- Georgia Laws Require Drivers to Stop for a School Bus
Strict Laws have gone into effect in Georgia requiring drivers to stop for school buses. Passing a stopped school bus when children are entering and exiting the school bus could lead to a tragic bus accident. Therefore, laws have been stablished to ensure that drivers must stop for a school bus, even on multi-lane roads. The goal was to protect children and avoid bus accidents.
- Georgia drivers must stop for school busses on:
On a two-lane roadway:
ALL traffic from both directions must stop when a school bus stops for passengers. Once the bus starts flashing its red lights and its stop signs have extended from the side, it is unlawful for any vehicle to pass the stopped school bus while it is loading or unloading passengers.
On a two-lane roadway with a center turning lane:
ALL traffic from both directions must stop when a school bus stops for passengers. Once the bus starts flashing its red lights and its stop signs have extended from the side, it is unlawful for any vehicle to pass the stopped school bus while it is loading or unloading passengers.
On a four-lane roadway without a median separation:
ALL traffic from both directions must stop when a school bus stops for passengers. Once the bus starts flashing its red lights and its stop signs have extended from the side, it is unlawful for any vehicle to pass the stopped school bus while it is loading or unloading passengers.
On a roadway with four or more lanes and a center turning lane:
If there is either a concrete or grass median, or a turn lane, drivers traveling in the opposite direction do not have to stop for buses that are loading and unloading passengers.
On a divided highway of four lanes or more with a median separation:
Only traffic following the bus must stop when a school bus stops for passengers. According to the new state law, if there’s either a concrete or grass median, or a turn lane, drivers traveling in the opposite direction do not have to stop for buses that are loading and unloading passengers.
What Are the Penalties for Passing a Stopped School Bus?
If you illegally pass a stopped school bus, you could face penalties, such as:
- A fine of up to $1,000
- Up to 12 months in jail or probation
- Court appearance
- Six points on your driving record
- License suspension if you are under 21 years of age
