We can all agree that children are our most precious resource. So, it’s scary to think that at least twice a day, many children in California are placed in harm’s way while trying to get to and from school.
They must walk, ride a bike, ride a bus, or get a car ride to begin and end their school days. This puts children at risk of careless and distracted drivers far too often. School buses, in particular, are supposed to receive extra care and attention from motorists, but every year we see news reports of children being struck by cars after getting off a clearly marked and flashing school bus.
Legislators have tried to slow traffic around school zones and bus stops through strict laws and stiff penalties for offenders. Unfortunately, not everyone knows the rules when they come upon a yellow school bus with its stop sign extended and lights flashing.
It’s well worth the time to go over state statutes concerning stopped school buses. These reminders can be helpful for all drivers and the knowledge of safety mandates can play a big role in keeping children safe.
California School Bus Laws
Drivers are legally required to stop when encountering a school bus that has come to a halt in front of them and has its stop sign arm extended and lights flashing. These rules apply to private roads as well and are laid out in California’s Vehicle Code 22454.
Vehicles can resume progress and pass a school bus when the stop sign is no longer out and the lights have stopped flashing.
Drivers in both directions must come to a stop in these circumstances:
- On a two-lane road without a median, drivers in both directions must stop.
- On a two-lane road with a center turning lane, drivers on both sides must still stop.
In some situations, drivers on the opposite side of the road can proceed when a school bus is stopped:
- Drivers traveling in the opposite direction on a four-lane highway (with or without a median) are permitted to proceed when a school bus is stopped, but are still urged to proceed cautiously.
- Drivers traveling on the opposite side of a two-lane road with a median can also pass a school bus cautiously.
When you are stopped, it’s a helpful idea to monitor the children getting off the bus if they are in view and keep track of where they all end up before you proceed.
Penalties for Passing a California School Bus
School buses generally aren’t equipped with cameras, but bus drivers can report negligent drivers within 24 hours.
There are also routine safety campaigns that send law enforcement officers onto buses to ride with children and monitor for violations. They usually catch offenders by contacting a nearby patrol car about a vehicle involved in breaking the law.
If you don’t stop for a school bus when you should, you may face up to $1,000 in fines. Your driving privileges could also be suspended for one year. What’s more, if you hit someone at a bus stop you’ll have to face the terrible fact that you caused harm to a child. It’s always best to exercise extreme caution around a school bus, even when you are following every traffic law.
Other California School Safety Laws to Keep in Mind
School zones serve as a busy meeting place for parents, kids, and school personnel each morning and afternoon. Keep an eye out for small pedestrians and small cyclists. Of course, always pay attention to crossing guards and follow their instructions. Once they motion you forward, allow them time to get out of the way before proceeding.
When traveling within 500 ft to 1,000 feet of school grounds, the speed limit is 25mph or less depending on what’s posted. Some school zones may permit no faster than 15mph.
Giving Schools Buses and Children a Safety Buffer
Keeping these simple guidelines in mind as you drive on city streets or on rural highways can do more than just prevent expensive fines and tickets. These rules, when followed, can save young lives.
Knowing what to do when you see those flashing lights can protect children and adults and prevent tragic outcomes.
Learn more about California’s safety laws here.
