School Bus Stopping Law
School bus safety is a high priority in Pennsylvania. Students, parents, teachers, administrators, transportation providers and the motoring public all play important roles in keeping our children safe while on or around the school bus.
- When you meet a stopped school bus with red signal lights flashing and stop arm extended, you MUST STOP.
- When you approach an intersection where a school bus is stopped with red signal lights flashing and stop arm extended, you MUST STOP, whether you are on the same street or the cross street.
- You MUST STOP at least 10 feet away from the school bus.
- Drivers do not have to stop on a highway with clearly defined dividing sections or physical barriers providing separate roadways. This only applies when the school bus is on the opposite side of the road.
- You MUST WAIT until the red lights have stopped flashing and the stop arm has been withdrawn before moving.
- DO NOT MOVE until all the children have reached a place of safety.
(source: Pennsylvania Department of Transportation)
Penalties
If you are convicted of violating Pennsylvania’s School Bus Stopping Law, you will receive all of the following penalties:
- 60-Day Driver’s License Suspension
- Five points on your driving record
- $250 Fine
For more information about the school bus stopping law and to see photo examples, visit www.dmv.state.pa.us.
(source: Pennsylvania Department of Transportation)