In Texas, stopping for a school bus isn’t just about being courteous—it’s a legal requirement designed to protect children. We’ve all been there: rushing to get somewhere on time, only to have a school bus suddenly appear in front of us. It might seem tempting to pass, especially when no children are visibly crossing the road, but the law is clear, and violations can lead to serious consequences.
At Byrd Davis Alden & Henrichson LLP, we’ve seen how violations can lead to tragic outcomes and legal consequences. With our reputation for compassionate and thorough representation, recognized by Best Lawyers and Best Law Firms, we are here to help you understand your responsibilities and protect your rights in complex traffic-related cases.
Do I Have To Stop For A School Bus?
You’re rushing, in a hurry, and frantic to make it to that meeting in five minutes. You’re going fast, faster than is legal, and yet you know you haven’t quite made up the lost time. And then it happens—the big yellow bus pulls out in front of you and puts on its lights. The stop signs extend from the sides, but no kids seem to be crossing in front of the road. Surely, you can go forward as you aren’t posing any danger to the kids. But before you decide to go ahead and move on with your day, let’s make sure you know the facts about this crime when a bus is stopped.
Stopping for school buses is the right thing to do, but it’s also the legal thing. The reason that drivers are required to give such a wide berth to school buses is because of the risks associated with hitting children. It is far too common, in fact, a few weeks ago, a Minnesotan truck driver was charged with two misdemeanors because he almost hit a sixth grader who was about to board the bus. It is almost impossible to see around the entire bus, and children are given the right of way to cross the street. If you violate these rights and decide to pass a bus with flashing red lights, here’s a taste of what could happen:
Jail, Fines, and Other Punishments
Drivers who blow past a school bus that is stopped may be charged with reckless driving, which can carry a possible jail sentence or hefty fines. Reckless driving can also result in suspension of a driver’s license for up to a year. In addition to these punishments, one woman in Ohio who drove onto the sidewalk to go around a stopped school bus was sentenced to a “creative shaming” where she wore a sign around her neck stating, “only an idiot drives on the sidewalk to avoid a school bus.” S,o if you want to avoid being sent to jail, fined, or publicly shamed, do not pass the yellow bus.
Loss of Driving Privileges
In addition to having a license suspended for reckless driving, it is possible that you might have your license suspended immediately simply due to state law. You can apply for a hardship license to travel to work or other necessities, but you won’t have the leisure privileges you once had. And driving with a suspended license can lead to other citations and jail time, in addition to the risk of a permanent revocation.
Some school buses are now equipped with surveillance cameras to record the license plate and GPS location of offenders. The police are working with school districts to catch those who willfully ignore the law and endanger children. So the next time you see those red lights flash and you’re in a hurry, remember that being late one time or having to sit idle for a minute is better than the costs of injuring a child or paying traffic violations. If you have been accused of a bus stop violation or are worried about the safety of your child, call our office to speak with an Austin traffic law attorney and discuss any questions you have.
Stopping for a School Bus
Stopping for a school bus is a crucial aspect of road safety, particularly when children are boarding or exiting the bus. In the United States, drivers are required to stop for a school bus when its red lights are flashing, regardless of the presence of a turn lane. This law applies to all 50 states, with the exception of divided highways where a physical barrier prevents traffic from crossing the median.
When a school bus stops, it activates its red lights and extends its stop arm to signal to drivers that children are boarding or exiting the bus. Drivers must stop at least 25 feet behind the bus, or in a position where they cannot pass the bus. This rule applies to all lanes, including turn lanes, and drivers must not attempt to pass the bus even if they are in a turn lane.
The National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services emphasizes the importance of stopping for school buses, citing the dangers of illegally passing a stopped school bus. According to their statistics, there were 51,593 incidents of drivers illegally passing buses across 34 states on a single day during the 2021-22 school year.
Exceptions and Penalties
While the law requires drivers to stop for a school bus, there are some exceptions. For example, if the school bus is on the other side of a divided highway and there is a physical barrier that prevents traffic from crossing the median, drivers in the opposite direction are not required to stop.
However, if a driver fails to stop for a school bus when required to do so, they may face penalties. In Colorado, for instance, passing a school bus when the lights are flashing is a Class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense, which can result in a minimum sentence of ten days in jail or a $150 fine, or both, and a maximum sentence of 90 days in jail or a $300 fine, or both.
It is essential for drivers to be aware of the traffic laws surrounding school buses and to exercise caution when approaching a stopped school bus. By doing so, they can help ensure the safety of children and avoid potential penalties.
Protect Your Rights in Illegally Passing School Bus Violation Cases
At Byrd Davis Alden & Henrichson LLP, we understand the serious consequences that can result from school bus violations. With over 60 years of experience in personal injury and traffic law, we’re equipped to address these complex situations with care and professionalism. Recognized by Best Lawyers and Best Law Firms, we’re dedicated to helping you navigate the legal process and safeguard your future.
Whether you’re facing penalties for a violation or seeking justice after a tragic incident, we can provide guidance tailored to your circumstances. Let us help you address the legal challenges ahead. Call us today at (512) 454-3751 or reach out through our contact form to learn more.
