Bucks County TMA: Don't Forget PA's School Bus Stopping Law

The Bucks County Transportation Management Association is reminding residents of the state law requiring cars to stop behind school buses.

Motorists approaching a school bus with its red lights flashing and stop arm extended are required to stop in all directions at least 10 feet from the bus, according to a press release issued by TMA.

The only exception to the law is when a school bus is stopped on the opposite side of a highway clearly separated by a divider, such as concrete barriers or grass medians. Even in this situation, motorists should remain watchful of students trying to cross the road to catch the bus, TMA says..

“School bus safety is clearly a high priority in Bucks County with several school districts in our area and hundreds of buses on our roads,” said TMA Bucks executive director Bill Brady. “Students, parents, teachers, administrators, transportation personnel and the community all play important roles in keeping our children safe while on or around school buses.”

According to PennDOT, the penalties if convicted of violating Pennsylvania's School Bus Stopping Law include a $250 fine, five points on your driving record and a 60-day license suspension.

Children are exposed to traffic while waiting for buses or walking to the bus stop or school. Motorists are reminded to be extra cautious and alert when approaching a school bus stop and to always stop for pedestrians in crosswalks, the press release states.

In addition to watching for school buses, motorists should be alert in all school zones, which become hubs of vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Motorists are required to slow down to the posted speed limit of 15 miles per hour in school zones, TMA says.

If convicted, PennDOT says violators face a fine and three points on their driving record.

Patch file photo.