NOTTINGHAM, MD—With the new school year now in full swing, police are reminding motorists of the rules of the road when it comes to school buses.

“When Do I Have to Stop for a School Bus?”

The Baltimore County Police Department reminds all drivers to stop when the lights on school buses are flashing.

Maryland law states that vehicles must come to a complete stop on both sides of the street if there is no physical divider or barrier. Drivers who pass the bus before all lights have ceased flashing may face the following consequences:

• Drivers who pass a school bus while the lights are flashing will receive a citation that carries a maximum payable fine of $570 and a three-point penalty.
• Drivers who stop but then proceed while the lights are flashing will receive a citation that carries a maximum payable fine of $570 and a three-point penalty.
• Drivers who contribute to an accident when they fail to stop for a school bus while the lights are flashing may face additional penalties.

Children are not always aware of their surroundings and assume that drivers will stop for them. Youngsters also dart into the road without looking first for traffic. Allow room for the frequent stops that happen during the morning pick up and the afternoon drop off.

The graphic below explains when drivers need to come to a stop for all school buses.