It’s September and it’s School Time!
Today is the 1st day of School for many. That means it’s School Time for many kids! There are plenty of school buses out on the road. Did you know that it is ILLEGAL to pass a stopped school bus. Want to learn more about the rules, take our online class.
Passing a stopped school bus results in fines and points on your license.
According to the DMV: The fine when you pass a stopped school bus ranges from a minimum of $250 for a first violation to a maximum of $1,000 for three violations in three years. If convicted of three of these violations in three years your driver license will be revoked for a minimum of six months. School buses are now equipped with cameras so they will see you and get your tags!
When a stopped school bus flashes its red light(s), traffic that approaches from either direction, even in front of the school and in school parking lots, must stop before it reaches the bus. You should stop at least 20 feet (6 m) away from the bus.
Did you know This law applies on all roadways in New York State. You must stop for a school bus even if it is on the opposite side of a divided highway.
Some people disregard this law and it has had tragic results! I know a mother whose child was struck while crossing the street, the bus had stopped and the driver had waived the child to cross when a vehicle decided not to stop on the divided highway and struck the child. The driver drove off, never stopped or slowed and the child now has a traumatic brain injury.