School Bus Rules: Passing Illegally and Entering without Permission Among Laws to Be Aware Of
(Oakland Schools, Aug. 24, 2022)
Oakland County, MI – Oakland Schools is reminding drivers to slow down and watch for school buses as the new school year approaches. The reminder comes as nearly 100,000 students throughout Oakland County will be transported by school bus in the coming weeks. Transportation safety experts say school buses are the safest mode of transportation for getting children back and forth to school.
“We’re reminding drivers that school buses are like traffic signals,” said Oakland Schools’ Transportation Supervisor Thomas Korth. “Drivers should prepare to stop when a slowing bus has its overhead yellow lights flashing. When the overhead lights are flashing red, drivers must stop.”
Oakland Schools shares the following additional bus safety tips for drivers and students:
- When hazard warning lights are flashing, proceed with caution
- Slow down in or near residential areas
- Watch for children between parked cars
- Stay in sight of the bus driver
- Check traffic before exiting the bus
“We’re encouraging drivers to eliminate distractions and to be mindful that when they see a school bus, there could be a stop coming soon,” said Korth.
The fine for unlawfully passing a school bus in Michigan that is stopped with its red lights flashing is between $100 and $500. Michigan law allows schools to equip cameras on stop arms to watch for drivers passing illegally.
Anyone who boards a school bus without permission, could face up to a $500 civil fine.
