PennDOT Reminds Motorists of School Bus Laws

HARRISBURG, Pa., Aug. 31 /PRNewswire/ -- Failing to stop for a school bus with its red lights flashing could cost a motorist a 60-day driver's license suspension, according to Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Secretary Allen D. Biehler, P.E. Biehler said with school bells ringing across the state, motorists and students should be mindful of school buses while driving or crossing intersections.

"The state's School Bus Stopping Law requires motor vehicles to stop in either direction whenever they approach a school bus and must wait until the red lights have stopped flashing, the stop arm has been withdrawn and all children have reached a place of safety," Biehler said. "Violators will receive a 60-day driver's license suspension, five points on their driving record and a $250 fine."

PennDOT also reminded students to look both ways when boarding and exiting school buses.

Motorists must stop when they are behind a school bus, meeting the bus or approaching an intersection where a bus is stopped. If physical barriers such as grassy medians, guide rails or concrete median barriers separate oncoming traffic from the bus, motorists in the opposing lanes may proceed without stopping.

More than 1.5 million students ride buses to and from school each day. Pennsylvania's 30,000-plus school bus drivers logged more than 3.5 million miles transporting students last year.