Full Notification

The new school year starts tomorrow and school buses will be on the roadway. Before you drive, please make sure you review the below laws concerning passing a school bus. These laws apply whether you are traveling in the same direction or opposite direction as the school bus.

Flashing Yellow Lights: School bus lights will flash yellow when the bus is preparing to stop to let children off, indicating that you should slow down and prepare to stop.

Flashing Red Lights/Extended Stop Arms: Drivers must stop for school buses when their red lights flash until the children are safely across the street and the lights stop flashing. You must also stop when school buses deploy their “Stop Arms,” the red stop signs that swing out from the sides of the bus, and must remained stopped until the Stop Arms are positioned against the sides of the bus again.

Drivers must stop, even if you are traveling in the opposite lane of traffic, for as long as the red lights or Stop Arms are deployed.

If a motorist fails to stop, not only are our children placed at a very real risk, but, you may be fined up to $1,000 and your driving privilege could be suspended for 1 year (CVC §22454).

Exceptions:
1.If the bus is on a street divided by a median or barrier (like in some areas of Miller Avenue), the cars on the opposite side of the median do not need to stop.
2.If there is a bus driver, crossing guard, or law enforcement officer signaling you to pass the bus, you may proceed with caution.