When to stop for a school bus

Parents and others driving on South Carolina roads should be aware of state law that mandates that a motorist stop for a stopped school bus with flashing red lights under these conditions: 

• if you are on a two-lane highway, traveling in either direction, you must stop;

• if you are on a multi-lane highway traveling behind the bus, you must stop. If you are on a multi-lane highway and meet a stopped school bus heading toward you, you do not have to stop but you should slow down and pass with caution.

The fine for passing a stopped school bus can be as much as $1,000 and up to 30 days in jail for a first offense.

According to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, more than 23 million students across the state ride a school bus to and from school. All drivers should be aware of what the laws are regarding sharing the road with buses.

Understanding school bus lights

• Yellow flashing lights indicate the bus is preparing to stop to load or unload children. You should slow down and prepare to stop your vehicle.

• Red flashing lights and extended stop arms indicate the bus has stopped and children are getting on or off. You must stop your car and wait until the red lights stop flashing, the extended stop-arm is withdrawn, and the bus begins moving, before you can start driving again.