{"id":34167,"date":"2024-11-12T05:48:59","date_gmt":"2024-11-12T13:48:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/getjerry.com\/wp-site\/?p=34167"},"modified":"2025-08-08T10:40:56","modified_gmt":"2025-08-08T17:40:56","slug":"passing-a-stopped-school-bus","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jerry.ai\/state-laws\/passing-a-stopped-school-bus\/","title":{"rendered":"The Do\u2019s and Don\u2019ts of Passing a Stopped School Bus"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>If a school bus is stopped to unload passengers with its lights flashing and its stop sign extended, you must stop and wait until all the passengers are safely on the sidewalk, the lights are turned off, and the stop sign is withdrawn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Following a school bus can be frustrating\u2014but it\u2019s important to pay attention when you are driving near one and come to a complete stop if it is unloading passengers. Depending on which state you\u2019re in, there are different laws about when and where you are allowed to pass a school bus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here, the <a href=\"\/car-insurance\/\">car insurance<\/a> app <a href=\"\/signup\/\">Jerry <\/a>is breaking down the do\u2019s and don\u2019ts when it comes to passing a stopped school bus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-jerry-cta\"><div class=\"flex flex-col items-start gap-4 rounded-xl border border-zinc-200 px-12 py-8 md:flex-row md:items-center md:gap-14\"><div class=\"flex-1\"><span class=\"text-xl font-black text-gray-900\">SIMPLIFY YOUR CAR INSURANCE IN MINUTES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"flex-1\"><a href=\"\/signup\/insured?service=insurance\" class=\"bg-primary block w-full rounded-full px-14 py-2 text-center font-black text-white hover:no-underline\">Find savings now<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"do-keep-an-eye-on-the-school-bus-ahead-of-you-and-drive-with-caution\">DO keep an eye on the school bus ahead of you and drive with caution<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are behind a stopped school bus and wish to pass it, notice if its lights are flashing or if the stop signs on the side or back are extended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You may not pass a bus that is unloading passengers. Wait until the passengers are safely off the bus and the school bus turns off its lights and retracts its stop signs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are some instances where you can pass a school bus:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>If the bus is parked directly adjacent to a school or is in a school parking lot, you are allowed in most states to pass the bus with caution<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>When a school bus is driving down a roadway, you are allowed to pass it as you would any other vehicle<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-jerry-key-takeaway border-primary flex flex-col rounded bg-gray-50 p-6 border-l-4\"><div class=\"flex flex-col md:block md:space-x-1\"><span class=\"has-primary-color text-lg font-semibold\">Key Takeaway<\/span><span class=\"text-gray-900 text-base\">You are not allowed to pass a school bus that is unloading passengers, has its lights flashing, and\/or has its stop signs extended.<\/span><\/div><div class=\"jerry-block-content\" contentclassname=\"text-gray-900 text-base\">\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"dont-pass-a-school-bus-that-has-its-lights-on-and-stop-signs-extended\">DON\u2019T pass a school bus that has its lights on and stop signs extended<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When a school bus ahead of you stops to unload its passengers, you must also come to a complete stop. The bus driver will indicate that the bus is unloading by extending the stop signs and turning on the flashing lights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are approaching on the other side of an undivided road, most states require you to stop as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Passing an unloading school bus is illegal and comes with serious consequences. Penalties include hefty fines, demerit points, and even license suspension or jail time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"do-familiarize-yourself-with-the-laws-in-your-state\">DO familiarize yourself with the laws in your state<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The specific laws and penalties for passing a stopped school bus vary from state to state. Fines for passing a stopped school bus vary from a couple hundred dollars to over a thousand bucks. Make sure you look up the laws for where you live.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In some states, you don\u2019t have to stop for a school bus if you\u2019re driving on the other side of a road divided by a raised concrete barrier. Still, always be aware of people crossing the road if you see a bus with its lights flashing and stop signs extended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-jerry-key-takeaway border-primary flex flex-col rounded bg-gray-50 p-6 border-l-4\"><div class=\"flex flex-col md:block md:space-x-1\"><span class=\"has-primary-color text-lg font-semibold\">Key Takeaway<\/span><span class=\"text-gray-900 text-base\">Pay extra attention when you are following or approaching a school bus. Always be aware of where passengers are unloading and crossing the road.<\/span><\/div><div class=\"jerry-block-content\" contentclassname=\"text-gray-900 text-base\"><\/div><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"dont-forget-that-these-laws-exist-to-protect-children-and-other-passengers\">DON\u2019T forget that these laws exist to protect children and other passengers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re stuck behind a school bus that\u2019s unloading, be patient. Remember that these laws exist to protect the children or other passengers who are getting off the bus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Stay aware at all times when you are driving near or stopped by a school bus. When a stopped bus retracts its stop signs and turns off its flashing lights, make sure that all of the passengers are safely on the sidewalk before you continue driving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By following your state\u2019s passing laws, you protect yourself and your driving record as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-to-find-the-best-car-insurance\">How to find the best car insurance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Whatever your driving record, <a href=\"\/signup\/\">Jerry <\/a>is your ultra-talented car insurance broker for life. No need to sit across from him at a desk\u2014Jerry is an app!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In less than 45 seconds, Jerry collects all of your information from your existing insurer and scours more than 50 insurers to find you the best rates for the coverage you need. As a licensed broker, Jerry handles everything to get you all set up. No long forms, no calling around, no hard work\u2014just savings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The average Jerry user saves $887 per year on car insurance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-jerry-cta\"><div class=\"flex flex-col items-start gap-4 rounded-xl border border-zinc-200 px-12 py-8 md:flex-row md:items-center md:gap-14\"><div class=\"flex-1\"><span class=\"text-xl font-black text-gray-900\">SIMPLIFY YOUR CAR INSURANCE IN MINUTES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"flex-1\"><a href=\"\/signup\/insured?service=insurance\" class=\"bg-primary block w-full rounded-full px-14 py-2 text-center font-black text-white hover:no-underline\">Find savings now<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"!mbs-12 !mbe-12 wp-block-jerry-faqs wp-block-jerry-faqs\">\n  <!-- Title -->\n    <h2 class=\"medium-title text-black mb-1.5 pt-12 uppercase\">\n    FAQ  <\/h2>\n  \n  <!-- Accordion -->\n  \n<div class=\"max-w-screen-lg my-6 [&amp;_li:last-child]:border-b-0\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-jerry-accordion\">\n<li class=\"font-circular flex cursor-pointer list-none flex-col items-start gap-1 border-b border-zinc-200 py-6 text-lg text-slate-500 md:flex-row md:gap-5 wp-block-jerry-accordion-item font-circular flex cursor-pointer flex-row items-start border-b border-zinc-200 py-6 text-lg text-slate-500 is-style-accordion-item-box wp-block-jerry-accordion-item\" data-wp-interactive=\"accordion-item\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.onInit\">\n  <!-- Accessory -->\n  \n  <div class=\"flex flex-1 flex-col text-gray-600\">\n    <div class=\"flex flex-row items-start justify-between gap-4\">\n      <!-- Title -->\n      <span class=\"accordion-q align-middle text-black font-medium\">\n        What if I&#8217;m approaching a stopped school bus on a two-way street?      <\/span>\n\n      <!-- Icon -->\n      <span class=\"accordion-i text-black font-medium mr-4 mt-1 shrink-0 align-middle transition iconify i--plus\"><\/span>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <!-- Content -->\n    \n<div class=\"jerry-block-content accordion-a mt-5 hidden\">\n<p>In most states\u2014even if you\u2019re coming from the opposite direction\u2014you still have to stop if the school bus is unloading passengers, has its lights flashing, and\/or its stop signs are extended.<br><br>This also applies to multi-lane roads that are not separated by a raised concrete barrier.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"font-circular flex cursor-pointer list-none flex-col items-start gap-1 border-b border-zinc-200 py-6 text-lg text-slate-500 md:flex-row md:gap-5 wp-block-jerry-accordion-item font-circular flex cursor-pointer flex-row items-start border-b border-zinc-200 py-6 text-lg text-slate-500 is-style-accordion-item-box wp-block-jerry-accordion-item\" data-wp-interactive=\"accordion-item\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.onInit\">\n  <!-- Accessory -->\n  \n  <div class=\"flex flex-1 flex-col text-gray-600\">\n    <div class=\"flex flex-row items-start justify-between gap-4\">\n      <!-- Title -->\n      <span class=\"accordion-q align-middle text-black font-medium\">\n        How close am I allowed to be to a stopped school bus?      <\/span>\n\n      <!-- Icon -->\n      <span class=\"accordion-i text-black font-medium mr-4 mt-1 shrink-0 align-middle transition iconify i--plus\"><\/span>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <!-- Content -->\n    \n<div class=\"jerry-block-content accordion-a mt-5 hidden\">\n<p>If the bus is unloading, you should be at least 10 feet away from the bus, or far enough away that someone could cross between the back of the bus and the front of your vehicle.<br><br>The required distance varies from state to state. Some states require you to stop as far back as 50 feet!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n  <!-- Contact link -->\n  <\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-jerry-meet-experts\" data-wp-interactive=\"jerry\/meet-experts\" data-wp-context=\"{&quot;modalVisible&quot;:false}\">\n  <div class=\"font-circular text-2xl font-extrabold text-slate-900\">Expert-driven. Built for you.<\/div>\n\n  <div class=\"my-3\">\n    <div class=\"flex justify-between items-center py-3 border-b border-neutral-200 cursor-pointer font-semibold text-gray-900\" data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.toggleModal\">\n  <button class=\"text-left text-base\" type=\"button\">\n    Why you can count on Jerry&#8217;s articles  <\/button>\n\n  <div class=\"transition data-[visible=true]:md:rotate-180 text-xs iconify i--chevron-down text-gray-500\" data-wp-bind--data-visible=\"context.modalVisible\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"modal-backdrop fixed bottom-0 left-0 right-0 top-0 z-50 overflow-hidden overscroll-contain bg-black\/70 font-body transition-transform delay-100 duration-0 md:relative md:z-auto [&amp;:not([data-visible=true])]:translate-y-full [&amp;:not([data-visible=true])]:bg-black\/0 [&amp;:not([data-visible=true])]:md:hidden\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.onModalInit\" data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.hideModal\" data-wp-bind--data-visible=\"context.modalVisible\">\n  <div class=\"modal-view fixed bottom-0 left-0 right-0 flex max-h-[75%] w-full flex-col rounded-t-3xl bg-white pb-7 pl-7 pt-3.5 transition md:relative md:rounded-none md:pl-0 md:transition-none [&amp;:not([data-visible=true])]:translate-y-full [&amp;:not([data-visible=true])]:md:hidden\" data-wp-bind--data-visible=\"context.modalVisible\">\n    <div class=\"modal-header md:hidden flex justify-between items-center pb-1 mb-1 border-b border-zinc-200\">\n      <div class=\"modal-title text-base font-semibold\">Summary<\/div>\n\n      <div\n        class=\"modal-close-btn wp-block-group w-11 h-11 mr-2.5 content-center text-center\"\n        data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.hideModal\"\n      >\n        <div class=\"iconify i--close text-gray-500 cursor-pointer\"><\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"modal-body pr-7 overflow-y-auto\"><div class=\"wp-block-template-part\"><div class=\"flex flex-row items-center gap-2.5 rounded-lg bg-gray-pink px-4 py-5\">\n  <span class=\"iconify mt-0.5 shrink-0 self-start text-xs text-primary i--shield-check\"><\/span>\n\n  <div>\n    <div class=\"font-body text-xs font-bold text-primary\">Our goal is clear, trustworthy information.<\/div>\n    <div class=\"mt-1 font-body text-xs text-gray-600\">\n      Our content is created, edited and fact checked by a team of licensed insurance agents, automotive pros and\n      experienced journalists who know the industry inside and out. Facts are thoroughly researched, verified and kept\n      current, and our editorial team is separate from our business partners, so our opinions &#038; tips are unbiased. All\n      insights drawn from Jerry\u2019s proprietary, aggregated customer auto insurance quotes data provide unique, real-world\n      guidance.\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <div class=\"text-base font-semibold text-gray-900\">Our experts<\/div>\n\n  <div class=\"my-8 flex flex-col gap-8 items-center justify-center\">\n          <div\n        class=\"meet-experts-item group relative flex h-auto w-full flex-none flex-col justify-between overflow-hidden rounded-3xl py-9 text-sm shadow-variant-card\"\n        data-expand=\"false\"\n        data-wp-init=\"callbacks.onItemInit\"\n      >\n        <div class=\"grid h-full w-full grid-cols-1 overflow-hidden px-8 md:grid-cols-4\">\n          <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"250\" height=\"250\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Brittni-Brinn.png\" class=\"size-16 rounded-full md:size-32 col-span-1 md:ml-4\" alt=\"meet-experts-thumbnail\" srcset=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Brittni-Brinn.png 250w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Brittni-Brinn-150x150.png 150w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Brittni-Brinn-56x56.png 56w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Brittni-Brinn-120x120.png 120w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 346px) 260px, (max-width: 576px) 432px, (max-width: 720px) 540px, (min-width: 720px) 250px, 100vw\" fetchpriority=\"low\"\/>\n          <div class=\"col-span-3\">\n            <div class=\"my-4 flex-1 content-center font-circular text-lg font-medium text-slate-900 md:mt-0\">\n              Brittni Brinn            <\/div>\n\n            \n            <div class=\"text-slate-500 mt-2 leading-6\">\n              <p>Brittni Brinn is an insurance writer with experience in a variety of industries. Her writing for Jerry covers a broad range of auto and insurance-related topics, all aimed at helping car owners cut down on expenses and make smart decisions. Brittni has authored nearly 600 articles for the Jerry team on topics ranging from tips on how long to keep your insurance records to first-time car buyer programs. When she\u2019s not writing for Jerry, Brittni is hard at work writing for radio, theater, and film. Brittni has also penned and published two novels with Adventure World Press.<\/p>            <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <div class=\"absolute hidden group-data-[expand=true]:flex bottom-0 w-full h-24 bg-gradient-to-t from-white from-30% to-transparent to-100% items-end justify-center\">\n          <div\n            class=\"flex cursor-pointer flex-row items-center gap-2 my-4 font-circular text-primary\"\n            data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.onItemExpandClick\"\n          >\n            <span class=\"text-sm\">See more<\/span>\n            <span class=\"iconify i--chevron-down text-xs\"><\/span>\n          <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n          <div\n        class=\"meet-experts-item group relative flex h-auto w-full flex-none flex-col justify-between overflow-hidden rounded-3xl py-9 text-sm shadow-variant-card\"\n        data-expand=\"false\"\n        data-wp-init=\"callbacks.onItemInit\"\n      >\n        <div class=\"grid h-full w-full grid-cols-1 overflow-hidden px-8 md:grid-cols-4\">\n          <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"250\" height=\"250\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Jessica-Barrett.png\" class=\"size-16 rounded-full md:size-32 col-span-1 md:ml-4\" alt=\"meet-experts-thumbnail\" srcset=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Jessica-Barrett.png 250w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Jessica-Barrett-150x150.png 150w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Jessica-Barrett-56x56.png 56w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Jessica-Barrett-120x120.png 120w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 346px) 260px, (max-width: 576px) 432px, (max-width: 720px) 540px, (min-width: 720px) 250px, 100vw\" fetchpriority=\"low\"\/>\n          <div class=\"col-span-3\">\n            <div class=\"my-4 flex-1 content-center font-circular text-lg font-medium text-slate-900 md:mt-0\">\n              Jessica Barrett            <\/div>\n\n            \n            <div class=\"text-slate-500 mt-2 leading-6\">\n              <p>Jessica Barrett is a senior insurance writer and editor with 10 years of experience in the automotive and travel industries. A specialist in car insurance, car loans, and car ownership, Jessica\u2019s mission is to create comprehensive content that car owners can use to manage their costs and improve their lives. As a managing editor for a team of writers and insurance specialists, Jessica has edited over 2,000 articles for Jerry on topics ranging from local insurance shopping tips to refinancing car loans with bad credit. Before joining Jerry as a senior content editor in 2021, Jessica created visual content for clients such as Expedia, Vivid Seats, Budget Direct Car Insurance, Angie\u2019s List, and HomeAdvisor. Her content was published in Business Insider, Forbes, Apartment Therapy, and the BBC.<\/p>            <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <div class=\"absolute hidden group-data-[expand=true]:flex bottom-0 w-full h-24 bg-gradient-to-t from-white from-30% to-transparent to-100% items-end justify-center\">\n          <div\n            class=\"flex cursor-pointer flex-row items-center gap-2 my-4 font-circular text-primary\"\n            data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.onItemExpandClick\"\n          >\n            <span class=\"text-sm\">See more<\/span>\n            <span class=\"iconify i--chevron-down text-xs\"><\/span>\n          <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>You cannot pass a school bus that is unloading passengers, has its stop signs extended, and\/or its flashing lights turned on. Penalties include hefty fines.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":19,"featured_media":64409,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jerry_authors":"[{\"id\":\"62\",\"type\":\"main-author\"},{\"id\":\"158\",\"type\":\"editor\"}]","jerry_author_ids":[62],"jerry_idx_page_label":"","jerry_meta_desc":"You cannot pass a school bus that is unloading passengers, has its stop signs extended, and\/or its flashing lights turned on. Penalties include hefty fines.","jerry_related_posts":"[29799,6079,5177]","jerry_summary":"","inline_featured_image":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[515],"tags":[167,324],"class_list":["post-34167","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-state-laws","tag-driving-tips","tag-road-safety"],"modified_by":"harveen.sran@getjerry.com","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/jerry.ai\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34167","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/jerry.ai\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/jerry.ai\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jerry.ai\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/19"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jerry.ai\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=34167"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/jerry.ai\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34167\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":66597,"href":"https:\/\/jerry.ai\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34167\/revisions\/66597"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jerry.ai\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/64409"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/jerry.ai\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=34167"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jerry.ai\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=34167"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jerry.ai\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=34167"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}