If a school bus is stopped to unload passengers with its lights flashing and its stop sign extended, you must stop and wait until all the passengers are safely on the sidewalk, the lights are turned off, and the stop sign is withdrawn.
Following a school bus can be frustrating—but it’s important to pay attention when you are driving near one and come to a complete stop if it is unloading passengers. Depending on which state you’re in, there are different laws about when and where you are allowed to pass a school bus.
Here, the car insurance app Jerry is breaking down the do’s and don’ts when it comes to passing a stopped school bus.
DO keep an eye on the school bus ahead of you and drive with caution
If you are behind a stopped school bus and wish to pass it, notice if its lights are flashing or if the stop signs on the side or back are extended.
You may not pass a bus that is unloading passengers. Wait until the passengers are safely off the bus and the school bus turns off its lights and retracts its stop signs.
There are some instances where you can pass a school bus:
- If the bus is parked directly adjacent to a school or is in a school parking lot, you are allowed in most states to pass the bus with caution
- When a school bus is driving down a roadway, you are allowed to pass it as you would any other vehicle
Key TakeawayYou are not allowed to pass a school bus that is unloading passengers, has its lights flashing, and/or has its stop signs extended.
DON’T pass a school bus that has its lights on and stop signs extended
When a school bus ahead of you stops to unload its passengers, you must also come to a complete stop. The bus driver will indicate that the bus is unloading by extending the stop signs and turning on the flashing lights.
If you are approaching on the other side of an undivided road, most states require you to stop as well.
Passing an unloading school bus is illegal and comes with serious consequences. Penalties include hefty fines, demerit points, and even license suspension or jail time.
DO familiarize yourself with the laws in your state
The specific laws and penalties for passing a stopped school bus vary from state to state. Fines for passing a stopped school bus vary from a couple hundred dollars to over a thousand bucks. Make sure you look up the laws for where you live.
In some states, you don’t have to stop for a school bus if you’re driving on the other side of a road divided by a raised concrete barrier. Still, always be aware of people crossing the road if you see a bus with its lights flashing and stop signs extended.
Key TakeawayPay extra attention when you are following or approaching a school bus. Always be aware of where passengers are unloading and crossing the road.
DON’T forget that these laws exist to protect children and other passengers
If you’re stuck behind a school bus that’s unloading, be patient. Remember that these laws exist to protect the children or other passengers who are getting off the bus.
Stay aware at all times when you are driving near or stopped by a school bus. When a stopped bus retracts its stop signs and turns off its flashing lights, make sure that all of the passengers are safely on the sidewalk before you continue driving.
By following your state’s passing laws, you protect yourself and your driving record as well.
Learn more: How to get a school zone ticket dismissed
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FAQ
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What if I’m approaching a stopped school bus on a two-way street?
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How close am I allowed to be to a stopped school bus?
Brittni Brinn is an insurance writer with experience in a variety of industries. Her writing for Jerry covers a broad range of auto and insurance-related topics, all aimed at helping car owners cut down on expenses and make smart decisions. Brittni has authored nearly 600 articles for the Jerry team on topics ranging from tips on how long to keep your insurance records to first-time car buyer programs. When she’s not writing for Jerry, Brittni is hard at work writing for radio, theater, and film. Brittni has also penned and published two novels with Adventure World Press.
Jessica Barrett is a senior insurance writer and editor with 10 years of experience in the automotive and travel industries. A specialist in car insurance, car loans, and car ownership, Jessica’s mission is to create comprehensive content that car owners can use to manage their costs and improve their lives. As a managing editor for a team of writers and insurance specialists, Jessica has edited over 2,000 articles for Jerry on topics ranging from local insurance shopping tips to refinancing car loans with bad credit. Before joining Jerry as a senior content editor in 2021, Jessica created visual content for clients such as Expedia, Vivid Seats, Budget Direct Car Insurance, Angie’s List, and HomeAdvisor. Her content was published in Business Insider, Forbes, Apartment Therapy, and the BBC.
