Road Rules To Know For 2019-2020 School Year In Fairfax County

FAIRFAX, VA — Fairfax County Public Schools begin the 2019-2020 school year on Monday, Aug. 26 bringing school buses back to the roads and students on their walking routes to bus stops or schools. County roads are typically busy year-round, but the school year brings increased activity during the morning and afternoon school transportation times. Fairfax County Public Schools runs more than 1,600 buses to its 198 schools and centers.

According to FCPS, school buses may be on the roads at these times on weekdays:

• 6 a.m.-7 a.m. - middle school
• 7 a.m.-8 a.m. - high school
• 8 a.m.-9 a.m. - elementary school
• 9 a.m.-1:50 p.m. - shuttles and field trips
• 1:50 p.m.-2:50 p.m. - middle school
• 2:50 p.m. -3:30 p.m. - high school
• 3 p.m.-4:15 p.m. - elementary school
• 4:45 p.m.-5 p.m. or later - Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology and late runs
• 5 p.m. or later - field trips

The start of the school year is an ideal time for drivers to brush up on the road laws related to school buses, school zones and crossing guards. Here's what you need to know:

School buses

The law requires drivers to stop for a school bus with flashing red lights unless your vehicle is separated from the bus by a median. That goes for drivers in both directions. Under Virginia law, the base fine for failing to stop for a school bus is $250.

Motorists must also stop when a bus is loading or unloading passengers even when the lights and stop sign are not activated. Vehicles must remain stopped the pedestrians are clear of the road and the bus moves again.

School zones

Drivers should be extra alert for students driving in neighborhoods with school zones. Speed limits in school zones will be slower when the lights are flashing; in Virginia, the speed limit in a school zone is no more than 25 mph. Other situations requiring extra caution include backing out of a driveway or driving in areas without sidewalks.

Crossing guards

Crossing guards are stationed at locations around Fairfax County. Drivers must obey crossing guard signals in crossing guard zone areas. See a map of crossing guard posts around the county.