GREENSBORO, N.C. — Each day during the school year, an estimated 3,100 cars pass stopped school buses in North Carolina, according to the Department of Public Instruction.
Passing a stopped school bus puts a child’s life in danger and can even be deadly. The North Carolina "School Bus Stop" law makes it illegal to pass a school bus with its red lights flashing and stop-arm extended that is stopped to load or unload students. If you do not obey the "School Bus Stop" law, you could face a fine of $500 or more and worse, end an innocent child's life.
Do you know the rules of the road when it comes to stopping for school buses?
Here’s what you should do on the road when it comes to stopping for a school bus.
Two-lane roadway:
When a school bus stops for passengers, all traffic from both directions must
Stop on a two-lane roadway.
Two-lane roadway with a center turning lane:
When a school bus stops for passengers, all traffic from both directions must stop on a two-lane roadway with a center turning lane.
Four-lane roadway without a median separation:
When a school bus stops for passengers, all traffic from both directions must stop on a four-lane roadway without a median separation.
Divided highway of four lanes or more with a median separation:
When a school bus stops for passengers, only traffic following the bus must stop on a divided highway of four lanes or more with a median separation.
Roadway of four lanes or more with a center turning lane:
When a school bus stops for passengers, only traffic following the bus must stop with a roadway of four lanes or more with a center turning lane.
