04/09/2024 | News release | Archived content
September 4, 2024
HELENA - The Montana Highway Patrol (MHP) is reminding motorists to pay attention to all school bus and school zone traffic laws as students return to the classroom. By simply following the law and taking necessary precautions, motorists can help ensure Montana students get to and from school safely.
"Always pay attention to your surroundings when you're on the road, and especially when you're near a school bus," said MHP Colonel Kurt Sager. "Never pass a school bus that's flashing it's red lights and loading or unloading students."
Keep these traffic laws in mind when approaching a school bus:
MHP also reminds Montanans to slow down and pay attention to the changing speed limits in school zones, look for children crossing the street near schools, and not to pass a school bus that is stopped.
Reckless driving penalties for drivers who pass, in either direction, a stopped school bus that is displaying the visual flashing red signal is a $285 fine for a first offense and a $785 for a second offense.