Police to Drivers: Fines Hefty for School Bus Violations

With the start of the school year approaching state and local police are reminding drivers that the rules are strict about school buses.

And for those violating the rules, the fines are hefty, state and local police said.

Connecticut law requires the following from drivers regarding school buses:

• Stop at least 10 feet from a school bus that has its flashing red signal lights activated
• Remain stopped while the red lights are flashing, unless otherwise directed by a traffic officer
• The rule applies to drivers traveling in both the same and opposite direction as the school bus
• At intersections, motorists are prohibited from turning toward a bus that has its red lights flashing

The penalties are:

• A first-time offense fine for passing a school bus while children are getting on or off is $450
• For subsequent offenses, the fine is between $500 and $1,000 up to 30 days in jail, or both

Patch File Photo