DRIVERS need to be extra cautious as the school season nears due to a nationwide crackdown on passing school buses
Americans will need to watch out for school buses as the stop-arm law goes into effect during the school year.
Drivers are required to stop when a bus deploys its stop-arm[/caption]
If a driver violates the stop sign, they can face hundreds in fines[/caption]
While each state has slightly different restrictions on the stop-arm law, passing school buses is illegal nationwide.
The stop-arm rule requires all traffic to stop when a school bus puts out its stop sign to pick up students.
The law is meant to help students, and those who violate it can be fined or, in some states, face jail time.
The law takes effect in some states as early as August 11, when schools first reopen.
Drivers caught violating the stop-arm law by buses equipped with cameras can face fines of $250 $300.
Those caught by law enforcement officers can face fines of thousands of dollars or more.
Passing a bus while its stop sign is out is the equivalent of going through a red stoplight, according to Bus Patrol.
Drivers should always be prepared to stop once the school bus activates its flashing yellow lights, which act as a cautionary warning.
When the bus begins to flash its red lights and extend the stop arm, the bus driver is indicating that students will be getting on or off the bus.
A study conducted by the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services found that there were more than 43.5 million illegal school bus passings in the United States during the 2022-2023 school year.
To reduce drivers passing the buses, states began raising the fees for violators.
In New York State, a first-time conviction will result in a $250 to $400 fee.
However, those who are repeat offenders within three years can be fined up to $1,500.
Repeat offenders are also at risk for serving jail time and getting their license immediately suspended.
What is the stop-arm law?
During the school year, drivers need to be aware of when school buses are stopping to let out students. All drivers are required to stop when a school bus deploys its stop arm. If a driver does not stop, they may face fees and jail time.
In Florida, the minimum fine was raised from $265 to $465 if a driver passes on the side where children are walking.
In the event of an accident resulting in bodily harm, the driver would be fined $1,500.
Some drivers may need to perform community service if they violate the law.
Drivers living in Utah may face charges for a Class C misdemeanor, carrying a minimum fine of $1,000.
In every state, multiple violations can result in additional points being added to a driver’s license.
The law will begin later in other states such as Washington, where public schools don’t open until September 3.
