What Do You Do At a School Bus Stop Sign?

Summary

• When a school bus has stopped, traffic in both directions must stop.
• You do not have to stop if you are traveling in the opposite direction as the school bus on a divided highway.
• A divided highway is one where there is a raised barrier or an unpaved median at least five feet wide separating opposite lanes of traffic.
• Using extra caution around school buses and within school zones can prevent accidents.

It’s one of the first things you learn about driving: a bright red stop sign means that you must stop. But what about when that stop sign is attached to a school bus?

Now that school is back in session, it’s important to remember how to share the road with school buses so that children are kept safe. But stopping for a school bus stop sign isn’t always as straightforward as it seems.

If you’ve ever wondered whether you should stop for a school bus sign, this guide will give you helpful information that you can use every school year.

What To Do At a School Bus Stop Sign

Every state has laws for obeying school bus stop signs, and Florida is no different.

Under Florida law, all drivers must stop for a school bus when the stop sign is being displayed and may not move until the stop sign has been withdrawn. This law was designed to make sure that children are safe when entering and exiting the bus.

If you are traveling on a multi-lane road and separated by a turn lane or traffic lane, you are still required to stop, even if you are traveling in the opposite direction.

The only time you do not have to stop for a Florida school bus is if you are traveling in the opposite direction on a divided highway with a raised barrier or an unpaved space separating the lanes that is at least five feet wide.

Fines For Violations

If you see a bus on the side of the road with the stop sign out and red lights flashing, you are required to stop according to Florida law.

In 2017, the minimum fine for passing a school bus increased from $100 to $200. If you fail to stop for a school bus displaying a stop sign and someone is injured or killed as a result, the fines are (understandably) much higher. In addition to a $1,500 fine, you will have your license suspended for a minimum of one year, six points added to your license, and must serve 120 hours of community service in a hospital or trauma center.

Even if you are late, endangering children is not worth the risk of violating the school bus stop law!

School Zone Tips

Stopped school buses aren’t the only time you might encounter school children when on the road. If you find yourself passing close to a school at the beginning or end of the school day, you may find yourself in a school zone.

School zones are active “30 minutes before, during, and 30 minutes after the periods of time when pupils are arriving at a regularly scheduled breakfast program or a regularly scheduled school session and leaving a regularly scheduled school session.” Don’t worry, you don’t need to keep a time table. School zones are designated with signs and display flashing yellow lights when active.

Here are some additional tips for keeping yourself and others safe while traveling in a school zone.

• Proceed with caution in school zones, even if they are not active.
• Obey posted speed limits. When a school zone is in effect, this will often be 15-20 mph.
• Keep a lookout for school crossing guards and follow their directions.
• If your children take the bus to school, remind them to wait a safe distance away from the road. Never wait for a school bus on the curb!
• Remind your children to remain quiet on the bus so the bus driver can concentrate on the road.

Conclusion

As the old saying goes, “It takes a village to raise a child.” As a Florida driver, you are a part of that village!

Safe driving doesn’t just protect those around you or reduce your legal liability, it helps keep the next generation safe from harm so they can keep learning and growing.

At Beers & Gordon, keeping our local community safe means a lot to us. We have been a part of the Oviedo landscape since 2009 and have enjoyed giving back to our community through a variety of sponsorships and volunteer programs.

If you have been injured in a school bus accident as a pedestrian, motorist, bicyclist, or motorcyclist, we can help. Call today to schedule your free consultation and see how we can help you get the compensation you deserve.