Q: I drive a school bus and am concerned about the safety of the kids who ride on my bus. Could you remind drivers what is required when my school bus lights are flashing? A: As a parent of children who ride the school bus I would be more than happy to. The purpose of the school bus’s flashing yellow lights is to warn other drivers that the school bus is preparing to load or unload students. A school bus driver is required to activate the yellow flashing lights at least 100 feet before stopping in a speed zone of 35 m.p.h. or less, and at least 300 feet before stopping in a speed zone of more than 35 m.p.h. Upon stopping to load or unload students, the bus driver is then required to activate the flashing red lights and extend the stop arm. There are some exceptions in the statute as to when the school bus driver is required to activate the flashing lights. (For example, if the school bus is completely off the traveled portion of the roadway the flashing lights are not required.) Upon observing a school bus with its yellow lights flashing, drivers from either direction should use caution and prepare to stop. It is illegal to pass a school bus on the right side of the bus when the yellow flashing lights are activated. When a school bus is stopped with its flashing red lights activated and stop arm extended, traffic from both directions must stop at least 20 feet away from the school bus. Motorists are required to remain stopped until the red flashing lights are turned off and the stop arm is retracted. Motorists on a multi-lane roadway are also required to stop for a school bus with red lights activated and stop arm extended. The only time motorists are not required to stop for a school bus with its red lights flashing and stop arm extended is when the school bus is on a separate roadway. A separate roadway means a road that is separated from a parallel road by a safety isle or safety zone. Penalties for school bus violations can be substantial. From a fine of not less than $300 to a fine of $3,000 and one year in jail along with driver’s license suspension. If you have any questions concerning traffic-related laws or traffic safety in Minnesota, send your questions to Trooper Tim Rust, Minnesota State Patrol, 3725 12th St. N., St. Cloud, MN 56303.
