Tuesday, August 27, 2019

Traffic Tip Tuesdays: Stopping for School Buses

Parochial schools in St. Mary's County reopened for classes today, Aug. 27, 2019. Public schools reopen to students on Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2019. School buses are back on the roads in St. Mary's County so be prepared to stop for them.

From the Maryland Drivers Manual:

"Drivers are to stop for school vehicles.

If a vehicle has stopped on a roadway and is operating the alternately flashing red lights, the driver of any vehicle following or approaching the school vehicle shall:

-Stop at least 20 feet from the rear of the school vehicle, if approaching the school vehicle from its rear; or

-At least 20 feet from the front of the school vehicle, if approaching the school vehicle from its front.

The driver of any vehicle following or approaching the school vehicle may not proceed until the school vehicle resumes motion or the alternately flashing red lights are deactivated. This does not apply to the driver of a vehicle on a physically divided highway."

Drivers who run past a stopped school bus with its stop sign or red lights activated face a fine of $570 or three points on a driver’s license.