and flashing red lights, the driver of a vehicle approaching the bus must stop the vehicle at least 20 feet away from the bus. The driver of the vehicle must not move until the school bus stop signal arm is retracted and the red lights are no longer flashing. School bus drivers may not use cell phones while driving.
(source: AAA)
Mississippi School Bus Laws
You must stop for a school bus, regardless of your direction, whenever the bus is stopped and receiving or discharging children. You may not proceed until all children have safely crossed the street. This rule applies to all highways including four lanes.
(source: School Training Solutions)
Upon meeting or overtaking a school bus that is stopped to receive or discharge children, the driver of a vehicle must come to a complete stop at least 10 feet from the bus; the driver and shall not proceed until the children have crossed the street and the bus has resumed motion or ceased flashing red lights.
(source: AAA)
Missouri School Bus Laws
When the school bus is stopped, the alternate flashing red lights and the stop signal arm are activated. Oncoming and following traffic must stop before they reach the bus when these signals are activated. You must stop on a 2-lane road where the vehicles travel in either direction and on a 2-lane road that is a one-way street. You do not need 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 nor when you are traveling the opposite direction of a school bus on a highway containing four or more lanes of traffic.
(source: School Training Solutions)
The driver of a vehicle upon a highway, upon meeting or overtaking from either direction any school bus which has stopped on the highway for the purpose of receiving or discharging any school children and whose driver has given the signal to stop, shall stop the vehicle before reaching such school bus and shall not proceed until such school bus resumes motion, or until signaled by its driver to proceed. This does not apply to vehicles approaching on a different roadway, or which is proceeding in the opposite direction on a highway containing four or more lanes of traffic, or which is stopped in a loading zone constituting a part of, or adjacent to, a limited or controlled access highway at a point where pedestrians are not permitted to cross the roadway.
(source: AAA)
Montana School Bus Laws
Red flashing lights warn drivers to stop before reaching the school bus. Do not proceed until children are off the road and the red lights have been turned off. If you meet a school bus that has stopped on the other side of a divided highway with a median strip, you do not need to stop.
(source: School Training Solutions)
The driver of a vehicle upon meeting or overtaking from either direction any school bus that has stopped on the highway or street to receive or discharge any children: (1) must stop not less than 10 feet before reaching the school bus when the flashing red signal is in operation; and (2) may not proceed until the children have entered the school bus or have alighted and reached the side of the highway or street and until the school bus ceases operation of the flashing red signal. The driver of a vehicle on a highway with separate roadways need not stop upon meeting or passing a school bus that is on a different roadway or when the school bus is stopped in a loading zone that is a part of or adjacent to a controlled access highway.
(source: AAA)
Nebraska School Bus Laws
When the bus driver opens the bus door, the red stop lights and stop arm activates. Stop and remain stopped until the bus driver retracts the stop arm and deactivates the red warning lights. Stop a reasonable distance from the bus. The only exception occurs when approaching a school bus in the opposite direction on a roadway divided by a median.
(source: School Training Solutions)
Upon meeting or overtaking, from the front or rear, any school bus on which the yellow warning signal lights are flashing, the driver of a motor vehicle shall reduce the speed of such vehicle to not more than 25 mph, shall bring such vehicle to a complete stop when the school bus stop signal arm is extended and red signal lights are flashing, and shall remain stopped until the stop signal arm is retracted and the school bus resumes motion or until signaled by the bus driver to proceed.
(source: AAA)
Nevada School Bus Laws
You are required to stop for school buses displaying a flashing red light signal as they load or unload passengers. You may not attempt to overtake or proceed past the school bus until the bus driver has turned off the flashing red lights. There is an exception to this rule; on divided highways, you need to stop only when you are traveling in the same direction as the school bus.
(source: School Training Solutions)
The driver of any vehicle may not overtake or pass, from either direction, a school bus that has stopped and is displaying flashing red lights. This does not apply to vehicles traveling on the opposite side of a divided highway.
A school bus shall not exceed 55 mph when carrying pupils to and from school or any school activity.
(source: AAA)
New Hampshire School Bus Laws
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. The only time you do not have to stop is when you are on the other side of a divided highway. You must stay stopped until the bus has started again or the bus driver stops operating the flashing red lights.
(source: School Training Solutions)
The driver of a vehicle upon any road upon meeting or overtaking from either direction any school bus, which has stopped on the highway for the purpose of receiving or discharging school children, shall stop the vehicle before reaching such school bus but at least 25 feet away from such school bus. The driver shall not proceed until such school bus resumes motion, or until flashing red lights cease to operate.
(source: AAA)
New Jersey School Bus Laws
A motorist must stop for a school bus with flashing red lights. State law requires motorists to stop at least 25 feet away if he/she is traveling on a two-lane road or on a multi-lane highway where lanes are only separated by lines or on a privately maintained road. When traveling on a dual-lane highway, a motorist should slow to 10 mph if on the other side of a safety island or raised median. A motorist should only proceed after the bus signals have been turned off, and even then, he/she must watch for children.
(source: School Training Solutions)
Three-point lap and shoulder seat belts or other child restraint systems must be available at each seating position on the bus, and worn properly adjusted and fastened by each passenger. The driver of a vehicle approaching or overtaking a school bus that has stopped to receive or discharge any child on an undivided road, must stop not less than 25 feet from the bus and remain stopped until such child has entered the bus or exited and reached the side of the road and until a flashing red light is no longer exhibited by the bus.
If the driver of a vehicle is on a divided road approaching from the front a bus that has stopped to receive or discharge a child, the driver must slow his vehicle to not more than 10 mph until the vehicle has passed the bus and any child that may have disembarked from the bus.
(source: AAA)
New Mexico School Bus Laws
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 are not required to stop if the bus is traveling towards you and the roadway is separated by a median or other physical barrier. 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 and it is safe to proceed.
(source: School Training Solutions)
A driver, upon approaching or overtaking a stopped school bus from any direction that is receiving or discharging any school children, must stop at least 10 feet before reaching the school bus and may not proceed until the special signals are turned off or the bus resumes motion.
(source: AAA)
New York School Bus Laws
When a stopped school bus flashes its red light(s), traffic approaching from either direction, even in front of the school and in school parking lots, must stop before reaching the bus. You should stop at least 20 feet (6 m) away from the bus. This law applies on all roadways in New York State. You must stop for a school bus even if it is on the opposite side of a divided highway.
(source: School Training Solutions)
The driver of a vehicle upon meeting or overtaking from either direction any school bus which, while displaying a red visual signal, stopped to receive or discharge any passengers, or which has stopped because a school bus in front of it has stopped to receive or discharge any passengers shall stop their vehicle before reaching the school bus and not proceed until the school bus resumes motion, or until signaled by the bus driver or a police officer to proceed.
(source: AAA)
North Carolina School Bus Laws
When a school bus displays its mechanical stop signal or flashing red lights to receive or discharge passengers, the driver of any other vehicle approaching the school bus must stop and not attempt to pass the school bus until the mechanical stop signal is withdrawn, the flashing red lights are turned off and the bus has started to move. Divided highway of four lanes or more with a median separation or a center turning lane: When school bus stops for passengers, only traffic following the bus must stop.
(source: School Training Solutions)
The driver of any vehicle approaching a school bus from any direction, when the bus is displaying its stop signal or flashing signal lights, shall stop the vehicle before passing the bus and remain stopped until the signal has been turned off.
Vehicles traveling on the opposite side of a divided highway do not need to stop.
(source: AAA)
North Dakota School Bus Laws
When a school bus is stopped and flashing its red lights, drivers approaching from both directions must stop. This is because children are being loaded or unloaded. The drivers cannot proceed until the bus begins moving, or the bus driver signals to let vehicles pass, or the red lights are no longer flashing.
(source: School Training Solutions)
When the flashing red lights or stop sign on the control arm of a school bus are visible, the driver of a vehicle approaching the school bus from any direction must stop before reaching the school bus and may not proceed until the school bus resumes motion, is signaled by the school bus driver, or the flashing red lights and the stop sign are no longer in use.
The driver of a vehicle on a divided road does not need to stop when approaching or passing a school bus that is on a different road. Every school bus must have plainly visible “SCHOOL BUS” signs on the front and rear in letters not less than 8 inches in height, and be equipped with a stop sign on a control arm and red visual signals to be activated by the driver whenever the vehicle is stopped to receive or discharge children.
(source: AAA)
Ohio School Bus Laws
When the bus comes to a complete stop, the amber lights stop flashing and four red lights—two in front and two in back—start flashing while the children enter or leave the bus. In addition, a stop arm with flashing red lights is automatically extended beneath the window on the left side of the bus. If the bus is stopped on a street or road which has fewer than four lanes, all traffic approaching the bus from either direction must stop at least 10 feet from the front or rear of the bus and remain stopped until the bus begins to move or the bus driver signals motorists to proceed.
(source: School Training Solutions)
Upon meeting or overtaking any bus stopped for the purpose of receiving or discharging school children or people with disabilities, all drivers must stop at least 10 feet from the front or rear of the bus and may not proceed until such bus resumes motion or the driver is signaled to proceed by the school bus driver. If driving on a 4-lane roadway, the driver need not stop if on the other roadway.
(source: AAA)
Oklahoma School Bus Laws
If you approach a bus with flashing red lights and/or showing a red “STOP” sign, it means that children are getting on or off the bus and you must stop. You don’t have to stop for a school bus when the bus is on a different roadway, or the bus is stopped in a loading zone by a controlled-access highway where pedestrians are not allowed to cross.
(source: School Training Solutions)
The driver of a vehicle approaching a school bus from either direction must stop his vehicle whenever the bus is stopped to take on or discharge students and has its red loading signals in operation. Drivers of vehicles on the other side of a divided highway need not stop for a school bus taking on or discharging students. The above rules apply to vehicles approaching church buses as well.
(source: AAA)
Oregon School Bus Laws
When the red lights begin to flash, this means drivers meeting or overtaking the bus from either direction must stop before reaching the bus. You must remain stopped until the bus driver turns off the flashing red lights. The school bus stop law applies on any roadway with two or more lanes of traffic. There is one exception to the law. If you are on a divided highway with two roads separated by an unpaved median strip or barrier, you must stop only if you are on the same side of the road as the bus. A painted median strip or a center lane used only for left turns does not create two separate roads. Where this situation exists, all lanes of traffic must stop.
(source: School Training Solutions)
Color is “National School Bus Yellow.” The words “School Bus” are prominently marked on front and rear in letters not less than 8 inches high. When the school bus’ red warning lights are flashing, drivers meeting or overtaking a bus from either direction must stop before reaching the bus, and remain stopped until the flashing lights are turned off. However, on a divided highway with two roads separated by a median strip or barrier, one must stop only if on the same side of the road as the school bus.
(source: AAA)
Pennsylvania School Bus Laws
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 bus’ red lights no longer flash. This requirement applies not only on public highways but also on private roads and in parking lots.
(source: School Training Solutions)
All vehicles must stop at least 10 feet upon meeting, from either direction, a school bus that is stopped for loading or unloading children and displays flashing lights and the stop signal arm. This rule does not apply if the bus is on the opposite roadway of a divided highway. If convicted of violating Pennsylvania’s school bus stopping law, drivers will receive a 60-day driver’s license suspension, 5 points on their driving record and a $250 fine. School bus stop signal arm enforcement systems are authorized.
(source: AAA)
Rhode Island School Bus Laws
You must stop for a stopped school bus with flashing lights that is loading or unloading passengers. This is required by law whether you are meeting the bus or traveling behind it under the following conditions: on any two-lane highway, on any four-lane or multi-lane highway when traveling behind a school bus, or when passing a school bus that has red or amber signals flashing.
(source: School Training Solutions)
Every school bus must have a stop arm that can be activated when children are being loaded or unloaded. The driver of a vehicle upon meeting or overtaking, from any direction, a school bus that has flashing red lights in operation, must stop the vehicle before reaching the bus and may not proceed until the bus resumes motion or the flashing lights are off.
Stopping for a school bus is not required for drivers of other vehicles when: (1) when the highway is divided by a median strip separating lanes of traffic and the school bus is stopped on the opposite side of the median strip; or (2) when the bus is stopped in a loading zone adjacent to a limited access highway and pedestrians are not permitted to cross the highway.
(source: AAA)
South Carolina School Bus Laws
When the operator of a motor vehicle approaches a school bus on which the red signal lights are flashing, the operator shall bring the vehicle to a complete stop not closer than fifteen feet from the school bus and shall remain stopped until the flashing red signal lights are extinguished. The exception 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.
(source: School Training Solutions)
The driver of a vehicle meeting or overtaking from either direction any school bus stopped on the highway must stop before reaching the bus if the bus’s flashing red lights are in operation, and the driver must not proceed until the bus resumes motion or the flashing red lights are no longer on. The driver of a vehicle does not have to stop upon meeting a stopped school bus when the bus is in a passenger loading zone completely off the main travel lanes and when pedestrians are not allowed to cross the roadway, and on highways where the roadways are separated by an earth or raised concrete median. The driver of a vehicle must stop upon meeting or passing a stopped school bus on any 2-lane highway, on any 4-lane or multi-lane highway where the opposing highway is separated only by painted lines on the roadway or a narrow gravel median, or when overtaking a school bus which has its red or amber signal lights on.
(source: AAA)
South Dakota School Bus Laws
When the operator of a motor vehicle approaches a school bus on which the red signal lights are flashing, the operator shall bring the vehicle to a complete stop not closer than fifteen feet from the school bus and shall remain stopped until the flashing red signal lights are extinguished. The exception 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.
(source: School Training Solutions)
The driver of a vehicle on a 2-lane highway or private road meeting, from either direction, any school bus that is flashing amber lights must reduce the speed of the vehicle to no more than 20 mph and proceed past the bus with caution. The driver of a vehicle on meeting, from either direction, any school bus flashing red lights must stop the vehicle at no closer than 15 feet before reaching the school bus. The driver may not proceed until the flashing red lights are no longer activated. The driver of a motor vehicle on a highway with separate roadways does not have to stop when meeting or passing a school bus which is on a different roadway.
(source: AAA)
Tennessee School Bus Laws
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. Motorists must stop their cars and wait until the red flashing lights are turned off, the stop arm is withdrawn, and the bus begins moving before they start driving again. When a school bus is stopped at an intersection to load and unload children, drivers from all directions are required to stop until the bus resumes motion. When driving on a highway with separate roadways for traffic in opposite directions, divided by a median space or a barrier not suitable for vehicular traffic, the driver need not stop, but should proceed with caution.
(source: School Training Solutions)
The driver of any vehicle must, upon meeting or overtaking from either direction, any school bus which has stopped on the highway for purpose of receiving or discharging any school children, must stop and may not proceed until the bus resumes motion or is signaled by the bus driver to proceed, or the school bus has deactivated its stop signals. When driving on a highway with separate roadways for traffic in opposite directions, divided by median space or barrier not suitable for vehicular traffic, the driver need not stop but should proceed with caution.
(source: AAA)
Texas School Bus Laws
If you approach a school bus from either direction and the bus is displaying alternately flashing red lights, you must stop. Do not pass the school bus until: the school bus has resumed motion, or you are signaled by the driver to proceed, or the red lights are no longer flashing. It isn’t necessary to stop when passing a school bus on a different road or when on a controlled-access highway where the bus is stopped in a loading zone and pedestrians aren’t permitted to cross.
(source: School Training Solutions)
A driver, when approaching from either direction a school bus stopped on the highway to receive or discharge a student, must stop before reaching the school bus when the bus is operating a stop signal. The driver may not proceed until the school bus resumes motion, the driver is signaled by the bus driver to proceed, or the visual signal is no longer activated.
A driver on a highway with separate roadways is not required to stop for a school bus that is on a different roadway. A driver on a controlled-access highway is not required to stop for a school bus that is in a loading zone that is a part of or adjacent to the highway and where pedestrians are not permitted to cross the roadway.
(source: AAA)
Utah School Bus Laws
If a school bus is displaying alternating flashing red light signals visible from the front or rear, you shall stop immediately before reaching the bus and may not proceed until the flashing red light signal ceases. If you are traveling on a divided highway having four or more lanes with a median separating the traffic, it is only necessary for the vehicles traveling in both lanes behind the school bus to stop, and not the traffic traveling in the opposite direction.
(source: School Training Solutions)
The operator of any vehicle upon a highway, upon meeting or overtaking any school bus which is displaying alternating flashing amber warning light signals, shall slow his vehicle, but may proceed past the school bus using due care and caution at a speed not greater than 20 mph. The operator of any vehicle upon a highway, upon meeting or overtaking any school bus that is displaying alternating flashing red lights visible from the front or rear shall stop immediately before reaching the bus and may not proceed until the flashing red light signals cease operation. The operator of a vehicle need not stop upon meeting or passing a school bus displaying alternating flashing red light signals if the school bus is traveling in the opposite direction when: traveling on a divided highway; the bus is stopped at an intersection or other place controlled by a traffic-control signal, or by a peace officer; or upon a highway of 5 or more lanes.
(source: AAA)
Vermont School Bus Laws
Once the red warning lights have been activated, you must stop your vehicle. Remember, even in a school yard, you must not pass a stopped school bus with its alternately flashing red warning lights activated. There are a few exceptions where a stop is not necessary. You do not have to stop on a divided highway if the school bus is traveling in the opposite direction. A concrete barrier may be used to separate traffic from the bus, and you are not required to stop.
(source: School Training Solutions)
Vehicles from both directions must stop when approaching a school bus when its red lights are flashing. The driver of a vehicle need not stop on a highway with separate roadways upon meeting or overtaking a school bus which is on a different roadway, or on a controlled access highway where the school bus is stopped in a loading zone which is a part of or adjacent to the highway at a point where pedestrians are not permitted to cross the roadway.
(source: AAA)
Virginia School Bus Laws
You must stop for stopped school buses with flashing red lights and an extended stop sign when you approach from any direction on a highway, private road or school driveway. Stop and remain stopped until all persons are clear and the bus moves again. You must also stop if the bus is loading or unloading passengers and the signals are not on. You do not have to stop if you are traveling in the opposite direction on a roadway with a median or barrier dividing the road and the bus is on the opposite side of the median or barrier.
(source: School Training Solutions)
A person shall be guilty of reckless driving who fails to stop when, approaching from any direction (divided highways not included), any school bus which is stopped on any highway or school driveway for the purpose of taking on or discharging children, the elderly, or mentally or physically handicapped persons. Drivers must also remain stopped until all such persons are clear of the highway or school driveway and the bus is put in motion. Local school systems are authorized to install and operate video-monitoring systems on school buses in order to detect drivers passing stopped school buses. School bus drivers may not use cell phones while driving, even if they are equipped with “hands-free” technology.
(source: AAA)
Washington School Bus Laws
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 are not required to stop for a school bus with red lights flashing when the stopped school bus is traveling in the opposite direction and the roadway: has three or more marked traffic lanes, is separated by a median, or is separated by a physical barrier. 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.
(source: School Training Solutions)
Upon overtaking or meeting from either direction any school bus which has stopped on the roadway for the purpose of receiving or discharging any school children, the driver of any other vehicle must stop before reaching the school bus if the bus has its flashing red lights activated or a stop sign extended. The driver must not proceed until the school bus resumes motion or visual signals are no longer activated. School districts may install and operate automated school bus safety cameras on school buses to be used for the detection of violations of this law. The driver of a vehicle on a divided highway or on a highway with 3 or more marked traffic lanes need not stop upon meeting a school bus that is proceeding in the opposite direction.
(source: AAA)
West Virginia School Bus Laws
On all undivided highways (without a median), traffic in both directions must stop at least 20 feet from a stopped school bus that has its red lights flashing. You must not pass the bus until the lights are turned off or the bus starts moving. On divided highways (with a median you cannot cross), traffic coming toward a school bus stopped on the other side of the median does not have to stop. You must also stop for a stopped school bus which is receiving or discharging students on school property or private property.
(source: School Training Solutions)
The driver of a vehicle meeting or overtaking from either direction any school bus that has stopped for the purpose of receiving or discharging school children, must stop the vehicle before reaching the school bus when the school bus is displaying flashing warning signal lights, and must not proceed until the school bus resumes motion, is signaled by the school bus driver to proceed, or the visual signals are no longer actuated. The driver of a vehicle upon a controlled access highway need not stop upon meeting or passing a school bus that is on a different roadway or adjacent to such highway and where pedestrians are not permitted to cross the roadway. Every school bus for the transportation of school children must bear on the front and rear a plainly visible sign that contains the words “school bus” in letters not less than 8 inches in height. Every school bus must display lighted headlamps when on the highway.
(source: AAA)
Wisconsin School Bus Laws
You must stop a minimum of 20’ from a stopped school bus with its red lights flashing. You must stop whether the school bus is on your side of the road, the opposite side of the road or at an intersection that you are approaching. After the school bus red lights have stopped flashing, watch for children along the side of the road. Do not go until they have completely left the roadway. Unless signs say otherwise, you are not required to stop for a school bus if you are driving in the opposite direction on a divided highway.
(source: School Training Solutions)
Vehicles approaching a school bus from the front or rear that has stopped and is displaying flashing red warning lights, must stop not less than 20 feet from the bus and must remain stopped until the bus resumes motion. This provision does not apply to operators of vehicles proceeding in the opposite direction on a divided highway.
(source: AAA)
Wyoming School Bus Laws
You must stop when meeting or overtaking, from either direction, a stopped school bus with flashing red lights. The driver shall not proceed until the school bus resumes motion or the flashing red lights are no longer activated. When meeting a school bus with activated flashing red lights you may pass, only if there is a physical barrier or separate roadways between your vehicle and the school bus.
(source: School Training Solutions)
The driver of a vehicle upon meeting or overtaking from either direction any stopped school bus must stop before reaching the school bus when the school bus’s flashing red lights are in operation. The driver must not proceed until the stopped bus resumes motion or the flashing red lights are no longer in operation.
(source: AAA)
Puerto Rico School Bus Laws
In rural zone, driver must stop vehicle when facing or overtaking school bus receiving or discharging children and must not proceed until bus moves or signal is no longer displayed.
School buses must have at front and rear a visible signal that states “SCHOOL BUS” in letters not less than 8 inches in height and signal lights installed high and laterally spaced; lights must be able to emanate at a distance of 500 feet on normal sunny days. Driver operating on public highway with separate roadway zones need not stop (1) for school bus on different roadway zone, or (2) when bus is stopped on loading or unloading zone that is part of public highway and pedestrian crossing is not allowed.
(source: AAA)
CANADA SCHOOL BUS LAWS
Alberta School Bus Laws
When a school bus displaying alternating flashing amber lights is on a highway divided by a median into 2 separate highways, an operator approaching the bus from the rear must reduce the speed so if the vehicle passes the school bus it does so in a cautious manner. The operator of a vehicle approaching a bus displaying alternating flashing red lights must, if approaching from the rear on a highway divided by a median into 2 separate highways, or from the front or rear on a highway not divided by a median into 2 separate roadways, stop the vehicle before it reaches the bus. The operator must not pass the bus until the operator of the bus indicates by signal that the vehicle may proceed or the alternating flashing red lights stop flashing.
(source: AAA)
British Columbia School Bus Laws
Drivers must stop for school buses with flashing lights whether approaching from the front or rear. The vehicle may not proceed until the school bus moves on or the driver turns off the lights or pulls in the stop sign.
(source: AAA)
Manitoba School Bus Laws
When a school bus is stopped on a highway and the lamp or other warning devices are displayed, the driver of a vehicle approaching the school bus from any direction must bring the vehicle to a stop at least 5 meters from the school bus; the driver must not proceed unless the bus resumes motion, or the warning signals cease to operate. The driver of a vehicle upon a divided highway need not stop upon meeting or overtaking a school bus that is on a different roadway.
(source: AAA)
New Brunswick School Bus Laws
The driver of a motor vehicle meeting or overtaking a stopped school bus on a highway when the bus is displaying flashing red lights must stop vehicle at not less than 5 meters from the bus and not pass until lights cease to flash. This does not apply to the driver of a motor vehicle meeting a bus on a highway divided by a median.
(source: AAA)
Newfoundland and Labrador School Bus Laws
The driver of a vehicle meeting or overtaking, from either direction, a school bus that has stopped or is about to stop to discharge or pick up school children must stop the vehicle before reaching the bus, and must not proceed until the school bus resumes motion or the driver of the bus signals that it is okay for the vehicle to proceed.
(source: AAA)
Northwest Territories School Bus Laws
A driver, on meeting a school bus that is headed in the same or opposite direction as the driver and has its flashing lights in use, must stop his or her vehicle before it reaches the bus and not proceed until the flashing lights are no longer in use.
(source: AAA)
Nova Scotia School Bus Laws
The driver of a vehicle must stop the vehicle before passing a school bus that is exhibiting flashing red lights while on or near a highway. This vehicle must remain stopped until the school bus proceeds. When a school bus exhibits flashing amber lights, the driver of a motor vehicle that intends to pass the school bus must proceed with caution.
(source: AAA)
Nunavut School Bus Laws
A driver, on meeting a school bus that is headed in the same or opposite direction as the driver, and has its flashing lights in use, shall stop his or her vehicle before it reaches the bus, and not proceed until the flashing lights are no longer in use.
(source: AAA)
Ontario School Bus Laws
Every driver, when meeting on a highway, other than a highway with a median strip, a stopped school bus that has its overhead red signal lights flashing, must stop before reaching the bus and must not proceed until the bus moves or the overhead red signal lights have stopped flashing. Every driver, when approaching from the rear a stopped school bus that has its overhead red signal lights flashing, must stop at least 20 meters before reaching the bus and must not proceed until the bus moves or the overhead red signal-lights have stopped flashing.
(source: AAA)
Prince Edward Island School Bus Laws
The driver of a vehicle meeting or overtaking a school bus on a highway when the flashing red lights are displayed must bring the vehicle to a stop at least 6 meters from the school bus, and must not pass the school bus until the flashing red lights are no longer displayed. The driver of a vehicle meeting or overtaking a school bus on a highway when the flashing amber lights are displayed on the school bus must reduce speed and proceed with caution, and may only pass the school bus with caution.
(source: AAA)
Quebec School Bus Laws
The driver of a road vehicle who is approaching a school bus with flashing lights turned on or whose compulsory stop signal has been activated, must stop his or her vehicle more than 5 meters from the bus and must not proceed in either direction until the flashing lights are turned off and the compulsory stop signal has been retracted, and he or she ascertains that he or she can do so in safety. A driver is not required to stop upon meeting a school bus on an adjacent roadway separated by a median strip or any other raised physical separation.
(source: AAA)
Saskatchewan School Bus Laws
The driver of a vehicle proceeding in the same direction on a highway as a school bus that has its safety lights in operation must not pass the school bus. The driver of a vehicle proceeding in the same direction on a highway as a school bus that is stopped and that has its safety lights and stop arm in operation must stop at least 5 meters from the rear of the school bus. The vehicle must not proceed until the operation of the safety lights and stop arm has been discontinued. When a school bus is stopped and has its safety lights and stop arm in operation, the driver of a vehicle that is approaching the school bus from the opposite direction on a highway, other than a divided highway, must stop at least 5 meters from the front of the school bus and must not proceed until the operation of the safety lights and stop arm has been discontinued.
(source: AAA)
Yukon School Bus Laws
When a school bus has stopped on a highway to receive or discharge passengers or while the vehicle is displaying alternately flashing red lights, a driver approaching the school bus from the rear, if the highway is physically divided by a median strip into 2 separate roadways, or from either direction, if the highway is not so divided, must stop before reaching the school bus. The person may not proceed to pass the school bus (1) until the school bus resumes motion, (2) until the driver of the school bus indicates by a signal that he may proceed, or (3) where the school bus is displaying alternately flashing red lights, until the lights stop flashing.
(source: AAA)