Students are back to school which means the big yellow buses are on the move.
Kingsley Area Schools Resource Officer Deputy Jason Roelofs would like to remind drivers of Michigan's school bus traffic laws.
No passing a stopped school bus with flashing red lights
Drivers must stop at least 20 feet behind the bus
According to the Michigan Vehicle Code, "The operator of a vehicle overtaking or meeting a school bus that has stopped and is displaying 2 alternately flashing red lights located at the same level shall bring the vehicle to a full stop not less than 20 feet from the school bus and shall not proceed until the school bus resumes motion or the visual signals are no longer actuated.
The operator of a vehicle who fails to stop for a school bus...who passes a school bus in violation of this subsection, or who fails to stop for a school bus in violation of an ordinance that is substantially similar to this subsection, is responsible for a civil infraction."
Some buses are equipped with cameras attached to their stop arms
Photos and video evidence obtained are admissible in court. Penalties for passing a stopped school bus include civil infractions which may be subject to a fine as well as court costs.
If you're on the opposite side of a divided highway, you do not need to stop for the bus as long as there's a physical barrier or dividing section that separates you from the lane where the bus is stopped
Remember, as of June 30, 2023, it is now illegal to hold or use a cellphone while driving in Michigan
Observe all posted school speed limits and give our school buses lots of room on the road to keep our kids safe. Let's have a safe and healthy school year!
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