As Pennsylvania students return to classrooms, officials are reminding motorists of the importance of following school bus safety laws.
State law requires drivers to stop at least 10 feet from a school bus when its red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended. This rule applies whether a vehicle is approaching the bus from behind, alongside or at an intersection. Drivers must remain stopped until the red lights are off, the stop arm is withdrawn and all children are safely out of harm’s way.
Exceptions exist when roadways are divided by physical barriers such as grassy medians or guide rails. In those cases, oncoming traffic in opposing lanes may continue without stopping.
Violating Pennsylvania’s school bus stopping law can bring steep penalties, including a $250 fine, a $35 surcharge, five points on a driving record and a 60-day license suspension. School entities may also use signal arm cameras to issue $300 civil fines for violators.
Parents are encouraged to make sure children arrive at the bus stop early, stay visible while entering or leaving the bus and follow safe crossing rules. Students are advised not to run after a departing bus or cross streets behind it.
Officials emphasize that school buses remain the safest form of ground transportation but stress that safety requires everyone – drivers, parents, students and bus operators – to do their part.
