Do You Know PA's School Bus Stopping Law?

As hundreds of school buses prepare to hit the roads for the start of school, Bucks County’s Transportation Management Association is reminding everyone of Pennsylvania’s School Bus Stopping Law.

According to information from TMA Bucks:

· All motorists must stop at least 10 feet away from school buses that have their red lights flashing and stop arm extended. Cars may not proceed until all the children have reached a place of safety.

· Motorists must also make a complete stop when they are behind a bus, meeting the bus or approaching an intersection where a bus is stopped.

· If you are following or traveling alongside a school bus you must also stop until the red lights have stopped flashing, the stop arm is withdrawn and all children have reached safety.

· If physical barriers such as grassy medians, guide rails or concrete median barriers separate oncoming traffic from the bus motorists in the opposing lanes may proceed without stopping but should still be alert.

“School bus safety is obviously a high priority in Bucks County with so many school districts in the area,” said TMA Bucks Executive Director Bill Brady. “Students, parents, teachers, administrators, transportation personnel and the public all play important roles in keeping our children safe while on or around the school bus. Bucks County alone had 239 violations for the School Bus Stopping Law in 2013, which is far too many.”

If convincted of violating Pennsylvania’s School Bus Stopping Law, punishment includes a $250 fine, five points on your driving record and a 60-day license suspension.