{"id":355915,"date":"2016-04-04T11:04:32","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T16:04:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/traffic\/traffic-tickets\/is-passing-a-stopped-school-bus-illegal.html"},"modified":"2023-10-11T08:44:00","modified_gmt":"2023-10-11T13:44:00","slug":"is-passing-a-stopped-school-bus-illegal","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/traffic\/traffic-tickets\/is-passing-a-stopped-school-bus-illegal.html","title":{"rendered":"Is Passing a Stopped School Bus Illegal?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Is Passing a Stopped School Bus Illegal?<\/h1>\n
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\n By Hannah Hilst<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Passing a stopped school bus can violate traffic laws, but each state has different rules. These laws can tell you where and when to stop and how to pass safely.<\/p>\r\n

Laws that stop you near buses can help prevent serious accidents. Schoolchildren should be safe as they walk, often unpredictably, to and from the bus. The driver of a vehicle might not see a child until it’s too late.<\/p>\r\n

This article explains common school bus stop laws. Check your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles<\/a> (DMV) website for more details in the traffic code or vehicle handbook.<\/p>\r\n

Common School Bus Safety Laws<\/h2>\r\n

Most state traffic laws<\/a> require motorists to stop and wait for stopped buses. These laws apply across states year-round \u2014 not only during the school year or near school zones.<\/p>\r\n

Watch for Bus Signals<\/h3>\r\n

Buses usually have flashing red lights and a swing-out stop sign when they pick up or drop off passengers.<\/p>\r\n

When the school bus driver is ready to move again, they stop signaling and pull back the extended stop arm. They may wave traffic on in some states, even when a red light is flashing or the bus stop arm is still out.<\/p>\r\n

Stopping in the Opposite Direction<\/h3>\r\n

Pay attention to the other side of the road. Most laws prohibit vehicles on the opposite side of a two-lane roadway from overtaking stopped school buses. Drivers also usually must stop if that road has a center turn lane.<\/p>\r\n

However, this rule typically doesn’t apply when driving in the opposite direction on a highway. A highway may either have a physical barrier at the median or multiple lanes of traffic. Though you would not stop in this case, you should still watch for children and crossing guards<\/a> near the bus.<\/p>\r\n

Passing a Bus in Motion<\/h3>\r\n

You can typically pass a moving bus similarly to how you would pass a regular vehicle. Watch for yellow lights, however, because they signal that the bus will stop soon. Do not take risks or break traffic laws<\/a> to pass a bus, even if it is slower than the speed limit.<\/p>\r\n

State Laws: When to Stop for a School Bus<\/h2>\r\n

State laws about stopped school buses differ in many ways. For example, they might specify a minimum distance from the bus and whether you must stop on certain road types.<\/p>\r\n

Read examples of specific state laws below:<\/p>\r\n