Passing Stopped School Bus Can Bring Big Fine For Harford Co. Drivers

HARFORD COUNTY, MD — As kids head back to school soon, drivers are reminded to be vigilant when students are in crosswalks and to be mindful of the law when school buses are stopped.

Harford County Sheriff's Office Traffic Sergeant Jerry Eaton told Patch that the most common traffic violation drivers commit involving school buses is failing to stop for a bus using its alternating flashing red lights.

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For the 2025-2026 school year, 4,973 verified citations were issued to drivers in Harford County who did not stop for the flashing red lights on a school bus, Eaton said.

Eaton emphasized that drivers need to "slow down and move to an adjacent travel lane" if possible when they see students waiting at a bus stop or while in a school zone.

"Always anticipate that the child may run into the road unexpectedly," Eaton told Patch.

Eaton also said drivers need to anticipate that a bus will stop at some point when they see it, so pay close attention to alternating amber then red flashing lights.

"Once you stop, stay there until the red light are turned off. It also does not matter how many travel lanes are on the road. If there is not a raised median, you must stop. Additionally, the stop sign on a bus is irrelevant. It is only a safety tool. The red lights are all that matters when it comes to stopping for a bus," Eaton told Patch.

Students also must do their part to stay safe. Parents should remind them always use crosswalks, Eaton said.

"When you (students) see an approaching vehicle, assume that the driver cannot see you. Only cross when it is safe to do so. Follow the directions of the crosswalk signs and the crossing guard - if there is a crossing guard," Eaton told Patch.

Facing fines

The Harford County Sheriff's Office also reminds drivers that buses have been outfitted with external cameras designed to capture footage of drivers who break the law.

Drivers caught by an automated school bus camera face a $250 civil citation. If stopped by law enforcement, the violation may result in a fine of up to $570 and three points on their driver's license.

When to stop for a school bus

Maryland law requires drivers to know and follow these rules whenever they encounter a school bus:

• Flashing yellow lights mean the bus is preparing to stop. Slow down, use extra caution and be prepared to stop. Children may enter the roadway unexpectedly.

• Flashing red lights and an extended stop arm mean drivers must stop at least 20 feet from the bus while children are boarding or exiting.

• Drivers traveling in the same direction as the school bus must always stop, regardless of the number of lanes or the presence of a center turn lane.

• Drivers traveling in the opposite direction must stop unless the roadway is divided by a physical median barrier, such as a grass median, concrete barrier or guardrail.

• Remain stopped until the stop arm is retracted, the red lights stop flashing, and the bus begins moving again.