MoCo Drivers Put On Notice As New School Year Nears

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD — As students prepare to head back to school, county officials are reminding drivers of a few rules of the road.

Come Tuesday, residents are urged to plan for extra travel time and be alert for children near crosswalks and school zones, as well as school buses.

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The first day of school will also include an increased police presence within school zones across the district.

"We want to ensure that all of our students are safe traveling to and from school," Montgomery County Police Chief Marc Yamada said.

"We are asking everybody to do their part by being extra cautious driving, slow down, look out for kids and parents crossing the street, and never pass a stopped school bus. Our officers will be out to help ensure student safety."

Reminders Of The Road

A few pointers to keep in mind ahead of the new school year include:

• Drivers must stop at least 20 feet from a school bus while the "stop" arm is flashing and extended. This applies to all lanes on any roadway that does not have a median barrier.
• All school buses are fitted with cameras that can record drivers violating rules.
• Any violators caught by a camera are subject to a fine of up to $250. A $570 fine and three points on a driver's license can be issued if stopped by a police officer.

An exception to stopping for the school bus comes into play only if the road is separated by a physical median, such as a traffic barrier or grass.

Related:

• Montgomery County School Calendar For 2026-2027: Key Dates To Know
• New MCPS Policies Take Effect For 2026-2027 School Year