Know the Law: When To Safely Stop For School Buses And Keep Kids Safe
It’s hard to believe it’s back to school time already and it’s important to know the rules of when to stop for school buses to keep kids safe.
This morning kids all over the Fort Myers and Naples areas woke up before noon for the first time in 2 months. As summer vacation came to an end and they embarked on their first day of school. The once-empty sidewalks now bustle with kids wearing their brand new backpacks. They’re ready to see all their friends again, and make new ones. The air is filled with giggles and the smell of hot lunch coming from the cafeteria.
If you’re driving on the roads when buses are out, it’s important to remind yourself of the rules when it comes to bus safety. Of course, the #1 priority to keep kids safe. But you also don’t want a ticket for not obeying the law. In fact, WFLA reports that in 2021, the penalties for not stopping or passing a stopped school bus were doubled. It’s just not worth it.
So when do I need to stop?
While some of this might be obvious, after 2 months of absent buses, it’s always good to remind yourself. On two-lane roads, all drivers need to stop for a school bus that has the stop signal out. You have to stay stopped until kids are out of the road and the bus stop arm and stop signal are pulled back in. If you’re on a multi-lane road with a paved median, drivers going both directions need to stop. If you’re on a divided highway, if you are driving behind a bus, you need to stop. Drivers going in the opposite direction can keep going, but proceed carefully.
What happens if I get caught not obeying the law?
It’s just not worth it to drive recklessly and not take the time to stop for school buses. If you’re worried about the stops, leave a few minutes earlier. If you do not stop and are caught passing a stopped school bus you can get a moving violation with a requirement to do driving school, 4 points on your license and a minimum fine of $165, going up to $265 if it’s on the side where kids get on and off the bus.
Stay safe this school year!
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