PennDOT Reminds Motorists of Pennsylvania’s School Bus Stopping Law as Children Return to School

Uniontown, PA - The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is urging drivers to slow down and be aware of school buses as children return to school. Although school buses are one of the safest modes of transportation, injuries and fatalities do occur outside of or near the buses. Most often, these tragedies occur because a motorist has failed to slow down and obey the bus's stop sign, or to follow local traffic laws. Nationally, school bus passing is illegal, and it is a deadly risk to bus riders.

When a school bus's red lights are flashing and the stop-arm is extended, drivers must slow down and come to a complete stop. This is not a suggestion - it's the law. Yellow flashing lights indicate the bus is preparing to stop to load or unload children. This is when motorists should begin to slow down and prepare to stop their vehicles. Motorists may begin moving only when the red flashing lights are turned off, the stop-arm is withdrawn, and the bus begins to move.

If you are convicted by police of violating Pennsylvania's School Bus Stopping Law, you will receive the following penalties:

• 60-day driver's license suspension.
• Five (5) points on your driving record.
• ​$250 fine.