Do I have to stop behind a school bus? Can I get a ticket? Here’s what California law says
As students head back to school across California, it’s important to brush up on California’s driving laws.
Can you get a ticket for not stopping behind a school bus with its flashing lights on?
Here’s a refresher on California’s rules of the road when it comes to school bus stops and child safety, plus the penalties if you don’t follow them:
Do I have to stop behind a school bus in California?
When a school bus is preparing to make a stop, yellow lights will flash to alert drivers that the bus is about to stop.
As the bus comes to a complete halt, red lights will begin flashing and a stop sign will extend outward, signaling that drivers must stop.
This usually indicates that children are either boarding or disembarking from the bus.
According to California Vehicle Code 22454, vehicles are required to stop when a bus makes a stop to load or unload passengers with its red lights on and its stop sign out.
However, driving rules vary based on the road you’re on.
Motorists driving on a two-way street are required to stop on either side of the road when encountering a school bus with its lights on.
This also applies to drivers on two-way streets that have a middle turning lane. All vehicles in all lanes are required to stop.
In the case of four-lane roads, only vehicles that are on the side of the school bus are required to make a complete stop.
Drivers on the opposite side of the road can continue to flow with traffic, but they should proceed cautiously.
Can I get a ticket for not braking for a school bus with lights on?
Driving past a stopped school bus can lead to fines and penalties, The Sacramento Bee reported in 2022.
Here’s a breakdown of the costs for each offense:
- First offense: Fines range from $150 to $250.
- Second offense: Fines range from $500 to $1,000.
- Third offense (within three years): Driving privileges are revoked for one year.
A bus driver who witnesses a violation can make a report within 24 hours, the vehicle code says.
Stop arm cameras cannot currently be used to cite drivers.
