School Bus Safety Tips

When driving behind a school bus, maintain a greater following distance than you would behind a regular vehicle. This gives you more time to react when the bus's yellow lights begin flashing. Remember, passing a stopped school bus that is loading or unloading children is illegal in all 50 states.

Be patient and prepared for changes in traffic flow—school buses are required to stop at all railroad crossings, which may cause brief delays.

The 10-foot zone around a school bus is the most hazardous for children. Always stop far enough back to give them space to safely enter and exit the bus.

Stay alert—children can be unpredictable and may not always recognize potential dangers. Your attentiveness can make all the difference.

Sharing the Road with Young Pedestrians:

• Avoid blocking crosswalks when stopped at red lights or waiting to turn. Forcing pedestrians to go around your vehicle can put them in harm’s way.

• In school zones, when flashers are blinking, always stop and yield to pedestrians crossing at crosswalks or intersections.

• Respect school patrol officers and crossing guards—always stop when they display a stop sign.

• Stay vigilant in school zones, near playgrounds, parks, and residential areas where children are likely to be present.

• Never honk or rev your engine to intimidate or startle pedestrians.

• Do not pass vehicles that are stopped for pedestrians.

• Exercise extreme caution at all times—children may act unpredictably and not recognize potential dangers, regardless of who has the right of way.

🛑 School Bus Stopping Laws – Safety First! 🛑 | For Drivers in New Jersey & Pennsylvania

🚍 Pennsylvania Law Highlights:

• You MUST STOP at least 10 feet away from a school bus when its red lights are flashing and stop arm is extended.

• STOP at intersections even if the bus is on a cross street.

• Do NOT proceed until:

  • The red lights stop flashing.

  • The stop arm is withdrawn.

  • All children have reached a place of safety.

• Exceptions: You do not need to stop if you're on the opposite side of a divided highway with a physical barrier.

• Penalties:

  • First offense: $250 fine, 5 points on your license, and a 60-day suspension.

  • Automated camera violations: $300 fine, no points or suspension.

  • New legislation (Senate Bill 65) proposes:

    • Increasing the stopping distance to 15 feet.

    • Higher fines for repeat offenders.

    • Penalties for failing to slow down when amber lights are flashing 1 2.

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🚍 New Jersey Law Highlights:

• You MUST STOP at least 25 feet away from a stopped school bus with flashing red lights.

• STOP on both sides of a two-lane road, even if you're traveling in the opposite direction.

• Do NOT pass until the bus resumes motion or the lights are turned off.

• On divided highways, you do not need to stop if you're on the opposite side; however, you must slow down while passing the bus to 10 mph and can resume normal speed once complete beyond the bus.

• Penalties:

  • Minimum fine of $100.

  • Up to 15 days of community service.

  • 5 points on your driving record.