Those big yellow school buses are about to become part of your morning and afternoon commutes again. Make sure you’re ready with these reminders on school bus rules of the road.
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What to do when you see red flashing lights on a school bus
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What to do when you see red flashing lights on a school busIt’s not quite as simple as just stopping when you see a bus with its red lights flashing, because the rules differ by state.
In Washington
According to RCW 46.61.370, drivers MUST STOP when:
- They’re behind the bus, traveling in the same direction, regardless of the number of lanes. Drivers can’t use the center turn lane to pass the bus.
- They’re on a two-lane road, heading in the opposite direction of the bus.
Drivers DO NOT NEED TO STOP when:
- They’re on a road with three or more lanes, heading in the opposite direction of the bus.
- They’re on a divided highway, heading in the opposite direction of the bus.
In Oregon
According to ORS.811.155, drivers MUST STOP when:
- They’re behind the bus or heading in the opposite direction, regardless of the number of lanes.
Drivers DO NOT NEED TO STOP when:
- They’re on a divided highway, separated by an unpaved median or divider, heading in the opposite direction of the bus.
In both states, drivers must stay stopped until the bus driver turns off the red lights, and it’s NEVER OK to pass a school bus on the right, since that’s where kids are loading and unloading.
Ready to learn more? Check out our Blog to learn how to keep kids safe (and avoid a ticket) in school zones: Remember “20 is Plenty” in school zones.
