It’s time to review Pennsylvania’s School Bus Stopping Law.

When a school bus is stopped with the red lights flashing and stop arm extended, motorists must stop:

·At least 10 feet away from the school bus.

·When behind or alongside the school bus.

·When approaching the school bus in the opposite direction.

·At all points of an intersection.

Motorists may proceed once the red flashing lights are turned off and the stop arm is retracted.

When a physical barrier such as guide rail, large grassy median, or concrete barrier divide the opposite lane of travel, motorists may proceed without stopping.

Failure to stop for a school bus with red flashing lights and stop arm extended results in a $250 fine, 5-points on your driver’s license and a 60-day driver’s license suspension.

Some school buses are equipped with video cameras to record violators and that bus drivers can also report violations to police.

In both cases, motorists will receive a ticket in the mail.

When in doubt, stop for a school bus. It could help save a child’s life.

Editor’s note: Tracy Fox is the traffic safety coordinator with Highway Safety Network. She can be reached at tfox@hsnetwork.org, on Facebook @safetyfox or on Instagram at highwaysafetynetworkd5. This is a PennDOT funded project.