School Bus Laws By State

Like other large vehicles, school buses have bigger blinds spots than cars, take longer to stop, and need more room to maneuver. When drivers pass a school bus illegally or drive recklessly in school zones, the risk of injury or worse is incredibly high.

Little kids are the most at-risk of a school bus fatality, and most school bus-related fatalities and injuries happen while children are crossing the street. Children age 4 to 8 are most susceptible to a school bus fatality. This is probably because little kids are small and harder for motorists to see. It's also hard for the kids to see over or around objects like parked cars or bushes.

It's every driver's responsibility to make sure children are safe in school zones, on school buses, and when getting on or off school buses. This is why school bus laws have serious consequences.

What are the school bus laws in every state?

Like all traffic laws, school bus laws vary depending on which state you're in. School buses are typically equipped with two sets of lights: amber lights to warn drivers that the bus is slowing down to load or unload children, and red flashing lights to let drivers know they need to stop. When a bus turns on its flashing red lights and extends its stop arm, drivers are required to stop. School buses are typically required to stop at railroad crossings even when there is no train approaching. Do not pass a school bus that is stopped at a railroad crossing.

We've collected and summarized information about the school bus laws in each state. This information comes from each state's respective driver license manual.

Note: an "undivided highway" is usually considered to be a road with one or more lanes traveling in opposite directions that are not separated by a barrier, such as the one pictured below:

Divided highways, on the other hand, have a barrier such as a median, wall, or fence, dividing the two directions of traffic, as pictured below. Roadways separated by painted lines aren't considered divided highways because there's no physical barrier between the lanes.

While the laws for sharing the road with school buses are pretty consistent throughout the country, make sure you're familiar with what your state specifically outlines in its laws.

School Bus Laws in Alabama

Passing a stopped school bus in Alabama will result in 6 points against each driver, even if the offense occurred in a different state. School buses, church buses, and any other passenger bus must stop before crossing any railroad crossing, even if a train is not approaching. Do not pass a bus that is stopped at a railroad crossing.

You must come to a complete stop when you're following or meeting a school or church bus that's stopped on the road and has its stop arm extended and is displaying its flashing red lights. Come to a complete stop when meeting or following a school or church bus stopped on a four lane to six lane undivided highway. You'll remain stopped until the bus retracts its stop signal arm and the red lights turn off.

You don't need to stop on a divided highway with four or more lanes that provides at least two travel lanes in opposite directions when a school or church bus is stopped on the opposite side of the roadway. Stopping isn't required when the school or church bus is stopped in a loading zone that is part of or adjacent to this type of highway, and where pedestrians aren't permitted to cross the roadway. Still, you should be cautious when you see a stopped school or church bus, as little kids can be unpredictable.

School Bus Laws in Alaska

Failure to stop for a school bus that is loading or unloading passengers will result in 6 points on your Alaska driving record, even if the offense was committed in another state.

Drivers meeting and following a school bus must come to a complete stop when it has its flashing red lights on and its stop arm extended. When meeting or following a school bus with flashing yellow or amber lights, slow down and be prepared to stop when the bus stops, the red lights start to flash, and the stop arm extends.

You may not pass a stopped school bus when its flashing red lights are on and its stop arm is extended. You must remain stopped until the stop arm is retracted, the red lights are off, and the bus has resumed motion, unless the driver has clearly signaled you to proceed. Stay cautious and keep your eyes out for children who may run into the roadway.

You do not need to stop when meeting a school bus traveling in the opposite direction on a divided highway with two or more lanes in each direction.

School Bus Laws in Arizona

Come to a complete stop on an undivided roadway when a school bus has its red lights flashing and its stop signal arm extended. Remain stopped until the school bus resumes motion, or its stop signal arm is retracted and the lights are no longer flashing. Do not pass a stopped school bus when its lights are flashing and its stop signal arm is extended.

On a divided highway, you don't have to stop if a school bus is in approaching lanes but not stopped in your direction of traffic, though you must still use extreme caution.

School Bus Laws in Arkansas

Drivers don't need to stop when a school bus is approaching in the opposite lane of travel when the roadway is separated by a median that has a width of 20 feet or more. If the median is less than 20 feet wide, drivers in all lanes must stop.

You'll need to make a complete stop when approaching a school bus with its red lights flashing until the red lights are turned off, regardless of the direction the school bus is traveling. Do not pass a school bus until it resumes motion and turns off its flashing red lights.

In Arkansas, passing a stopped school bus when it has its red lights flashing can result in a Class A misdemeanor, a fine of up to $1,000, and/or up to 90 days in jail. Disobeying this law and causing the death of a person is a felony.

School Bus Laws in California

Always stop when a school bus is flashing its red lights when approaching from either direction until the passengers are finished crossing the street and the red lights are no longer flashing. When a school bus is flashing its yellow or amber lights, it's letting you know to prepare to stop. If you don't stop when the red lights are flashing, you can be fined up to $1,000, and lose your driving privileges for one year.

You do not need to stop for a school bus on the opposite side of a divided highway.

School Bus Laws in Colorado

In Colorado, you have to stop at least 20 feet away from a school bus that is stopped and has its red lights flashing, regardless of which side of the road you're on, or when approaching an intersection. Remain stopped until the children have safely crossed the street, and the red lights are no longer flashing.

School Bus Laws in Connecticut

When a school bus is flashing its red lights, you are required to stop, regardless of which side of the road you're on, as well as at intersections you're approaching. You don't have to stop for school buses that are traveling on the opposite side of a median or other physical barrier separating the roadway.

Stay stopped until the red lights have stopped flashing and children have completely crossed the roadway. Proceed with caution.

School Bus Laws in Delaware

The Division of Motor Vehicles may suspend the license of Delaware drivers who illegally pass a stopped school bus. Illegally passing a school bus will result in a 6-point penalty on your driving record.

You are required to come to a complete stop before you reach a school bus from either direction when it's stopped to load or unload children. School buses will turn on their flashing yellow lights about 10 seconds before stopping. When the yellow lights are flashing, reduce your speed and be prepared to stop. Be extremely cautious, as children may run into the street while trying to catch the bus.

When the bus has its flashing red lights on and its stop arm extended, you must come to a complete stop. Do not proceed until the red lights are off and the stop arm is retracted.

You don't have to stop if the school bus is on the opposite side of a highway with four or more lanes, but you should reduce your speed and use extra caution.

School Bus Laws in Florida

You may not pass a school bus that is stopped and has its warning flashers on and its stop sign extended. On two-way streets, all drivers moving in either direction are required to stop for a stopped school bus that is picking up or dropping off kids. Stay stopped until children have safely crossed the street and the school bus retracts its stop sign.

You don't need to stop for a school bus when traveling on the opposite side of a highway divided by a raised barrier or unpaved median that is at least 5 feet in width.

Passing a stopped school bus will result in a 4-point penalty on your driving record. Failing to stop for a school bus can result in a license suspension. You'll likely need to complete a basic driver improvement course, pay hefty fines, and even serve community service hours.

School Bus Laws in Georgia

When a school bus is flashing its yellow lights, slow down and prepare to stop. Keep an eye out for children. When the flashing lights turn red and the bus extends its stop sign, come to a complete stop, regardless of which side of the street you're on. It's illegal to pass a stopped school bus while it's picking up or dropping off passengers.

You don't need to stop on a divided highway when you're traveling on the opposite side of the median as a stopped school bus, but you must be cautious just in case children unexpectedly cross the roadway.

Illegally passing a school bus will result in 4 or more points for drivers under age 21, and 6 points for adult drivers.

School Bus Laws in Hawaii

All drivers must come to a complete stop before reaching a stopped school bus with flashing red lights on the same highway in the same lane as the school bus, as well as all lanes adjacent to the school bus. Drivers must remain stopped until the bus resumes motion or the flashing red lights turn off. Illegally passing a school bus can result in a $1,000 fine.

You don't need to stop when you're traveling in the opposite direction on a divided highway.

School Bus Laws in Idaho

Always stop as you approach a school bus from either direction that has its flashing red lights on and is loading or unloading children. Stay stopped until the children have safely crossed the street and the bus turns off its flashing red lights.

You don't need to stop for a stopped school bus when you're going the opposite direction on a highway with four or more lanes, with two lanes going in opposite directions.

School Bus Laws in Illinois

Come to a complete stop before meeting or passing a school bus while it is stopped to load or unload children. This applies on any two-lane highway, any roadway, highway, or private road, and any parking lot on school property. The only time you don't need to stop is when you're traveling in the opposite direction of the stopped school bus on a four-lane highway.

The school bus will turn on its warning lights at least 100 feet before stopping, and at least 200 feet before stopping in rural areas. This lets you know that you must slow down and be prepared to stop. The bus will then come to a complete stop and extend its stop signal arm.

Drivers approaching and following the school bus must remain fully stopped until the school bus retracts its stop signal arm, turns off its flashing lights, or the bus driver clearly and deliberately signals drivers to pass. Do not pass until children are clear of the roadway, and proceed with caution.

Illegally passing a school bus will result in the suspension of your license. If someone else was driving the vehicle you own at the time of the offense, you will need to provide the driver's name to the State's Attorney office or your vehicle's registration will be suspended for three months.

School Bus Laws in Indiana

School buses will flash their yellow or amber lights when preparing to stop. Slow down and be prepared to stop. Come to a complete stop when you approach a school bus that has its red lights flashing and its stop arm extended, unless you're traveling in the opposite direction on a divided highway.

Failing to obey a school bus's stop arm in Indiana may result in a Class A misdemeanor. If the offense results in bodily injury, it's a Level 6 felony, and a Level 5 felony if it results in death.

School Bus Laws in Iowa

Slow down to no more than 20 mph and prepare to stop when approaching a school bus displaying flashing yellow or amber lights. Come to a complete stop at least 15 feet from a bus with its stop arm extended and its red lights flashing. Remain stopped until the roadway is clear of children and the school bus retracts its stop arm and turns off its red flashing lights.

Never pass a school bus that is stopped at a railroad crossing, or has its yellow or red lights flashing, or its stop arm extended. Use extreme caution when school buses are around, as children may dart into the roadway unexpectedly.

You don't need to stop for a school bus when you're traveling in the opposite direction on a roadway that has at least two lanes in each direction.

Illegally passing a school bus can result in the suspension of your license.

School Bus Laws in Kansas

Come to a complete stop when meeting or passing a school bus, church bus, or day care bus that's stopped to load or unload children. Remain stopped until children are clear from the roadway, the bus's red lights turn off, and the stop signal is retracted. You will need to stop when:

• There are two solid yellow lines between lanes of traffic, even when the school bus is on the opposite side of the road.
• You're on a multi-lane highway that is not divided by a physical barrier or median, even when the bus is stopped on the opposite side of the roadway.
• You're at an intersection, even when the school bus is on the opposite side of the road.

Vehicles traveling on the opposite side of a divided highway do not need to stop for school buses on the opposing roadway.

School Bus Laws in Kentucky

Come to a complete stop before reaching a school or church bus that is stopped to load or unload passengers, even when you're on the opposite side of the road. Remained stopped until the roadway is clear and the bus resumes motion. You do not have to stop for a bus traveling in the opposite direction on a highway with four or more lanes.

School Bus Laws in Louisiana

Failing to stop for a school bus that is loading or unloading children can result in the loss of your driving privilege.

School buses will activate their flashing yellow warning lights at least 100 feet, but no more than 500 feet, before stopping. Slow down and prepare to stop when you are approaching or following a school bus with flashing yellow lights. As the bus is stopping, it will activate its flashing red lights and extend its stop sign. You must come to a complete stop at least 30 feet away from a stopped school bus that is picking up or dropping off passengers. Remain stopped until the roadway is clear and the bus retracts its stop sign and resumes motion.

You don't need to stop when a school bus is stopped in a loading zone that is completely off the roadway, and where pedestrians aren't permitted to cross the roadway. You're not required to stop for a school bus that is on the opposite side of a roadway that is separated by a median, physical barrier, or ditch. You're still required to stop on any roadway with four or more lanes that isn't separated by a divider.

School Bus Laws in Maine

Illegally passing a stopped school bus with its red lights flashing may result in a 30-day license suspension.

You may not pass a stopped school bus with its red lights flashing on any undivided highway, parking area, and school property in Maine. Come to a complete stop when approaching a stopped school bus from either direction when its red lights are flashing, and remain stopped until children are clear from the roadway and the bus resumes motion, or until the school bus driver clearly and deliberately signals for you to proceed.

School Bus Laws in Maryland

The only time drivers are not required to stop for school buses is when traveling in the opposite direction on a physically divided highway.

When meeting or following a stopped school vehicle with flashing red lights, you must stop at least 20 feet from the rear or the front of the school bus, depending on which side of the roadway you're on. Remain stopped until the bus resumes motion or the red lights are off.

School Bus Laws in Massachusetts

Come to a complete stop when a school pupil transport vehicle turns on its flashing lights and extends its stop sign arm, regardless of which side of the road you’re on. Stay stopped until the road is clear of pedestrians and the lights stop flashing, or the stop sign arm retracts. Proceed with caution.

You do not need to stop for a school bus that is stopped on the opposite side of a highway with a barrier between travel directions.

Violating these laws can result in a $250 fine and a license suspension.

School Bus Laws in Michigan

Failure to stop for a school bus will result in 3 points added to your driving record. Fines for failing to stop for a school bus are double what they would be for another moving violation.

Come to a complete stop when approaching or meeting a school bus that has its red lights flashing. You don't need to stop when the school bus is stopped on the opposite side of a divided highway.

School Bus Laws in Minnesota

When driving in the right-hand lane, always yield the right-of-way to a school bus when it's attempting to enter your lane from a shoulder, right-turn lane, or any other location where it stopped to load or unload passengers.

School buses will activate their flashing yellow lights at least 100 feet before stopping when the speed limit is 35 mph or less, and at least 300 feet when the speed limit is over 35 mph. It's illegal to pass a school bus on the right while it is flashing its red or yellow lights.

When a school bus extends its stop arm and turns on its flashing red lights, come to complete stop at least 20 feet from the bus. Both oncoming traffic and traffic following the school bus must remain stopped until the stop arm retracts, the flashing red lights are off, and the roadway is free of pedestrians.

You do not need to stop when the school bus is on the opposite side of a separated roadway.

Failing to stop for a school bus can result in a $500 fine and a loss of driving privileges. Law enforcement may arrest a driver within four hours of the violation if they have probable cause to believe the driver committed the violation.

School Bus Laws in Mississippi

Mississippi's Nathan's Law requires drivers to stop at least 10 feet from a school bus that is loading or unloading children. Drivers must remain stopped until children are clear from the roadway and the bus's flashing red lights are off and the stop sign arm is retracted.

Violators of this law face steep fines. Running a stop-arm comes with a fine up to $750 for first time offenders, up to $1,500 for second or subsequent offenses, and a 90-day license suspension.

Drivers convicted of illegally passing a school bus that results in death or injury will be charged with felony assault and up to 20 years in prison.

School Bus Laws in Missouri

A school bus will activate its amber warning lights 500 feet before a stop. You must come to a complete stop when meeting or following a school bus with its red lights flashing and stop signal arm extended when traveling on a two-lane road with traffic in either direction, and on a two-lane road that is a one-way street. Remain stopped until the school bus resumes motion, or until the bus driver clearly signals for you to proceed.

You do not need to stop for a school bus when:

• You're traveling in the opposite direction of a school bus on a divided highway.
• You're traveling on the opposite side of a highway with four or more lanes of traffic.
• The school bus is stopped in a loading zone (e.g., a school) where students are not allowed to cross the roadway.

Even if you're not required to stop, be extra cautious whenever a school bus is around.

School Bus Laws in Montana

Drivers must come to a complete stop at least 30 feet before meeting or passing a stopped school bus from either direction. The school bus will have its red lights flashing, and you may not proceed until the red lights are off. When a school bus is displaying flashing yellow lights or is otherwise preparing to stop, slow down and proceed with extreme caution.

You don't need to stop for a school bus that's on a different road, or is stopped in an adjacent loading zone where pedestrians aren't permitted to cross the road. Still, you should be very cautious.

School Bus Laws in Nebraska

Failing to stop for a school bus will result in 3 points on your driving record.

School buses will activate amber warning lights when they are preparing to stop to unload or load children. When meeting or overtaking a bus, reduce your speed to 25 mph and be prepared to stop. Even when the bus has stopped moving, the amber lights will stay on until the bus's door opens.

When the school bus door opens, the red stop lights will turn on and the stop arm will extend. You must come to a complete stop a reasonable distance from the bus until the stop arm is retracted and the red warning lights turn off.

You don't need to stop when approaching a bus in the opposite direction on a roadway that's divided by a median.

School Bus Laws in Nevada

You are required to come to a complete stop any time you are meeting or following a school bus displaying flashing red lights. You must remain stopped until the red lights turn off. You are not required to stop when traveling the opposite direction on a divided highway.

School bus drivers can report those who violate this law to the DMV, which will result in the vehicle's owner receiving a warning letter.

School Bus Laws in New Hampshire

Come to a complete stop at least 25 feet in any direction from a school bus with its red lights flashing and/or its stop arm extended, except for on roadways separated by a physical barrier. Remain stopped until the bus resumes motion, or until the red lights turn off. Proceed with caution.

School Bus Laws in New Jersey

When a school bus is displaying its flashing red lights, all other motorists must stop. Come to a complete stop at least 25 feet away from the school bus when you're on a two-lane road, an undivided highway, or on privately-maintained roads. On dual-lane highways, slow down to 10 mph if you're traveling on the opposite side of a safety island or raised median.

Remain stopped for a school bus until the signals have turned off and the roadway is clear of all pedestrians. Proceed with caution.

If a school bus is stopped directly in front of a school to load or unload children and the children are not required to cross the street, drivers may pass from either direction at no more than 10 mph.

Illegally passing a school bus will result in 5 points on your driving record.

School Bus Laws in New Mexico

You must stop for a school bus that is displaying its flashing red lights when approaching from any direction. Remain stopped until the red lights have stopped flashing, then, make sure all children have safely left the roadway before you proceed with caution. You don't need to stop when the school bus is traveling towards you on a divided highway.

School Bus Laws in New York

New York law keeps kids safe by making it illegal for drivers to pass a school bus while it's stopped to drop off or pick up passengers, and the red lights on the bus are flashing, even when approaching from the opposite side of a divided highway.

When you encounter a school bus in New York, be sure to stop at least 20 feet away from the bus. Stay focused and keep an eye out for pedestrians and children.

NY takes school bus laws very seriously. The legal and financial consequences for vehicle operators who pass a school bus while the red lights are flashing and it's stopped to pick up or drop off children include:

• First Conviction: $250-$400 fine and/or up to 30 days in jail.
• Second Conviction within three years: $600-$750 fine and/or up to 180 days in jail.
• Third (or more) Conviction within three years: $750-$1,000 fine and/or up to 180 days in jail.
• Five points will be added to the operator's driving record for each conviction.

In 2019, a law passed that lets New York school districts and municipalities use stop-arm cameras on school buses to help impose penalties on the owners of vehicles that illegally pass school buses while the red lights are flashing and it's stopped to pick up or drop off children. The vehicle owners will face the following consequences:

• First violation: $250 fine
• Second violation within 18 months: $275 fine
• Third (or more) violation within 18 months: $300 fine

If you're convicted of three of these violations in three years in New York, your license will be revoked for at least six months.

You can learn more about the laws in New York by taking our New York Online Pre-Licensing course.

School Bus Laws in North Carolina

Come to a complete stop when approaching a school bus that is displaying its mechanical stop signal or flashing red lights to unload or load passengers. Only drivers following a school bus on a divided highway with four or more lanes with a median separation must stop. On roadways with four or more lanes and a center turn lane, only traffic following the school bus needs to stop.

Do not proceed until the mechanical stop arm is retracted, the flashing red lights are off, and the bus has resumed motion. Be cautious, as children may enter the roadway unexpectedly.

Passing a stopped school bus will result in 5 driver license points added to your driving record.

School Bus Laws in North Dakota

When a school bus stops and flashes its red lights to load or unload children, traffic in both directions must come to a complete stop and remain stopped until the school bus resumes motion, the bus driver clearly signals to let traffic pass, or until the red lights are off.

School Bus Laws in Ohio

If you're approaching a school bus from either direction with its flashing red lights engaged and its stop arm extended, you must stop at least 10 feet away if the street has fewer than four lanes. You must remain stopped and not pass the bus until the red lights stop flashing, the stop arm is withdrawn, and the children who disembarked are safely off the roadway. If you're on a street with four or more lanes, you don't need to stop if you're driving in the opposite direction.

Failure to obey this law is a serious offense. If you fail to yield the right-of-way to a bus in the way described above, you have broken the law and may face a fine of up to $500. You may have to appear in court and your license could be suspended.

School Bus Laws in Oklahoma

Fines are doubled for drivers who fail to stop for a school bus while it is loading or unloading passengers. You must come to a complete stop when approaching a school bus from either direction that has its flashing red lights on and/or extends its red stop sign. Remain stopped until the bus starts moving, the red flashing lights are turned off and/or the stop sign is retracted, or until the driver motions for you to proceed. Keep an eye out for children and make sure the roadway is clear before proceeding.

You don't need to stop for a school bus that is on a different roadway, or when the bus is in a loading zone where pedestrians aren't allowed to cross.

School Bus Laws in Oregon

Drivers must come to a complete stop for school buses that display their stop arm and/or flashing red lights. Prepare to stop when the bus turns on its amber lights. When the red lights begin to flash, come to a complete stop before you reach the bus, and stay there until the red lights turn off.

You don't need to stop for a school bus if you're on the opposite side of a divided highway.

School Bus Laws in Pennsylvania

If you're approaching a school bus from either direction with its flashing red lights engaged and its stop arm extended, you must stop at least 10 feet away from the bus. Remain stopped and do not pass the bus until the red lights stop flashing, the stop arm is withdrawn, and the children who disembarked are safely off the roadway.

You do not need to stop when meeting or passing a school bus on the opposite side of a divided highway where there is a concrete or metal barrier, guide rails, or a median separating you. In this situation, however, you must reduce your speed and continue with caution.

If you fail to yield the right-of-way to a bus in the way described above, you have broken the law and are subject to a penalty of five points on your driving record, a license suspension of 60 days, and a fine.

School Bus Laws in Rhode Island

Come to a complete stop when approaching a school bus with its red flashing lights on. Remain stopped until the red flashing lights are off. This is required on public highways, private roads, and parking lots. You don't need to stop for a school bus when you're traveling on the opposite side of a divided highway.

Breaking this law will result in a fine of up to $300 and even a license suspension for first time offenders.

School Bus Laws in South Carolina

A school bus will flash amber lights as it prepares to stop. Slow down and be ready to stop when the bus turns on its flashing red lights or extends its stop arm. Remain at a complete stop until the lights have stopped flashing and the stop arm retracts. Proceed with caution, keeping a close eye on children who may unexpectedly enter the roadway. Drivers meeting or following a school bus in South Carolina must stop for a stopped school bus:

• On any two-lane highway.
• On any four-lane or multi-lane highway when traveling behind a school bus.
• When attempting to pass a school bus that is flashing its red or amber lights.

You do not have to stop for a school bus when it's in a loading zone located completely off the main roadway, and pedestrians are not permitted to cross the roadway. You don't need to stop if you're traveling in the opposite direction on a multi-lane highway or multi-lane private road that consists of four lanes, with at least two lanes of traffic in each direction. You need to stop for a school bus if you're traveling behind it on a multi-lane highway.

School Bus Laws in South Dakota

When meeting or following a school bus that has its red lights flashing or its stop arm extended, you must come to a complete stop until the red lights turn off and the stop arm is retracted. You don't need to stop for a school bus when traveling in the opposite direction on a divided roadway.

School Bus Laws in Tennessee

When meeting a school or church bus with its red stop warning signal lights flashing and its stop signal arm extended, reduce your speed and come to a complete stop. Do not resume driving until the stop arm is retracted and the bus resumes motion.

If you're following a school bus, you can't pass it when its red stop warning signal lights are flashing. Come to a complete stop behind the school or church bus when it's stopped, and remain stopped until the bus retracts its stop arm and resumes motion.

It's illegal in Tennessee to pass a school bus that's stopped to load or unload passengers. It's especially dangerous to pass a school bus on the right, as that's where kids are exiting or entering the bus. You have to remain stopped until the visual signals are no longer activated, the bus resumes motion, or the bus driver clearly motions for you to pass. Even so, be extremely careful any time children are around, as they're unpredictable and may run into the roadway when you least expect it.

School buses may stop at an intersection to load or unload students. When this happens, vehicles in all directions must stop and remain stopped until the bus resumes motion.

Drivers do not need to stop for a school bus when traveling on a divided highway. Remember, a turn lane isn't considered a divided highway.

If you violate these school bus laws, you can be charged with a Class A misdemeanor and receive a fine up to $1,000.

School Bus Laws in Texas

You are required to yield the right-of-way and stop for school buses when approaching a school bus from any direction when the school bus is displaying flashing red lights. Remain stopped until the bus has resumed motion, you're clearly signaled by the bus driver to pass, or the red lights are no longer flashing.

Drivers aren't required to stop when passing school buses on a different road, or when driving on a controlled-access highway when the bus is stopped in a loading zone where pedestrians aren't permitted to cross the roadway.

Illegally overtaking and passing a school bus will result in an automatic suspension of your license and your driving privilege, as well as a fine between $500-$1,250. If you're convicted of failing to stop for a school bus a second time, your license may be suspended for up to 6 months and may be revoked. You'll also have to pay a fine up to $2,000.

Drivers who illegally pass a school bus and cause serious bodily injury to someone will face a Class A misdemeanor that comes with a fine of up to $4,000 and up to one year in jail. If you're convicted of this violation for a second time, it's a state jail felony with between 180 days to 2 years in jail, as well as a fine of up to $10,000.

School Bus Laws in Utah

Drivers coming from either direction are required to stop for a school bus that is flashing its red light signals visible from the front or rear. Come to a complete stop before reaching the bus and remain stopped until the red lights are no longer flashing.

Drivers in both directions are required to stop for stopped school buses on two-lane highways and four-lane roadways without a median. If you're on a highway with five or more lanes that has a shared center turn lane, only the drivers in both lanes behind the school bus are required to stop.

Drivers on the opposite side of a divided highway don't need to stop for a stopped school bus on the other side of the divider.

School bus drivers have the right to report drivers who illegally pass school buses. You may receive a fine of $100-$500, and your insurance rates will likely increase.

School Bus Laws in Vermont

It's illegal to pass a school bus that is stopped and displaying its red warning lights from any direction. When approaching a school bus from any direction that is flashing its yellow warning lights, you must slow down and prepare to stop. Come to a complete stop when the bus activates its red warning lights. You have to stop for a school bus with flashing red lights even in a school yard. Remain stopped until the red lights are no longer flashing and the school bus has resumed motion.

Drivers aren't required to stop on a divided highway for a school bus that's traveling in the opposite direction.

If you're found guilty of illegally passing a school bus in Vermont, you'll face a substantial fine and 5 points will be added to your license.

School Bus Laws in Virginia

Drivers must come to a complete stop for stopped school buses with flashing red lights and an extended stop arm when approaching from any direction (including at intersections) on a highway, private road, or school driveway. You have to stop any time a school bus is loading or unloading children, even if the signals aren't on. Remain stopped until the roadway is clear of pedestrians and the bus resumes motion.

You don't need to stop for a stopped school bus when traveling in the opposite direction on a divided roadway.

School Bus Laws in Washington

Come to a complete stop for a school bus that's stopped with its red lights flashing when approaching from any direction (including at intersections). Remain stopped until the red lights are no longer flashing. Never pass a stopped school bus on the right.

You're not required to stop for a school bus that is stopped on the opposite side of a roadway that has three or more marked lanes or on divided highways.

Fines are doubled for drivers that illegally pass a stopped school bus.

School Bus Laws in West Virginia

Drivers in both directions need to stop before reaching a school bus that is displaying flashing red lights and loading or unloading students on all highways, streets, parking lots, private roads, driveways, school properties, and private properties.

Traffic traveling toward a school bus on the opposite side of a divided interstate highway is not required to stop.

Illegally passing a school bus is a minimum of 60 days driver's license suspension, a minimum fine of $500, or no more than 6 months in jail for first time offenders. Subsequent convictions come with increased penalties. If the driver of the vehicle can't be identified, the owner or lessee of the vehicle is subject to a misdemeanor and fines.

School Bus Laws in Wisconsin

In Wisconsin, you're required to stop at least 20 feet from a stopped school bus with flashing red lights. On two-lane and multi-lane highways, you need to stop if the bus is on your side of the road, the opposite side of the road, or at an intersection you're approaching. Remain at a complete stop until the lights have stopped flashing and children have completely left the roadway.

School Bus Laws in Wyoming

You can pass a stopped school bus when traveling in the opposite direction on a divided highway. When meeting or overtaking a school bus on all other roadways, you must stop when the school bus is stopped and flashing its red lights. Remain stopped until the bus resumes motion, or the flashing red lights are no longer on.

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