As students across Maryland return to school, the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration is reminding motorists to slow down, remain alert and understand when they are legally required to stop for a school bus.
More than 600,000 Maryland students rely on school buses to travel to and from school each day. Although buses are among the safest forms of transportation, students face an increased risk while boarding, exiting or crossing the street near a stopped bus.
“Stopping for a school bus is the law and one of the simplest and most important ways drivers can help keep Maryland’s children safe,” Motor Vehicle Administrator Chrissy Nizer said. “We urge every motorist to slow down, stay focused and do not pass a stopped school bus.”
Drivers recorded passing a stopped school bus by an automated camera face a $250 civil citation. Motorists stopped by law enforcement may receive a fine of up to $570 and three points on their driver’s license.
Under Maryland law:
- Flashing yellow lights indicate that the bus is preparing to stop. Drivers should slow down and be prepared to stop.
- Flashing red lights and an extended stop arm require motorists to stop at least 20 feet from the bus while students are boarding or exiting.
- Drivers traveling in the same direction as the bus must always stop, regardless of the number of lanes or the presence of a center turn lane.
- Drivers traveling in the opposite direction must stop unless the roadway is separated by a physical median barrier, such as a grass median, concrete barrier or guardrail.
- Motorists must remain stopped until the stop arm is retracted, the red lights stop flashing and the bus begins moving again.
Drivers are also encouraged to use additional caution in school zones and near bus stops, where children may be walking, biking or crossing streets before and after school.
