With school getting underway this week, drivers are being reminded to slow down and know the rules when approaching a stopped school bus.
Ohio’s school bus traffic laws are designed to protect children as they get on and off buses, and are especially important because students may need to cross the road at their bus stop.
A new graphic also helps illustrate the rules drivers should know.
On a two-lane road, traffic in both directions must stop when a school bus stops to load or unload passengers.
This includes a two-lane road with a center turn lane.
Drivers must stop at least 10 feet from the bus.
On a four-lane highway, only drivers traveling in the same direction as the school bus are required to stop.
Traffic traveling in the opposite direction does not have to stop.
The same rule applies to a four-lane highway with a center turn lane.
Vehicles traveling in the same direction as the bus must stop, while traffic traveling in the opposite direction may continue.
The graphic serves as a reminder that the number and configuration of lanes can determine whether drivers in the opposite direction need to stop.
Drivers are also reminded that they may have to wait longer than expected before a school bus begins moving again.
Bus drivers must wait until children who have exited the bus are a safe distance away before continuing.
A school bus does not have to have an extending stop sign for traffic laws to apply.
Flashing warning lights are enough to signal that the bus is loading or unloading passengers.
School buses are required to have both amber and red visual warning signals.
Drivers who violate Ohio’s school bus stopping laws can face a fine of up to $500 and may have their driver’s license suspended.
As students head back to school and buses return to local roads, drivers are encouraged to slow down, pay attention, and give school buses plenty of space.
