Stop for School Buses: Law Refresh

Students are preparing to return to school, which means school buses will be back on the roads.

Pennsylvania law requires that drivers stop when they meet a school bus with red signal lights flashing and stop arm extended.

School Bus Stopping Law

1. You must stop when you approach an intersection with a stopped bus with red signal lights flashing and stop arm extended.
2. You must stop at least 10 feet away from a school bus.
3. You must wait until the red lights have stopped flashing and the stop arm has been withdrawn before moving.
4. Wait until all the children have reached a place of safety.
5. You must stop on roadways with painted lines.
6. You must stop on roadways with signing dividers.

Drivers do not have to stop on a highway with clearly divided sections or physical barriers separating the roadways, when the school bus is on the opposite side of the road.  

Penalties         

Those convicted of violating Pennsylvania’s School Bus Stopping Law will receive all of the following penalties:

• 60 day driver’s license suspension
• Five points on your driving record
• $250 fine

Information provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Trasnsportation.

Have you observed others disregarding this law? Let Patch know your experience in the comments.