Back-to-school time has arrived in Bucks County and, with hundreds of school buses back on the road, the TMA Bucks Community Traffic Safety Program is reminding commuters of Pennsylvania’s School Bus Stopping Law.
The PA School Bus Stopping Law, according to PennDOT, says motorists approaching a school bus with its red lights flashing and stop arm extended are required to stop in all directions at least 10 feet from the bus. The only exception to the law is when a school bus is stopped on the opposite side of a highway clearly separated by a divider, such as concrete barriers or grass medians. Even in this situation, motorists should remain watchful of students trying to cross the road to catch the bus.
“Everyone plays a key part as students, parents, teachers, administrators, transportation personnel and the entire community all have important roles in keeping our kids safe while on and around school buses,” said TMA Bucks Community Traffic Safety Program manager Carly Wible. “The Pennsylvania School Bus Stopping Law is not only a legal requirement, but it is also designed to prevent senseless tragedies and protect our most precious passengers, our children.”
According to PennDOT, the penalties if convicted of violating Pennsylvania’s School Bus Stopping Law include a $250 fine and a $35 surcharge to be deposited into the School Bus Safety Grant Program Account, five points on your driving record and 60-day license suspension.
Civil violations (automated enforcement of failure to stop for school buses with flashing red lights) allows school entities to install and operate a side stop signal arm enforcement system for the purpose of enforcing the School Bus Stopping Law. Civil violations include only a $300 fine and don’t reflect any points or insurance ratings.
TMA Bucks also reminds everyone that students are exposed to traffic while waiting for buses or walking to the bus stop or school. Motorists are reminded to be cautious and alert when approaching a school bus stop and to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks.
In addition to watching for school buses, motorists should be alert in school zones, which become hubs of vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Motorists are required to slow down to the posted speed limit of 15 mph in school zones. If convicted, PennDOT says violators face a fine and three points on their driving record.
