School bus laws that all Virginia drivers must obey

As the new school year begins, drivers must remain vigilant around school buses. These laws protect children’s lives, and compliance is mandatory throughout the year. 

Understanding and following school bus laws is something you must do to help protect the safety of everyone on the road.

Always stop for school buses

Virginia law requires drivers to stop for a school bus when it is picking up or dropping off children. When the bus’s red lights are flashing and the stop sign extends outward, all traffic must stop. This rule applies to drivers approaching from any direction, whether on a two-lane road, multi-lane highway or divided highway. The only exception is when there is a physical barrier dividing the highway, and the bus is on the opposite side of the barrier.

Act for the sake of safety

Safety around school buses goes beyond just stopping. Virginia drivers must ensure the safety of children by being aware of bus stops, reducing speed in school zones and staying alert for children who may suddenly enter the road. When a school bus stops, children may cross the street or move unpredictably. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration explains that many school bus-related accidents occur because drivers fail to stop when required or ignore the flashing lights and stop signs of a school bus. Ignoring these signals can lead to tragic consequences.

Understand school bus lights and avoid illegal passing

Drivers must understand the signals on a school bus so they can comply with the law. Yellow flashing lights mean the bus is preparing to stop, and drivers should slow down and prepare to stop as well. Red flashing lights and an extended stop sign indicate that the bus is in a stopped position to load or unload children, and all traffic must halt. The NHTSA emphasizes that illegal school bus passing is extremely dangerous, often resulting in fatalities or severe injuries.

Parents should also educate their children on school bus safety, especially when getting on and off the bus. Remind them to remain alert, avoid distractions and stay within the driver’s sightlines at all times. By following these guidelines, everyone can work together to ensure a safe school year for all children.