School begins this week. Here is a refresher on the laws about stopping for a school bus.
In Ohio, school bus traffic laws vary depending on the size of the road:
Two-Lane Roads:
All traffic must stop for a school bus no matter which direction it’s traveling.
Traffic must stop at least 10 feet away from the school bus, whether approaching the front or rear of the bus.
Highways with Four or More Lanes:
Only traffic moving in the same direction as the bus must stop when the school bus stops to release passengers.
Traffic coming from the opposite direction doesn’t have to stop in these instances.
Children are dropped off on the same side of the road as their residences. They should not have to cross the street. Just the same, it would be wise to be alert and slow down.
Divided Highways:
Divided highways are treated the same as those with four or more lanes.
Oncoming traffic doesn’t have to stop regardless of how many lanes of traffic there are, but traffic moving in the same direction still has to stop.
Traffic must stop no less than 10 feet away from the school bus.
School Bus Safety Requirements for Traffic:
A school bus doesn’t have to be equipped with an extending stop safety sign in order for traffic to stop.
When lights are flashing, this is sufficient to signal drivers that they need to stop, as the bus is loading or unloading passengers.
Amber and red visual signals are required for a school bus.
Violation of School Bus Traffic Laws:
Those who violate school bus traffic stop laws may receive a $500 fine and could have their driver’s license suspended. Some communities in Ohio the maximum fine is $1000 and 30 days in jail.
Please be mindful as school starts back up, and buses are back on the road.
And please Buckle Up!