School Bus Stop Law by State

Quick answer: On undivided two-way roads, all traffic in both directions must stop for a school bus displaying flashing red lights and an extended stop arm. The main exception is divided highways with a physical median barrier—opposite-direction traffic may proceed with caution.

When traffic in both directions must stop for a school bus

School bus stop laws are designed to protect children during the most vulnerable moments: entering and exiting the bus. When a school bus activates its flashing red lights and extends its stop arm, drivers approaching from either direction on the same roadway must come to a complete stop and remain stopped until the red lights turn off and the stop arm retracts. This applies to:

• Two-lane roads (one lane in each direction)
• Four-lane undivided roads (two lanes in each direction with no physical barrier)
• Residential streets, suburban boulevards, and rural highways without medians

Drivers must stop at least 20–25 feet away from the bus (distance varies by state) to provide a safe zone for children crossing. Pedestrian safety laws further emphasize that drivers must yield to children in or near crosswalks.

Flashing red lights and the extended stop arm

School buses use a two-stage warning system. Yellow flashing lights signal that the bus is preparing to stop; drivers should slow down and prepare to stop. When the red lights begin flashing and the stop arm swings out, all traffic must stop immediately. The stop arm is a legal traffic control device with the same authority as a stop sign.

In many states, school buses are also equipped with cameras that can record vehicles illegally passing a stopped bus. These recordings can be used to issue citations, with fines and points added to your driving record.

Two-way vs divided highway median exceptions

The median exception is the most common source of confusion. Here's how it works:

• Undivided road or road divided only by painted lines: All traffic must stop. A center turn lane (TWLTL) or painted median does not exempt you from stopping.
• Divided highway with a physical barrier: Opposite-direction traffic (traveling on the other side of the median) is usually exempt from stopping. A physical barrier includes a raised concrete median, metal guardrail, or unpaved median of at least 5 feet (width varies by state).

If you are traveling in the same direction as the bus, you must stop regardless of median type. The median exception applies only to opposite-direction traffic on highways with substantial physical separation.

Suburban boulevard examples

Many suburban boulevards feature wide landscaped medians with trees, grass, or decorative barriers. If the median is unpaved and meets your state's minimum width (typically 5 feet or more), opposite-direction traffic may be exempt. However, if the median is narrow, paved, or consists only of painted lines, all traffic must stop.

Example: A four-lane boulevard divided by a 10-foot grass median with trees. A school bus stops in the northbound lanes with red lights flashing. Southbound traffic on the opposite side of the median may proceed with caution (in most states), but northbound traffic behind the bus must stop.

Typical penalty ranges and points

Illegally passing a stopped school bus is a serious traffic violation. Typical penalties include:

• Fines: $250–$1,000 (higher for repeat offenses or crashes)
• Points: 3–6 points on your license (varies by state)
• License suspension: Possible for repeat violations or if a child is endangered
• Court appearance: Mandatory in some states
• Community service or jail time: In cases involving injury or flagrant disregard

Some states impose doubled fines in school zones or during school hours. Insurance rates typically increase significantly after a school bus violation due to the high point penalty and the serious nature of the offense.

Special rules in school zones and near crosswalks

School zones and crosswalks impose additional responsibilities on drivers. Even when a school bus is not present, crosswalk pedestrian right-of-way laws require drivers to yield to children and other pedestrians in marked or unmarked crosswalks.

During school zone hours (typically 7–9 AM and 2–4 PM on school days), speed limits are reduced—often to 15–25 mph—and fines for violations are doubled. When a school bus stops within a school zone, the combination of reduced speed limits, enhanced penalties, and pedestrian activity creates a high-risk environment. Extra vigilance is essential.

When a school bus stops at a roundabout or intersection

If a school bus stops to load or unload children at or near a roundabout or intersection, all approaching traffic must stop when the red lights flash and the stop arm extends, just as on a straight road. The same median exception applies: if you are on a divided highway with a physical barrier separating you from the bus, you may not need to stop, but always check your state law.

At a roundabout, yield to the bus if it is entering or exiting, and do not proceed past a stopped bus with flashing red lights even if you are already in the circle. Right turn on red rules do not override school bus stop requirements—if a bus is stopped with red lights at an intersection, you must stop and wait regardless of signal color.

Private property and parking lots

School bus stop laws generally apply on all public roads and highways. Whether they apply on private property (such as apartment complex parking lots or private driveways) depends on state law. In most states, if the bus is on a public roadway adjacent to private property, stop laws apply. If the bus is entirely within a private lot, the rules may be less clear—err on the side of caution and stop if children are present.

State-by-state variations and where to find your law

School bus stop laws vary in details such as stopping distance, median width thresholds, and penalty amounts. Below are quick links to state-specific resources. Always consult your state's current statutes and DMV guidance for definitive rules.

• California: Must stop on undivided roads; median must be raised or unpaved and at least 2 feet.
• Florida: Opposite-direction traffic exempt if divided by unpaved median at least 5 feet wide.
• New York: All traffic stops unless separated by a physical barrier; painted medians do not exempt.
• Texas: Stop required on all roads unless divided by an intervening space or physical barrier.
• Ohio: Must stop on all roads unless separated by a median strip, barrier, or four or more lanes with at least two in opposite direction.
• Pennsylvania: Must stop on all highways unless divided by a physical barrier or unpaved median at least 10 feet wide.

For a complete list of all 50 states, visit your state DMV website or search for "school bus stop law [state name]" to find the relevant statute.

Yellow flashing lights vs red flashing lights

Understanding the difference between yellow and red lights can prevent violations:

• Yellow flashing lights: The bus is slowing down and preparing to stop. Slow down and prepare to stop, but you are not yet required to stop.
• Red flashing lights + stop arm: Children are boarding or exiting. You must stop immediately and remain stopped until the lights turn off.

Do not attempt to pass a bus displaying yellow lights. By the time you draw even with the bus, the red lights may activate, placing you in violation.

What if the bus forgot to turn off its lights?

Occasionally a school bus driver may forget to deactivate the red lights after children have boarded. If the bus begins moving forward with lights still flashing, you are generally permitted to proceed once the bus is clearly in motion and no children are visible. However, remain extremely cautious—if in doubt, wait until the lights turn off.

Emergency vehicles approaching a stopped school bus

Emergency vehicles with active lights and sirens have priority, but they too must exercise caution around stopped school buses. As a civilian driver, if an emergency vehicle approaches while you are stopped for a school bus, remain stopped. The emergency vehicle will navigate around the stopped traffic. Do not pull forward or attempt to clear a path if doing so would violate the school bus stop law.

This guide summarizes common school bus stop laws. Always consult your state's statutes and DMV resources for specific guidance and current penalty schedules.