How To Drive When School Buses Approach: Livingston Cops Share Traffic Tips As First Day Of Class Nears

LIVINGSTON, NJ — School will be back in class for students across Livingston soon, but local drivers also need to start getting prepared, police say.

The first day of school for students will take place Aug. 31 in the Livingston Public School District. See the 2026-2027 calendar here.

The beginning of the school year brings not only school buses, but pedestrians, bicycles and new drivers – adding up to increased risk, the Livingston Police Department said.

“Even if you don’t see any students, never pass a stopped school bus or ignore the flashing red lights,” Capt. Russell Mueller said. “It’s against the law and doing so could result in tragedy.”

Speed limit reductions are posted in school zones, but it’s up to drivers to be alert when approaching any school bus.

Here are some other things Livingston residents should keep in mind when they see a school bus approaching later this month, police said:

• Focus – Pay close attention to the school bus and other traffic; follow traffic rules and be prepared to slow down or stop.
• Flashing Yellow Lights – When a school bus has yellow lights flashing, slow down and prepare to stop. This is true whether you’re behind the school bus or approaching from the opposite direction. Never speed up or pass a bus once the yellow lights are flashing.
• Flashing Red Lights – If you’re approaching a school bus that has flashing red lights – from either direction – you must stop at least 25 feet away from the bus.
• Extended Stop Arm – Stop; do not pass a bus in either direction on a roadway without a median when the Stop Arm is extended.

Drivers approaching a school bus from the opposite direction on a roadway with a center or grass median – such as on Route 10 or Northfield Road – must slow down to 10 mph, but are not required to stop, police said.

“We ask all our residents to exercise additional caution and be patient with school buses on the road and students crossing the street,” Mueller said. “The beginning of the school year can be challenging for everyone as we adjust to the school traffic, but safety comes first.”

In New Jersey, a driver convicted of improperly passing a school bus will receive 5 points and may have to pay a fine, can lose their license for 30 days, and can be sentenced to up to 15 days in jail or 15 days of community service.

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