SCHOOL BUS STOPPING REFRESHER COURSE

Save a Child's Life and Don't Get a Fine

School is starting so a refresher course on when to stop for a school bus may be in order.

Everyone knows that when the school bus is displaying a stop signal, the driver of the car is required to come to a full stop while the bus is stopped and cannot pass the school bus until the signal is withdrawn. But what about when the school bus is on the opposite side of the road? When do you have to stop?

Florida statute 316.172(2) states that "the driver of a vehicle upon a divided highway with an unpaved space of at least 5 feet, a raised median, or a physical barrier is not required to stop when traveling in the opposite direction of a school bus which is stopped." Thus, if the bus stops on a road which the lanes of traffic are separated by a turn lane, you ARE required to stop.

The fine for failure to stop for a school bus is $100 or $200 (depending on which side of the bus you passed on). An additional fee of $65 is charged and shall be remitted to the Department of Revenue for deposit into the Administrative Trust Fund of the Department of Health. A second offense within 5 years will result in the suspension of the driver's license up to one year.

Drive safely and know and obey the school bus laws. Doing so can save the life of a child.

For information about your rights after a Florida car accident, motorcycle accident, bicycle accident, pedestrian accident or other personal injury that can occur while going to or coming home from school, click here to schedule a free case consultation for Personal Injury Attorney Matthew Noyes. Remember, insurance companies have attorneys looking out for their best interest after your accident, so should you!