School Bus Stop Arm Laws by State: Road and Penalty Checker

50 states and the District of Columbia. Official statute or agency excerpts.
State	Same direction	Opposite direction on two lanes	Opposite direction on a divided highway	Penalty	Statute / source
Alabama	must stop Full wording Coming from either direction you must stop when you see these signals displayed.	must stop Full wording Coming from either direction you must stop when you see these signals displayed.	A stop is not required on a divided highway having four or more lanes which permits at least two lanes of traffic to travel in opposite directions when meeting a school or church bus which is stopped in the opposing roadway or if the school or church bus is stopped in a loading zone which is a part of or adjacent to such highway and where pedestrians are not permitted to cross the roadway.	Not verified	Source wordinghttps://www.alea.gov/sites/default/files/inline-files/driverlicensemanual.pdf
Alaska	shall stop Full wording The driver of a vehicle that approaches from any direction a school bus stopped on a highway or vehicular way or area shall stop not less than 30 feet from the school bus before reaching it when there are in operation on the school bus flashing red lights as required by regulation.	shall stop Full wording The driver of a vehicle that approaches from any direction a school bus stopped on a highway or vehicular way or area shall stop not less than 30 feet from the school bus before reaching it when there are in operation on the school bus flashing red lights as required by regulation.	not required to stop Full wording The driver of a vehicle on a highway with separate roadways is not required to stop when meeting or passing a school bus that is on a different roadway or, if upon a controlled access highway, when a school bus is stopped off the highway in a loading zone that is part of, or adjacent to, the controlled access highway, and pedestrians are not permitted to cross the highway.	A driver convicted under this section is guilty of a class B misdemeanor and, in addition to other penalties as provided by law, is subject to a mandatory assessment of six demerit points under AS 28.15.221 , 28.15.261.	Source wordinghttps://www.akleg.gov/statutesPDF/Title-28.pdf
Arizona	Stop the vehicle before reaching the school bus Full wording On meeting or overtaking from either direction a school bus that has stopped on the highway, the driver of a vehicle on a highway shall: 1. Stop the vehicle before reaching the school bus, if the school bus is displaying the signal as provided in subsection D of this section and if alternately flashing lights are in use. 2. Not proceed until the school bus resumes motion or the signal and alternately flashing lights are no longer displayed.	Stop the vehicle before reaching the school bus Full wording On meeting or overtaking from either direction a school bus that has stopped on the highway, the driver of a vehicle on a highway shall: 1. Stop the vehicle before reaching the school bus, if the school bus is displaying the signal as provided in subsection D of this section and if alternately flashing lights are in use. 2. Not proceed until the school bus resumes motion or the signal and alternately flashing lights are no longer displayed.	need not stop Full wording The driver of a vehicle on a highway with separate roadways need not stop on meeting or passing a school bus that is: 1. On a different roadway. 2. On a controlled access highway and the school bus is stopped in a loading zone that is a part of or adjacent to the highway and where pedestrians are not permitted to cross the roadway.	A person who is responsible for a violation of subsection A of this section is subject to a civil penalty as follows: 1. The court shall impose a minimum civil penalty of two hundred fifty dollars for the first violation. 2. If a person violates this section a second time within a period of thirty-six months, the court shall impose a minimum civil penalty of seven hundred fifty dollars and shall direct the department to suspend the driver license of the person for not more than six months. 3. If a person violates this section three or more times within a period of thirty-six months, the court shall impose a minimum civil penalty of one thousand dollars and shall direct the department to suspend the driver license of the person for at least six months but not more than one year.	Source wordinghttps://www.azleg.gov/ars/28/00857.htm
Arkansas	make a complete stop Full wording When approaching a stopped school bus with its red lights flashing, a driver is required to make a complete stop until the lights are turned off.	make a complete stop Full wording When approaching a stopped school bus with its red lights flashing, a driver is required to make a complete stop until the lights are turned off.	not required to stop Full wording Drivers are not required to stop if the school bus is approaching along an opposite lane of travel separated by a median twenty (20) feet or more in width.	Drivers passing a stopped school bus with red lights flashing will be charged with a Misdemeanor and upon conviction, fined a minimum of $250, not to exceed $1,000, up to ninety (90) days in jail, and/or both.	Source wordinghttps://dps.arkansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/Arkansas-DL-Manual-English.pdf
California	must stop Full wording When the bus flashes red lights (located at the top, front, and back of the bus), you must stop from either direction until the children are safely across the street and the lights stop flashing.	must stop Full wording When the bus flashes red lights (located at the top, front, and back of the bus), you must stop from either direction until the children are safely across the street and the lights stop flashing.	do not need to stop Full wording If the school bus is on the other side of a divided or multilane highway (two or more lanes in each direction), you do not need to stop.	If you fail to stop, you may be fined up to $1,000 and your driving privilege could be suspended for one year.	Source wordinghttps://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/page/12/?post_type=dmv_handbook
Colorado	shall stop Full wording The driver of a motor vehicle upon any highway, road, or street, upon meeting or overtaking from either direction any school bus that has stopped, shall stop the vehicle at least twenty feet	shall stop Full wording The driver of a motor vehicle upon any highway, road, or street, upon meeting or overtaking from either direction any school bus that has stopped, shall stop the vehicle at least twenty feet	need not stop Full wording The driver of a vehicle upon a highway with separate roadways need not stop upon meeting or passing a school bus which is on a different roadway. For the purposes of this section, "highway with separate roadways" means a highway that is divided into two or more roadways by a depressed, raised, or painted median or other intervening space serving as a clearly indicated dividing section or island.	Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this subsection (6), any person who violates any provision of paragraph (a) of subsection (1) of this section commits a class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense. (b) Any person who violates the provisions of paragraph (a) of subsection (1) of this section commits a class 1 misdemeanor traffic offense if such person has been convicted within the previous five years of a violation of paragraph (a) of subsection (1) of this section.	Source wordinghttps://www.codot.gov/library/traffic/traffic-manuals-guidelines/2020-model-traffic-code-for-colorado.pdf
Connecticut	The operator of any vehicle or motor vehicle, including an authorized emergency vehicle, as defined in section 14-1 , shall immediately bring such vehicle to a stop not less than ten feet from the front when approaching and not less than ten feet from the rear when overtaking or following any registered school bus on any highway or private road or in any parking area or on any school property when such bus is displaying flashing red signal lights, except at the specific direction of a traffic officer.	The operator of any vehicle or motor vehicle, including an authorized emergency vehicle, as defined in section 14-1 , shall immediately bring such vehicle to a stop not less than ten feet from the front when approaching and not less than ten feet from the rear when overtaking or following any registered school bus on any highway or private road or in any parking area or on any school property when such bus is displaying flashing red signal lights, except at the specific direction of a traffic officer.	may proceed without stopping Full wording The operator of a vehicle upon a highway with two or more lanes for traffic separated by a safety island or physical barrier may proceed without stopping upon meeting or passing a school bus which is on the opposite side of such island or barrier.	Any person who violates any provision of subsection (a) of this section shall be fined four hundred fifty dollars for the first offense and for each subsequent offense, not less than five hundred dollars nor more than one thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than thirty days or both.	Source wordinghttps://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_248.htm
Delaware	shall stop Full wording When a school bus is stopped and displays flashing lamps in accordance with subsection (b) of this section, the driver of any vehicle approaching the school bus from the front or from the rear shall stop before passing the bus and remain stopped until such bus begins to move or no longer has the red stop lamps activated.	shall stop Full wording When a school bus is stopped and displays flashing lamps in accordance with subsection (b) of this section, the driver of any vehicle approaching the school bus from the front or from the rear shall stop before passing the bus and remain stopped until such bus begins to move or no longer has the red stop lamps activated.	shall not stop Full wording On roadway or roadways with 4 or more lanes, the driver approaching from the front shall not stop.	Whoever violates subsection (d) of this section shall, for the first offense, be fined not less than $115 nor more than $230 or imprisoned not less than 30 days nor more than 60 days or both. For each subsequent like offense occurring within 3 years from the former offense, such person shall be fined not less than $115 nor more than $575, and imprisoned not less than 60 days nor more than 6 months. The minimum fine levied for a violation of subsection (d) of this section shall not be subject to suspension.	Source wordinghttps://delcode.delaware.gov/title21/c041/sc07/index.html
District of Columbia	Drivers are required by law to stop in each direction, unless separated by a median, at least 15 feet away from a school bus with an extended stop sign and flashing warning lights activated.	Drivers are required by law to stop in each direction, unless separated by a median, at least 15 feet away from a school bus with an extended stop sign and flashing warning lights activated.	Drivers are required by law to stop in each direction, unless separated by a median, at least 15 feet away from a school bus with an extended stop sign and flashing warning lights activated.	The fine amount for a school bus stop-arm safety infraction is $500.	Source wordinghttps://ddot.dc.gov/release/ddot-encourages-drivers-slow-down-and-heed-school-bus-stop-arms-school-returns
Florida	bring such vehicle to a full stop Full wording Any person using, operating, or driving a vehicle on or over the roads or highways of this state shall, upon approaching any school bus which displays a stop signal, bring such vehicle to a full stop while the bus is stopped, and the vehicle shall not pass the school bus until the signal has been withdrawn.	bring such vehicle to a full stop Full wording Any person using, operating, or driving a vehicle on or over the roads or highways of this state shall, upon approaching any school bus which displays a stop signal, bring such vehicle to a full stop while the bus is stopped, and the vehicle shall not pass the school bus until the signal has been withdrawn.	not required to stop Full wording The driver of a vehicle upon a divided highway with an unpaved space of at least 5 feet, a raised median, or a physical barrier is not required to stop when traveling in the opposite direction of a school bus which is stopped in accordance with the provisions of this section.	A person who violates this section commits a moving violation, punishable as provided in chapter 318.	Source wordinghttps://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0300-0399/0316/Sections/0316.172.html
Georgia	In most cases, all drivers are required to stop when approaching or meeting a stopped school bus that has its lights flashing and is loading or unloading passengers.	In most cases, all drivers are required to stop when approaching or meeting a stopped school bus that has its lights flashing and is loading or unloading passengers.	must stop Full wording The exception to this rule is when highways are separated in the center by median strips. In this situation, only vehicles following or traveling alongside a school bus in the same direction must stop.	Mandatory court appearance; Up to $1000 fine; Up to 6 points on driving record; A conviction under 21 years of age constitutes license suspension.	Source wordinghttps://dds.georgia.gov/section-9-continued-sharing-road
Hawaii	shall stop Full wording Whenever a school bus is stopped on a highway with alternating red signal lamps flashing, the driver of any motor vehicle on the same highway in the lane occupied by the school bus and all lanes adjacent to the lane occupied by the school bus shall stop the driver's vehicle before reaching the school bus and shall not proceed until the school bus resumes motion or the flashing red signal lamps are turned off.	shall stop Full wording Whenever a school bus is stopped on a highway with alternating red signal lamps flashing, the driver of any motor vehicle on the same highway in the lane occupied by the school bus and all lanes adjacent to the lane occupied by the school bus shall stop the driver's vehicle before reaching the school bus and shall not proceed until the school bus resumes motion or the flashing red signal lamps are turned off.	not required to stop Full wording However, vehicles proceeding in the opposite direction on a divided highway are not required to stop. A divided highway is two roadways separated by a strip of land or other space not intended for vehicular travel.	Failure to comply with this law (291C-95, HRS) can cost you $1,000.	Source wordinghttps://hidot.hawaii.gov/highways/files/2021/11/ENGLISH-Original-Hawaii-Drivers-Manual.pdf
Idaho	must stop Full wording Drivers must stop when approaching a school bus that is stopped to pick up or deliver school children if the bus displays flashing red signals.	must stop Full wording Drivers must stop when approaching a school bus that is stopped to pick up or deliver school children if the bus displays flashing red signals.	not required to stop Full wording On a highway with two or more lanes of traffic traveling in each direction, oncoming traffic is not required to stop when meeting a school bus.	Not verified	Source wordinghttps://apps.itd.idaho.gov/apps/MediaManagerMVC/Transporter/2010/082010_Trans/082010_SchoolBuses.html
Illinois	shall stop Full wording The driver of a vehicle shall stop such vehicle before meeting or overtaking, from either direction, any school bus stopped on a highway, roadway, private road, parking lot, school property, or at any other location, including, without limitation, a location that is not a highway or roadway for the purpose of receiving or discharging pupils. Such stop is required before reaching the school bus when there is in operation on the school bus the visual signals as specified in Sections 12-803 and 12-805 of this Code. The driver of the vehicle shall not proceed until the school bus resumes motion or the driver of the vehicle is signaled by the school bus driver to proceed or the visual signals are no longer actuated.	shall stop Full wording The driver of a vehicle shall stop such vehicle before meeting or overtaking, from either direction, any school bus stopped on a highway, roadway, private road, parking lot, school property, or at any other location, including, without limitation, a location that is not a highway or roadway for the purpose of receiving or discharging pupils. Such stop is required before reaching the school bus when there is in operation on the school bus the visual signals as specified in Sections 12-803 and 12-805 of this Code. The driver of the vehicle shall not proceed until the school bus resumes motion or the driver of the vehicle is signaled by the school bus driver to proceed or the visual signals are no longer actuated.	need not stop Full wording The driver of a vehicle upon a highway having 4 or more lanes which permits at least 2 lanes of traffic to travel in opposite directions need not stop such vehicle upon meeting a school bus which is stopped in the opposing roadway; and need not stop such vehicle when driving upon a controlled access highway when passing a school bus traveling in either direction that is stopped in a loading zone adjacent to the surfaced or improved part of the controlled access highway where pedestrians are not permitted to cross.	Beginning with the effective date of this amendatory Act of 1985, the Secretary of State shall suspend for a period of 3 months the driving privileges of any person convicted of a violation of subsection (a) of this Section or a similar provision of a local ordinance; the Secretary shall suspend for a period of one year the driving privileges of any person convicted of a second or subsequent violation of subsection (a) of this Section or a similar provision of a local ordinance if the second or subsequent violation occurs within 5 years of a prior conviction for the same offense. In addition to the suspensions authorized by this Section, any person convicted of violating this Section or a similar provision of a local ordinance shall be subject to a mandatory fine of $300 or, upon a second or subsequent violation, $1,000, and community service in an amount set by the court.	Source wordinghttps://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=062500050K11-1414
Indiana	MUST stop Full wording vehicles behind the bus MUST stop.	MUST stop Full wording If a school bus stops on a two lane road and the red flashing lights are activated and the stop arm is extended, all motorists MUST stop.	MUST stop Full wording When a school bus stops and the red flashing lights are activated and the stop arm is extended, only vehicles behind the bus MUST stop. Vehicles that are approaching from the opposite side are NOT required to stop.	Not verified	Source wordinghttps://www.in.gov/indot/about-indot/indot-mission-goals-and-values/school-bus-safety/
Iowa	bring the vehicle to a complete stop Full wording The driver shall bring the vehicle to a complete stop no closer than fifteen feet from the school bus when it is stopped and the stop arm is extended, and the vehicle shall remain stopped until the stop arm is retracted and the school bus resumes motion.	bring the vehicle to a complete stop Full wording The driver of a vehicle, including the driver of a vehicle operating on a private road or driveway, when meeting a school bus with flashing amber warning lamps shall reduce the vehicle's speed to not more than twenty miles per hour, and shall bring the vehicle to a complete stop when the school bus stops and the stop signal arm is extended. The vehicle shall remain stopped until the stop signal arm is retracted after which time the driver may proceed with due caution.	need not stop Full wording The driver of a vehicle upon a highway providing two or more lanes in each direction need not stop upon meeting a school bus which is traveling in the opposite direction even though the school bus is stopped.	punishable by a fine of at least three hundred forty-five dollars but not more than nine hundred thirty dollars or by imprisonment for not more than thirty days, or by both. The department may require the person to attend and successfully complete, at the person's own expense, a driver improvement program approved by the department in lieu of driver's license suspension for the offense pursuant to section 321.210.	Source wordinghttps://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/321.372.pdf
Kansas	shall stop Full wording The driver of a vehicle meeting or overtaking from either direction any school bus stopped on the highway shall stop before reaching such school bus when there is in operation on the school bus the flashing red lights specified in subsection (a) of K.S.A. 8-1730, and amendments thereto, and the driver shall not proceed until such school bus resumes motion or the flashing red lights and the stop signal arm are no longer actuated.	shall stop Full wording The driver of a vehicle meeting or overtaking from either direction any school bus stopped on the highway shall stop before reaching such school bus when there is in operation on the school bus the flashing red lights specified in subsection (a) of K.S.A. 8-1730, and amendments thereto, and the driver shall not proceed until such school bus resumes motion or the flashing red lights and the stop signal arm are no longer actuated.	need not stop Full wording The driver of a vehicle upon a highway with separate roadways need not stop upon meeting or passing a school bus which is on a different roadway or when upon a controlled-access highway and the school bus is stopped in a loading zone which is a part of or adjacent to such highway and where pedestrians are not permitted to cross the roadway.	Not verified	Source wordinghttps://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/statute/008_000_0000_chapter/008_015_0000_article/008_015_0056_section/008_015_0056_k/
Kentucky	If any school or church bus used in the transportation of children is stopped upon a highway for the purpose of receiving or discharging passengers, with the stop arm and signal lights activated, the operator of a vehicle approaching from any direction shall bring the vehicle to a stop and shall not proceed until the bus has completed receiving or discharging passengers and has been put into motion.	If any school or church bus used in the transportation of children is stopped upon a highway for the purpose of receiving or discharging passengers, with the stop arm and signal lights activated, the operator of a vehicle approaching from any direction shall bring the vehicle to a stop and shall not proceed until the bus has completed receiving or discharging passengers and has been put into motion.	not apply to vehicles Full wording The stop requirement provided for in this section shall not apply to vehicles approaching a stopped bus from the opposite direction upon a highway of four (4) or more lanes divided by an elevated barrier or unpaved median.	Any person who violates KRS 189.370 shall for the first offense be fined not less than two hundred dollars ($200) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500) or imprisoned not less than thirty (30) days nor more than sixty (60) days, or both. For each subsequent offense occurring within three (3) years, the person shall be fined not less than three hundred dollars ($300) nor more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) or imprisoned not less than sixty (60) days nor more than six (6) months, or both. The minimum fine for this violation shall not be subject to suspension. A minimum of six (6) points shall be assessed against the driving record of any person convicted.	Source wordinghttps://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=57416https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=57417
Louisiana	shall stop Full wording The driver of a vehicle upon a highway meeting or overtaking from any direction any school bus that has stopped for the purpose of receiving or discharging any school children shall stop the vehicle not less than thirty feet from the school bus before reaching such school bus when there are in operation on said school bus visual signals as required by R.S. 32:318, and said driver shall not proceed until such bus resumes motion or the visual signals are no longer activated.	shall stop Full wording The driver of a vehicle upon a highway meeting or overtaking from any direction any school bus that has stopped for the purpose of receiving or discharging any school children shall stop the vehicle not less than thirty feet from the school bus before reaching such school bus when there are in operation on said school bus visual signals as required by R.S. 32:318, and said driver shall not proceed until such bus resumes motion or the visual signals are no longer activated.	need not stop Full wording The driver of a vehicle upon a highway with separate roadways need not stop upon meeting or passing a school bus which is on a different roadway or when upon a controlled access highway and the school bus is stopped in a loading zone which is a part of or adjacent to such highway and where pedestrians are not permitted to cross the roadway.	If the violation does not result in the injury, serious bodily injury, or death of another person, the offender shall be fined not less than one hundred dollars nor more than five hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than six months, or both, in accordance with the provisions of R.S. 32:398.2 and shall have his driver's license suspended in accordance with the provisions of R.S. 32:414(A)(2).	Source wordinghttps://legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=88593
Maine	shall stop Full wording The operator of a vehicle on a way, in a parking area or on school property, on meeting or overtaking a school bus from either direction when the bus has stopped with its red lights flashing to receive or discharge passengers, shall stop the vehicle before reaching the school bus. The operator may not proceed until the school bus resumes motion or until signaled by the school bus operator to proceed.	shall stop Full wording The operator of a vehicle on a way, in a parking area or on school property, on meeting or overtaking a school bus from either direction when the bus has stopped with its red lights flashing to receive or discharge passengers, shall stop the vehicle before reaching the school bus. The operator may not proceed until the school bus resumes motion or until signaled by the school bus operator to proceed.	need not stop Full wording The operator of a vehicle on a way separated by curbing or other physical barrier need not stop on meeting or passing a school bus: A. Traveling in a lane separated by the barrier from the lane in which that operator is traveling; or [PL 1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1993, c. 683, Pt. B, §5 (AFF).] B. On a limited access highway where pedestrians are not permitted to cross the roadway with the school bus stopped in a loading zone. [PL 1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1993, c. 683, Pt. B, §5 (AFF).] [PL 1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1993, c. 683, Pt. B, §5 (AFF).]	A violation of subsection 2 is a Class E crime that is punishable by a $250 minimum fine for the first offense and a mandatory 30-day suspension of a driver's license for a 2nd offense occurring within 3 years of the first offense.	Source wordinghttps://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/29-A/title29-Asec2308.html
Maryland	shall stop Full wording If a school vehicle has stopped on a roadway and is operating the alternately flashing red lights specified in § 22-228 of this article, the driver of any other vehicle meeting or overtaking the school vehicle shall stop at least 20 feet from the rear of the school vehicle, if approaching the school vehicle from its rear, or at least 20 feet from the front of the school vehicle, if approaching the school vehicle from its front.	shall stop Full wording If a school vehicle has stopped on a roadway and is operating the alternately flashing red lights specified in § 22-228 of this article, the driver of any other vehicle meeting or overtaking the school vehicle shall stop at least 20 feet from the rear of the school vehicle, if approaching the school vehicle from its rear, or at least 20 feet from the front of the school vehicle, if approaching the school vehicle from its front.	This section does not apply to the driver of a vehicle on a divided highway, if the school vehicle is on a different roadway.	A person convicted of a violation of this section is subject to a fine not exceeding $1,000.	Source wordinghttps://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gtr&section=21-706
Massachusetts	bring his vehicle or trackless trolley to a full stop Full wording When approaching a vehicle which displays a sign bearing the words ''SCHOOL BUS'' and which is equipped with front and rear alternating flashing red signal lamps which are flashing, as provided in section seven B, and which has been stopped to allow pupils to alight from or board the same, a person operating a motor vehicle or trackless trolley shall, except when approaching from the opposite direction on a divided highway, bring his vehicle or trackless trolley to a full stop before reaching said school bus and shall not thereafter proceed until the warning signals are deactivated, unless directed to the contrary by a police officer duly authorized to control the movement of traffic.	bring his vehicle or trackless trolley to a full stop Full wording When approaching a vehicle which displays a sign bearing the words ''SCHOOL BUS'' and which is equipped with front and rear alternating flashing red signal lamps which are flashing, as provided in section seven B, and which has been stopped to allow pupils to alight from or board the same, a person operating a motor vehicle or trackless trolley shall, except when approaching from the opposite direction on a divided highway, bring his vehicle or trackless trolley to a full stop before reaching said school bus and shall not thereafter proceed until the warning signals are deactivated, unless directed to the contrary by a police officer duly authorized to control the movement of traffic.	except when approaching from the opposite direction on a divided highway Full wording except when approaching from the opposite direction on a divided highway,	Any person who violates the preceding sentence shall be punished by a fine of not less than $250; and for a second offense by a fine of not less than $500 nor more than $1,000; and for a third or subsequent offense by a fine of not less than $1,000 nor more than $2,000. A second conviction or third or subsequent conviction as set forth in the preceding sentence shall be reported forthwith by the court or magistrate to the registrar who shall revoke immediately the license or right to operate of the person so convicted and no appeal, motion for a new trial or exceptions, shall operate to stay the revocation of the license or right to operate; provided, however, that no license or right to operate shall be issued by the registrar to any person convicted of a second such offense until 6 months after the date of revocation following said conviction or to any person convicted of a third or subsequent such offense until 1 year after the date of revocation following said conviction; and provided, further, that if the prosecution against such person has terminated in his favor the registrar shall forthwith reinstate his license or right to operate.	Source wordinghttps://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXIV/Chapter90/section14
Michigan	bring the vehicle to a full stop Full wording The operator of a vehicle overtaking or meeting a school bus that has stopped and is displaying 2 alternately flashing red lights located at the same level shall bring the vehicle to a full stop not less than 20 feet from the school bus and shall not proceed until the school bus resumes motion or the visual signals are no longer actuated.	bring the vehicle to a full stop Full wording The operator of a vehicle overtaking or meeting a school bus that has stopped and is displaying 2 alternately flashing red lights located at the same level shall bring the vehicle to a full stop not less than 20 feet from the school bus and shall not proceed until the school bus resumes motion or the visual signals are no longer actuated.	not required to stop Full wording Except where a crosswalk or pedestrian walkway is present, the operator of a vehicle on a highway that has been divided into 2 roadways by leaving a raised intervening space, or by a physical barrier, or clearly indicated dividing sections so constructed as to impede vehicular traffic, is not required to stop upon meeting a school bus that has stopped across the raised intervening space, physical barrier, or dividing section.	The operator of a vehicle that fails to stop for a school bus as required by this subsection, that passes a school bus in violation of this subsection, or that fails to stop for a school bus in violation of an ordinance that is substantially similar to this subsection, is responsible for a civil infraction and must be ordered to pay a civil fine of not less than $100.00 and not more than $500.00.	Source wordinghttps://legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=MCL-257-682
Minnesota	shall stop Full wording When a school bus is stopped on a street or highway, or other location where signs have been erected under section 169.443, subdivision 2 , paragraph (b), and is displaying an extended stop-signal arm and flashing red lights, the driver of a vehicle approaching the bus shall stop the vehicle at least 20 feet away from the bus. The vehicle driver shall not allow the vehicle to move until the school bus stop-signal arm is retracted and the red lights are no longer flashing.	shall stop Full wording When a school bus is stopped on a street or highway, or other location where signs have been erected under section 169.443, subdivision 2 , paragraph (b), and is displaying an extended stop-signal arm and flashing red lights, the driver of a vehicle approaching the bus shall stop the vehicle at least 20 feet away from the bus. The vehicle driver shall not allow the vehicle to move until the school bus stop-signal arm is retracted and the red lights are no longer flashing.	not required to stop Full wording A person driving a vehicle on a street or highway with separated roadways is not required to stop the vehicle when approaching or meeting a school bus that is on a different roadway. (b) "Separated roadway" means a road that is separated from a parallel road by a physical barrier, raised median, or depressed median.	A person who fails to stop a vehicle or to keep it stopped, as required in subdivision 1, or who violates subdivision 1a, is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than $500.	Source wordinghttps://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/169.444
Mississippi	must stop Full wording COME TO A COMPLETE STOP at least ten (10) feet away from the bus. REMAIN STOPPED until the children have crossed the roadway AND the bus has resumed motion, its red lights no longer flash, and its stop sign is retracted. You must stop for the school bus regardless of your direction of travel. SCHOOL BUS	must stop Full wording COME TO A COMPLETE STOP at least ten (10) feet away from the bus. REMAIN STOPPED until the children have crossed the roadway AND the bus has resumed motion, its red lights no longer flash, and its stop sign is retracted. You must stop for the school bus regardless of your direction of travel. SCHOOL BUS	One exception to the procedures above is for drivers traveling on a DIVIDED HIGHWAY. If you are traveling on a highway with FOUR or more lanes, with at least TWO lanes of travel in opposite direc- tions, then: If you are traveling in the SAME direction as the stopped school bus you must still follow the procedures above. Come to a complete stop. Proceed only AFTER the children have exited the roadway AND the bus has resumed motion, its red lights no longer flash, AND the school bus stop sign is retracted. If you are traveling in the OPPOSITE direction as the stopped school bus you may contin- ue travel on your side of the divided highway without stopping. SCHOOL BUS	Not verified	Source wordinghttps://www.driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov/sites/default/files/2023-07/MDPS%20Driver%27s%20Manual_23_0.pdf
Missouri	shall stop Full wording The driver of a vehicle upon a highway upon meeting or overtaking from either direction any school bus which has stopped on the highway for the purpose of receiving or discharging any school children and whose driver has in the manner prescribed by law given the signal to stop, shall stop the vehicle before reaching such school bus and shall not proceed until such school bus resumes motion, or until signaled by its driver to proceed.	shall stop Full wording The driver of a vehicle upon a highway upon meeting or overtaking from either direction any school bus which has stopped on the highway for the purpose of receiving or discharging any school children and whose driver has in the manner prescribed by law given the signal to stop, shall stop the vehicle before reaching such school bus and shall not proceed until such school bus resumes motion, or until signaled by its driver to proceed.	need not stop Full wording The driver of a vehicle upon a highway with separate roadways need not stop upon meeting or overtaking a school bus which is on a different roadway, or which is proceeding in the opposite direction on a highway containing four or more lanes of traffic, or which is stopped in a loading zone constituting a part of, or adjacent to, a limited or controlled access highway at a point where pedestrians are not permitted to cross the roadway.	Not verified	Source wordinghttps://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=304.050
Montana	shall stop Full wording When a school bus that has stopped on the roadway, paved shoulder, or street to receive or discharge school children has actuated flashing red lights as specified in 61-9-402 , a driver of a motor vehicle that is approaching the school bus from either direction: (i) shall stop the motor vehicle not less than approximately 30 feet from the school bus; and (ii) may not proceed past the school bus until the school bus ceases operation of its flashing red lights.	shall stop Full wording When a school bus that has stopped on the roadway, paved shoulder, or street to receive or discharge school children has actuated flashing red lights as specified in 61-9-402 , a driver of a motor vehicle that is approaching the school bus from either direction: (i) shall stop the motor vehicle not less than approximately 30 feet from the school bus; and (ii) may not proceed past the school bus until the school bus ceases operation of its flashing red lights.	need not stop Full wording The driver of a motor vehicle upon a highway with separate roadways need not stop upon meeting or passing a school bus that is on a different roadway or when upon a controlled-access highway and the school bus is stopped in a loading zone that is a part of or adjacent to the highway and where pedestrians are not permitted to cross the roadway.	A person who violates subsection (1)(a) is guilty of a misdemeanor and is subject to the following penalties: (i) for a first offense, a fine of not less than $500 or more than $1,000, a sentence of community service of not less than 50 hours or more than 100 hours, or both; (ii) for a second offense, a fine of not less than $1,000 or more than $2,000, a sentence of community service of not less than 100 hours or more than 200 hours, or both; and (iii) for a third or subsequent offense, a fine of not less than $3,000 or more than $5,000, a sentence of imprisonment for a term of not less than 30 days, or both.	Source wordinghttps://archive.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0610/chapter_0080/part_0030/section_0510/0610-0080-0030-0510.html
Nebraska	Not stopping when approaching or overtaking a school bus which has stop lights on and the stop arm extended is unlawful.	Not stopping when approaching or overtaking a school bus which has stop lights on and the stop arm extended is unlawful.	The only exception occurs when approaching a school bus in the opposite direction on a roadway divided by a median.	Not verified	Source wordinghttps://dmv.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/Class%20O%20Drivers%20Manual-English%201-2025.pdf
Nevada	must stop Full wording Drivers must stop for school buses when students are boarding/departing and when the bus displays flashing red lights.	must stop Full wording Drivers must stop for school buses when students are boarding/departing and when the bus displays flashing red lights.	NOT have to stop Full wording Traffic moving in the opposite direction does NOT have to stop if there is a median or physical barrier.	Not verified	Source wordinghttps://dmv.nv.gov/dltrafficlaws.htm
New Hampshire	shall stop Full wording The driver of a vehicle upon a way upon meeting or overtaking from either direction any school bus, plainly marked with school bus signs or such other distinguishing identification as the director may require, which has stopped on the highway for the purpose of receiving or discharging school children shall stop his or her vehicle before reaching such school bus at least 25 feet away from such school bus. The driver shall not proceed until such school bus resumes motion, or until flashing red lights cease to operate.	shall stop Full wording The driver of a vehicle upon a way upon meeting or overtaking from either direction any school bus, plainly marked with school bus signs or such other distinguishing identification as the director may require, which has stopped on the highway for the purpose of receiving or discharging school children shall stop his or her vehicle before reaching such school bus at least 25 feet away from such school bus. The driver shall not proceed until such school bus resumes motion, or until flashing red lights cease to operate.	need not stop Full wording The driver of a vehicle upon a divided highway with separate roadways need not stop when meeting or passing a school bus which is traveling in the opposite direction on the other half of the divided highway, or when upon a controlled access highway if a school bus is stopped in a loading zone which is part of or adjacent to such highway and pedestrians are not permitted to cross the roadway.	Not verified	Source wordinghttps://gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/XXI/265/265-54.htm
New Jersey	stop at least 25 feet from a stopped school bus with flashing red lights	On a two-lane highway, or other road not divided by some type of physical barrier, stop at least 25 feet from a stopped school bus with flashing red lights whether or not you are traveling in the same direction as the bus.	may pass at 10 mph or less Full wording Vehicles approaching a stopped school bus - but from the opposite side of a divided highway - that is picking up or letting off students may pass at 10 mph or less and must remain at that speed until completely past the stopped school bus.	A violation of these laws results in a $100 fine, and up to 15 days in jail or up to 15 days community service for a first offense. For subsequent offenses, violators can receive a $250 fine or more and up to 15 days in jail. Five points are added to a driver's record for each offense.	Source wordinghttps://www.nj.gov/education/compliance/bussafety/docs/BusSafety.pdf
New Mexico	must stop Full wording You must stop for a school bus that is stopped with its red lights flashing whether it is on your side of the road, the opposite side of the road or at an intersection you are approaching.	must stop Full wording You must stop for a school bus that is stopped with its red lights flashing whether it is on your side of the road, the opposite side of the road or at an intersection you are approaching.	not required to stop Full wording You are not required to stop if the bus is traveling towards you and the roadway is separated by a median or other physical barrier.	Not verified	Source wordinghttps://realfile.tax.newmexico.gov/English%20Drivers%20Manualver11.19.19.pdf
New York	shall stop Full wording The driver of a vehicle upon a public highway, street or private road upon meeting or overtaking from either direction any school bus marked and equipped as provided in subdivision twenty of section three hundred seventy-five of this chapter which has stopped on the public highway, street or private road for the purpose of receiving or discharging any passengers, or which has stopped because a school bus in front of it has stopped to receive or discharge any passengers, shall stop the vehicle before reaching such school bus when there is in operation on said school bus a red visual signal as specified in subdivision twenty of section three hundred seventy-five of this chapter and said driver shall not proceed until such school bus resumes motion, or until signaled by the driver or a police officer to proceed.	shall stop Full wording The driver of a vehicle upon a public highway, street or private road upon meeting or overtaking from either direction any school bus marked and equipped as provided in subdivision twenty of section three hundred seventy-five of this chapter which has stopped on the public highway, street or private road for the purpose of receiving or discharging any passengers, or which has stopped because a school bus in front of it has stopped to receive or discharge any passengers, shall stop the vehicle before reaching such school bus when there is in operation on said school bus a red visual signal as specified in subdivision twenty of section three hundred seventy-five of this chapter and said driver shall not proceed until such school bus resumes motion, or until signaled by the driver or a police officer to proceed.	shall stop Full wording The driver of a vehicle upon a public highway, street or private road upon meeting or overtaking from either direction any school bus marked and equipped as provided in subdivision twenty of section three hundred seventy-five of this chapter which has stopped on the public highway, street or private road for the purpose of receiving or discharging any passengers, or which has stopped because a school bus in front of it has stopped to receive or discharge any passengers, shall stop the vehicle before reaching such school bus when there is in operation on said school bus a red visual signal as specified in subdivision twenty of section three hundred seventy-five of this chapter and said driver shall not proceed until such school bus resumes motion, or until signaled by the driver or a police officer to proceed.	First conviction - fine of $250-$400 and/or up to 30 days in jail Second conviction within 3 years - fine of $600-$750 and/or up to 180 days in jail Third conviction (or more) within 3 years - fine of $750-$1,500 and/or up to 180 days in jail Five points will be added to the operator's driving record for each conviction.	Source wordinghttps://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/VAT/1174https://dmv.ny.gov/more-info/school-bus-safety
North Carolina	must stop Full wording traffic following the bus must stop.	must stop Full wording Two-lane roadway: When school bus stops for passengers, all traffic from both directions must stop.	must stop Full wording Divided highway of four lanes or more with a median separation: When school bus stops for passengers, only traffic following the bus must stop.	Not verified	Source wordinghttps://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/license-id/driver-licenses/new-drivers/Documents/nc-driver-handbook.pdf
North Dakota	shall stop Full wording The driver of a vehicle meeting or overtaking from either direction any schoolbus stopped on the highway shall stop the vehicle before reaching the schoolbus when there is in operation on the schoolbus the flashing red lights or the stop sign on the control arm specified in section 39-21-18, and the driver may not proceed until the schoolbus resumes motion, the driver is signaled by the schoolbus driver to proceed, or the flashing red lights and the stop sign on the control arm are no longer actuated.	shall stop Full wording The driver of a vehicle meeting or overtaking from either direction any schoolbus stopped on the highway shall stop the vehicle before reaching the schoolbus when there is in operation on the schoolbus the flashing red lights or the stop sign on the control arm specified in section 39-21-18, and the driver may not proceed until the schoolbus resumes motion, the driver is signaled by the schoolbus driver to proceed, or the flashing red lights and the stop sign on the control arm are no longer actuated.	need not stop Full wording The driver of a vehicle upon a highway with separate roadways need not stop upon meeting or passing a schoolbus which is on a different roadway or when upon a controlled-access highway and the schoolbus is stopped in a loading zone which is a Page No. 15 part of or adjacent to such highway and where pedestrians are not permitted to cross the roadway.	Not verified	Source wordinghttps://ndlegis.gov/cencode/t39c10.pdf
Ohio	shall stop Full wording The driver of a vehicle, streetcar, or trackless trolley upon meeting or overtaking from either direction any school bus stopped for the purpose of receiving or discharging any school child, person attending programs offered by community boards of mental health and county boards of developmental disabilities, or child attending a program offered by a head start agency, shall stop at least ten feet from the front or rear of the school bus and shall not proceed until such school bus resumes motion, or until signaled by the school bus driver to proceed.	shall stop Full wording The driver of a vehicle, streetcar, or trackless trolley upon meeting or overtaking from either direction any school bus stopped for the purpose of receiving or discharging any school child, person attending programs offered by community boards of mental health and county boards of developmental disabilities, or child attending a program offered by a head start agency, shall stop at least ten feet from the front or rear of the school bus and shall not proceed until such school bus resumes motion, or until signaled by the school bus driver to proceed.	need not stop Full wording Where a highway has been divided into four or more traffic lanes, a driver of a vehicle, streetcar, or trackless trolley need not stop for a school bus approaching from the opposite direction which has stopped for the purpose of receiving or discharging any school child, persons attending programs offered by community boards of mental health and county boards of developmental disabilities, or children attending programs offered by head start agencies. The driver of any vehicle, streetcar, or trackless trolley overtaking the school bus shall comply with division (A) of this section.	Whoever violates division (A) of this section may be fined an amount not to exceed five hundred dollars. A person who is issued a citation for a violation of division (A) of this section is not permitted to enter a written plea of guilty and waive the person's right to contest the citation in a trial but instead must appear in person in the proper court to answer the charge. (2) In addition to and independent of any other penalty provided by law, the court or mayor may impose upon an offender who violates this section a class seven suspension of the offender's driver's license, commercial driver's license, temporary instruction permit, probationary license, or nonresident operating privilege from the range specified in division (A)(7) of section 4510.02 of the Revised Code. When a license is suspended under this section, the court or mayor shall cause the offender to deliver the license to the court, and the court or clerk of the court immediately shall forward the license to the registrar of motor vehicles, together with notice of the court's action.	Source wordinghttps://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-4511.75
Oklahoma	The driver of a vehicle meeting or overtaking a school bus that is stopped to take on or discharge school children, and on which the red loading signals are in operation, is to stop the vehicle before it reaches the school bus and not proceed until the loading signals are deactivated and then proceed past such school bus at a speed which is reasonable and with due caution for the safety of such school children and other occupants.	The driver of a vehicle meeting or overtaking a school bus that is stopped to take on or discharge school children, and on which the red loading signals are in operation, is to stop the vehicle before it reaches the school bus and not proceed until the loading signals are deactivated and then proceed past such school bus at a speed which is reasonable and with due caution for the safety of such school children and other occupants.	need not stop Full wording The driver of a vehicle upon a highway with separate roadways need not stop upon meeting or passing a school bus which is on a different roadway or when upon a controlled-access highway and the school bus is stopped in a loading zone which is a part of or adjacent to such highway and where pedestrians are not permitted to cross the roadway.	Not verified	Source wordinghttps://oksenate.gov/sites/default/files/2019-12/os47.pdf
Oregon	(a) Stop before reaching the vehicle; and Full wording (1) A driver commits the offense of failure to stop for bus safety lights if the driver meets or overtakes from either direction any vehicle that is stopped on a roadway and that is operating red bus safety lights described under ORS 816.260 and the driver does not: (a) Stop before reaching the vehicle; and (b) Remain standing until the bus safety lights are no longer operating.	(a) Stop before reaching the vehicle; and Full wording (1) A driver commits the offense of failure to stop for bus safety lights if the driver meets or overtakes from either direction any vehicle that is stopped on a roadway and that is operating red bus safety lights described under ORS 816.260 and the driver does not: (a) Stop before reaching the vehicle; and (b) Remain standing until the bus safety lights are no longer operating.	A driver need not comply with this section if the vehicle operating red bus safety lights is stopped on a different roadway.	The offense described in this section, failure to stop for bus safety lights, is a Class A traffic violation.	Source wordinghttps://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors811.html
Pennsylvania	MUST STOP Full wording When you meet or overtake a stopped school bus with red signal lights flashing and stop arm activated, you MUST STOP.	MUST STOP Full wording When you meet or overtake a stopped school bus with red signal lights flashing and stop arm activated, you MUST STOP.	Drivers may proceed 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.	Penalties listed below apply for citations issued by law enforcement for passing a school bus with red lights flashing and stop arm activated. • 60-Day Driver's License Suspension, Five (5) points on your driving record, and a $250 Fine.	Source wordinghttps://www.pa.gov/content/dam/copapwp-pagov/en/penndot/documents/public/dvspubsforms/bdl/bdl-publications/pub%2097.pdf
Rhode Island	come to a full stop Full wording If red lights are flashing on the school bus, Rhode Island requires that motorists approaching from either direction come to a full stop and remain stopped until the bus's red lights no longer flash.	come to a full stop Full wording If red lights are flashing on the school bus, Rhode Island requires that motorists approaching from either direction come to a full stop and remain stopped until the bus's red lights no longer flash.	do not have to stop Full wording Motorists do not have to stop for the flashing red lights of the school bus when the bus is opposite your vehicle on a divided highway. A divided highway is any roadway with a Jersey barrier, guardrail, grass or cement median, trees, water, etc. between the lanes of travel in opposite directions.	Not verified	Source wordinghttps://dmv.ri.gov/node/1356
South Carolina	must stop Full wording The driver of a vehicle meeting or overtaking from either direction a school bus stopped on a highway or private road must stop before reaching the bus where there are in operation on the bus flashing red lights specified in State Department of Education Regulations and Specifications Pertaining to School Buses, and the driver must not proceed until the bus resumes motion or the flashing red lights are no longer actuated.	must stop Full wording The driver of a vehicle meeting or overtaking from either direction a school bus stopped on a highway or private road must stop before reaching the bus where there are in operation on the bus flashing red lights specified in State Department of Education Regulations and Specifications Pertaining to School Buses, and the driver must not proceed until the bus resumes motion or the flashing red lights are no longer actuated.	need not stop Full wording The driver of a vehicle need not stop upon meeting a stopped school bus when traveling in the opposite direction on a multi-lane highway or multi-lane private road.	A driver of a vehicle violating Section 56-5-2770 (A) or (C) is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, entry of a plea of guilty or nolo contendere, or forfeiture of bail for a first offense must be fined not less than five hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than thirty days. In lieu of imprisonment, the court may require that the individual complete an appropriate term of community service of not fewer than ten days upon terms and conditions the court considers proper. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a first offense for a violation of Section 56-5-2770 (A) or (C) may be tried in magistrate's court. Upon conviction, entry of a plea of guilty or nolo contendere, or forfeiture of bail for a second or subsequent violation of Section 56-5-2770 (A) or (C), a person is guilty of a misdemeanor and must be fined not less than two thousand dollars or more than five thousand dollars or imprisoned for not fewer than thirty days and not more than sixty days.	Source wordinghttps://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t56c005.php
South Dakota	make a complete stop Full wording The operator of a motor vehicle approaching a school bus that has its red signal lights flashing shall make a complete stop. The stopped vehicle must be at least fifteen feet from the school bus and must remain stopped until the flashing red signal lights are extinguished.	make a complete stop Full wording The operator of a motor vehicle approaching a school bus that has its red signal lights flashing shall make a complete stop. The stopped vehicle must be at least fifteen feet from the school bus and must remain stopped until the flashing red signal lights are extinguished.	does not need to stop Full wording The operator of a motor vehicle on a highway providing two or more lanes of travel in each direction does not need to stop when approaching a school bus that is traveling in the opposite direction even though the school bus is stopped and has its red signal lights flashing.	A violation of this section is a Class 1 misdemeanor.	Source wordinghttps://sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/32-32-6.html
Tennessee	Tennessee Code Annotated § 55-8-151(a)(1) requires a driver of a vehicle to stop for a school bus that is picking up or dropping off students and remain stopped until the bus moves, the bus driver signals the driver to proceed, or the bus's warning signals are no longer activated, including when the bus is stopped on school property outside a protected loading zone with its lights flashing and stop sign extended.	Not verified	Not verified	Not verified	Source wordinghttps://capitol.tn.gov/Bills/114/Fiscal/FM2110.pdf
Texas	shall stop Full wording An operator on a highway, when approaching from either direction a school bus stopped on the highway to receive or discharge a student: (1) shall stop before reaching the school bus when the bus is operating a visual signal as required by Section 547.701 ; and (2) may not proceed until: (A) the school bus resumes motion; (B) the operator is signaled by the bus driver to proceed; or (C) the visual signal is no longer actuated.	shall stop Full wording An operator on a highway, when approaching from either direction a school bus stopped on the highway to receive or discharge a student: (1) shall stop before reaching the school bus when the bus is operating a visual signal as required by Section 547.701 ; and (2) may not proceed until: (A) the school bus resumes motion; (B) the operator is signaled by the bus driver to proceed; or (C) the visual signal is no longer actuated.	not required to stop Full wording An operator on a highway having separate roadways is not required to stop: (1) for a school bus that is on a different roadway; or (2) if on a controlled-access highway, for a school bus that is stopped: (A) in a loading zone that is a part of or adjacent to the highway; and (B) where pedestrians are not permitted to cross the roadway.	An offense under this section is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than $500 or more than $1,250, except that the offense is: (1) a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than $1,000 or more than $2,000 if the person is convicted of a second or subsequent offense under this section committed within five years of the date on which the most recent preceding offense was committed; (2) a Class A misdemeanor if the person causes serious bodily injury to another; or (3) a state jail felony if the person has been previously convicted under Subdivision (2). (d) The court may order that the driver's license of a person convicted of a second or subsequent offense under this section be suspended for not longer than six months beginning on the date of conviction. In this subsection, "driver's license" has the meaning assigned by Chapter 521 .	Source wordinghttps://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/TN/htm/TN.545.htm
Utah	Stop immediately before reaching the bus Full wording Stop immediately before reaching the bus.	Stop immediately before reaching the bus Full wording Stop immediately before reaching the bus.	If traveling on a divided highway with four or more lanes with a median separating the traffic, it is only necessary for the vehicles in both lanes behind the school bus to stop, not the traffic traveling in the opposite direction.	Fines can run up to $3000;	Source wordinghttps://dld.utah.gov/wp-content/uploads/Driver-Handbook-REV-3.2026.pdf
Vermont	shall stop Full wording The operator of a motor vehicle, including authorized emergency vehicles under section 1015 of this title, upon meeting or overtaking a vehicle marked and equipped as provided in section 1283 of this title that has stopped on the highway for the purpose of receiving or discharging public or private schoolchildren, shall stop his or her vehicle immediately and shall keep it stationary while the flashing red signal lights are in operation.	shall stop Full wording The operator of a motor vehicle, including authorized emergency vehicles under section 1015 of this title, upon meeting or overtaking a vehicle marked and equipped as provided in section 1283 of this title that has stopped on the highway for the purpose of receiving or discharging public or private schoolchildren, shall stop his or her vehicle immediately and shall keep it stationary while the flashing red signal lights are in operation.	need not stop Full wording The driver of a vehicle need not stop upon a highway with separate roadways upon meeting or overtaking a school bus that is on a different roadway, or upon a controlled access highway where the school bus is stopped in a loading zone that is a part of or adjacent to the highway at a point where pedestrians are not permitted to cross the roadway.	Not verified	Source wordinghttps://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/fullchapter/23/013
Virginia	shall stop Full wording A person driving a motor vehicle shall stop such vehicle when approaching, from any direction, any school bus which is stopped on any highway, private road or school driveway for the purpose of taking on or discharging children, elderly individuals, or individuals with mental or physical disabilities, and shall remain stopped until all the individuals are clear of the highway, private road or school driveway and the bus is put in motion; any individual violating the foregoing is guilty of reckless driving.	shall stop Full wording A person driving a motor vehicle shall stop such vehicle when approaching, from any direction, any school bus which is stopped on any highway, private road or school driveway for the purpose of taking on or discharging children, elderly individuals, or individuals with mental or physical disabilities, and shall remain stopped until all the individuals are clear of the highway, private road or school driveway and the bus is put in motion; any individual violating the foregoing is guilty of reckless driving.	The provisions of subsection A shall not apply to the driver of a vehicle when approaching a school bus if the school bus is: 1. Stopped on the other roadway of a divided highway, on an access road, or on a driveway when the other roadway, access road, or driveway is separated from the roadway on which he is driving by a physical barrier or an unpaved area. The provisions of this subdivision apply regardless of whether such physical barrier or unpaved area is continuous or segmented when necessary to accommodate an intersection or turning vehicles.	any individual violating the foregoing is guilty of reckless driving.	Source wordinghttps://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title46.2/chapter8/section46.2-859/
Washington	shall stop Full wording The driver of a vehicle upon overtaking or meeting from either direction any school bus which has stopped on the roadway for the purpose of receiving or discharging any school children shall stop the vehicle before reaching such school bus when there is in operation on said school bus a visual signal as specified in RCW 46.37.190 and said driver shall not proceed until such school bus resumes motion or the visual signals are no longer activated.	shall stop Full wording The driver of a vehicle upon overtaking or meeting from either direction any school bus which has stopped on the roadway for the purpose of receiving or discharging any school children shall stop the vehicle before reaching such school bus when there is in operation on said school bus a visual signal as specified in RCW 46.37.190 and said driver shall not proceed until such school bus resumes motion or the visual signals are no longer activated.	need not stop Full wording The driver of a vehicle upon a highway divided into separate roadways as provided in RCW 46.61.150 need not stop upon meeting a school bus which is proceeding in the opposite direction and is stopped for the purpose of receiving or discharging school children.	Except as provided in subsection (7) of this section, a person found to have committed an infraction of subsection (1) of this section shall be assessed a monetary penalty equal to twice the total penalty assessed under RCW 46.63.110 . This penalty may not be waived, reduced, or suspended. Fifty percent of the money so collected shall be deposited into the school zone safety account in the custody of the state treasurer and disbursed in accordance with RCW 46.61.440 (5).	Source wordinghttps://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=46.61.370
West Virginia	need not stop Full wording The driver of a vehicle, upon meeting or overtaking from either direction any school bus which has stopped for the purpose of receiving or discharging any school children, shall stop the vehicle before reaching the school bus when there is in operation on the school bus flashing warning signal lights, as referred to in §17C-12-8 of this code, and the driver may not proceed until the school bus resumes motion, or is signaled by the school bus driver to proceed or the visual signals are no longer actuated. This section applies wherever the school bus is receiving or discharging children including, but not limited to, any street, highway, parking lot, private road, or driveway: Provided, That the driver of a vehicle upon a controlled access highway need not stop upon meeting or passing a school bus which is on a different roadway or adjacent to the highway and where pedestrians are not permitted to cross the roadway.	need not stop Full wording The driver of a vehicle, upon meeting or overtaking from either direction any school bus which has stopped for the purpose of receiving or discharging any school children, shall stop the vehicle before reaching the school bus when there is in operation on the school bus flashing warning signal lights, as referred to in §17C-12-8 of this code, and the driver may not proceed until the school bus resumes motion, or is signaled by the school bus driver to proceed or the visual signals are no longer actuated. This section applies wherever the school bus is receiving or discharging children including, but not limited to, any street, highway, parking lot, private road, or driveway: Provided, That the driver of a vehicle upon a controlled access highway need not stop upon meeting or passing a school bus which is on a different roadway or adjacent to the highway and where pedestrians are not permitted to cross the roadway.	need not stop Full wording That the driver of a vehicle upon a controlled access highway need not stop upon meeting or passing a school bus which is on a different roadway or adjacent to the highway and where pedestrians are not permitted to cross the roadway.	Any driver acting in violation of subsection (a) of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction for a first offense, shall be fined not less than $500 or more than $1,000, or confined in jail not more than six months, or both fined and confined. Upon conviction of a second violation of subsection (a) of this section, the driver shall be fined not less than $1,000 nor more than $1,500, or confined in jail not more than six months, or both fined and confined. Upon conviction of a third or subsequent violation of subsection (a) of this section, the driver shall be fined $2,000 and confined not less than 48 hours in jail but not more than six months.	Source wordinghttps://code.wvlegislature.gov/17C-12-7/
Wisconsin	must stop Full wording A vehicle that approaches a stopped school bus that is displaying flashing red warning lights, must stop not less than 20 feet from the bus and remain stopped until the bus resumes motion or the operator extinguishes the flashing red warning lights.	must stop Full wording A vehicle that approaches a stopped school bus that is displaying flashing red warning lights, must stop not less than 20 feet from the bus and remain stopped until the bus resumes motion or the operator extinguishes the flashing red warning lights.	not apply to vehicles Full wording This law does not apply to vehicles driving in the opposite direction on a divided highway but does apply if no barrier is present on multi-lane street or highway.	Failure to do so could result in a fine between $500 and $1000.	Source wordinghttps://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/safety/equipment/sch-bus/law.aspx
Wyoming	shall stop Full wording The driver of a vehicle upon meeting or overtaking from either direction any stopped school bus shall stop before reaching the school bus when there is in operation on the school bus the flashing red lights as specified in W.S. 31-5-929 and the driver shall not proceed until the school bus resumes motion or the flashing red lights are no longer actuated.	shall stop Full wording The driver of a vehicle upon meeting or overtaking from either direction any stopped school bus shall stop before reaching the school bus when there is in operation on the school bus the flashing red lights as specified in W.S. 31-5-929 and the driver shall not proceed until the school bus resumes motion or the flashing red lights are no longer actuated.	need not stop Full wording The driver of a vehicle upon a highway with separate roadways need not stop upon meeting or passing a school bus which is on a different roadway or when upon a controlled-access highway and the school bus is stopped in a loading zone which is a part of or adjacent to the highway and where pedestrians are not permitted to cross the roadway.	If the identity of the driver of a vehicle that violates subsection (a) of this section is unknown, the registered owner of the vehicle recorded by a video system as provided in this subsection shall be fined one hundred ninety-five dollars ($195.00) provided that:	Source wordinghttps://wyoleg.gov/statutes/compress/title31.pdf

How this works

Three steps, no phone number required

Most people arrive here after an insurance adjuster has already named a figure. The point of this page is simple: give you an independent second number, and the reasoning behind it, before you answer.

Step 01

Gather what you can document

Medical bills and expected future care, wages you actually lost, repair or total-loss figures, and the out-of-pocket costs people usually forget , travel to appointments, braces and devices, paid help at home.

Step 02

Run the estimator

It applies the multiplier method adjusters commonly use to non-economic damages, then adjusts for your state's comparative-fault rule and the policy limit that actually caps most claims.

Step 03

Take the range to a licensed attorney

The output is a discussion range, never a valuation. Bring it to a lawyer licensed in your state , most personal-injury consultations are free and fees are contingent , and let them price the parts a calculator cannot see.

By situation

Guides for your situation

Fault rules, insurance layers and typical evidence differ sharply between these. Start with the one that matches your facts.

Claim Process

Step-by-step guide to filing a bus accident injury claim.

Settlement Timeline

How long bus accident claims take and why they differ.

What to Do After

Immediate steps to protect your rights after a bus accident.

Insurance Tactics

How transit insurers handle bus claims and how to respond.

By state

State rules that change what a claim is worth

Comparative fault, filing deadlines, damage caps, minimum liability limits and no-fault requirements are all set state by state. Pick yours.

Legal notice

BusAccidentLawyer.us is an informational website, not a law firm. It is operated by Mustafa Bilgic, an individual who is not a licensed attorney. Nothing here is legal advice, nothing creates an attorney-client relationship, and no calculator output is a valuation or an offer.

We do not take cases, review documents, contact insurers or refer you to a particular lawyer. Deadlines and fault rules vary by state and a missed deadline can end a valid claim permanently , consult a licensed attorney in your state before you accept, reject or file anything. Your state bar's referral service and the American Bar Association's Find Legal Help directory are independent starting points.

Questions

Questions people ask before they answer the adjuster

What is the common-carrier standard?

Common carriers , including public transit buses, charter buses, and intercity coaches , must exercise the highest degree of care toward passengers. This is a stricter standard than ordinary driver negligence, which means the bus company or transit agency can be held liable for safety failures that would not meet the threshold in a regular car-accident claim.

Do I have to notify the government before suing a public bus operator?

In most states, yes. Government-operated transit systems require you to file a formal administrative notice of your claim within a compressed window that is often far shorter than the general statute of limitations. Missing that notice deadline can permanently bar your case. Check your state's specific requirement immediately after the accident.

Can I sue both the bus driver and the transit authority?

Generally, yes. The driver may be personally liable for negligent operation, while the transit authority can be liable under respondeat-superior principles and for its own failures in hiring, training, or vehicle maintenance. Multiple defendants can actually increase available insurance coverage.

What if the bus had no seatbelts and I was thrown from my seat?

Most public transit buses are not legally required to have passenger seatbelts. The lack of restraints does not bar your claim. It can, however, strengthen your argument that the operator's duty of care , to drive smoothly and avoid sudden, violent maneuvers , was breached.

How long do bus accident claims typically take?

Bus claims frequently take longer than standard car-accident cases because of multiple liable parties, government procedural requirements, and the need to preserve evidence from the transit agency. Reported outcomes vary widely depending on whether the case settles during negotiation or proceeds to litigation.

Published and maintained by

Mustafa Bilgic , independent operator, BusAccidentLawyer.us

Not an attorney and not affiliated with any law firm. Pages here summarise publicly available law, federal agency data and documented insurance practice, with sources listed on each page.

Sources used across this site: state comparative-fault statutes · Insurance Information Institute · Bureau of Labor Statistics · IRS Pub. 4345 · NHTSA
Last reviewed 2026-08-25.

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