Keep Your Children Safe: Obey Pennsylvania’s School Bus Stopping Law

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Pennsylvania’s School Bus Stopping Law

  • Drivers and other motorists MUST STOP when:
    • The bus is stopped, with red signal lights flashing and the stop arm is extended.
    • Behind the bus, meeting the bus, travelling alongside a bus, or approaching an intersection where a bus is stopped.
    • At least ten (10) feet away from the school bus.
  • Drivers and other motorists MUST WAIT until the red lights have stopped flashing, the stop arm has been withdrawn and all the children have reached a safe place.
  • Physical barriers such as grassy medians, guide rails or concrete median barriers separate oncoming traffic from the bus, motorists in the opposing lanes may continue without stopping.

The penalties for violating Pennsylvania’s School Bus Stopping Law include:

  • 60-Day Driver’s License Suspension
  • Five (5) points on your driving record
  • $250 Fine

DriveSafePA gives some tips for parents and students in avoiding a school transportation-related crash, including getting to the school bus stop five minutes early to avoid rushing to catch the bus, waiting until the bus and other vehicles have come to a complete stop before crossing, and crossing at least ten (10) feet in front of the bus so that the school bus driver can see.  As a driver, when in doubt, stop, and wait for the school bus.

According to the National Highway and Transportation Safety Administration, since 2000, 1,386 people have died in school transportation-related crashes, which averages to approximately 139 fatalities per year.  With over 1.5 million children transported on Pennsylvania school buses every day, it is important to know your responsibilities around a school bus.