Know the Rules for School Bus Traffic

buses return to the roadways Sept. 6, and PennDOT is taking a moment to remind drivers what that means.

First and foremost:

Under state law, motorists approaching a school bus with its red lights flashing and stop arm extended must stop at least 10 feet from the bus.

Failing to do so can earn drivers a $250 fine, five points on their license and a 60-day suspension, according to PennDOT.

It's not necessary to stop if the school bus is on the other side of a median or a barrier on a divided highway.

In a school zone, vehicles must obey a 15 mph speed limit and keep an eye out for pedestrians. Breaking this rule can lead to a fine and three points on a driver's license.

Read the full PennDOT release here. For an animated illustration of where and when to stop, visit drivesafepa.org.

Springfield School District offers the following on its website:

PENNSYLVANIA’S SCHOOL BUS STOPPING LAW

When you meet or overtake a stopped school bus with red signal lights flashing and stop arm extended, you MUST STOP.

When you approach an intersection where a stopped bus with red signal lights flashing and stop arm extended, you MUST STOP.

You MUST STOP at least ten (10) feet away from the school bus.

You MUST WAIT until the red lights have stopped flashing and the stop arm has been withdrawn before moving.

DO NOT MOVE until all the children have reached a place of safety.

You MUST STOP on roadways with painted lines.

You MUST STOP on roadways with singing divisors.(i.e. parts of Route 263, York Road)

Drivers on separate roadways do not have to stop on a highway with clearly defined dividing sections or physical barriers separating the roadways.  This only applies when the school bus is on the opposite side of the road. 

WHEN IN DOUBT, STOP.