Stopping for School Buses
Stopping for a school bus is the law on every road -- no matter how many lanes there are or what the speed limit is. A school bus can stop at any time of day, so always be ready to slow down and stop.
When a school bus is loading or unloading children, it uses flashing upper red lights and a stop-sign arm on the driver’s side that swings out and flashes red.
When you see these signals, you must stop. Stay stopped until the stop-sign arm folds away and all the red lights have stopped flashing.
When You Must Stop
If the road does not have a median (a raised barrier separating traffic):
- Drivers in both directions must stop.
- If you are behind the bus, stop at least 20 metres back.
- If the bus is coming toward you, stop far enough away to let children get on or off safely and cross the road.
- These rules apply in both directions unless the road is divided by a median.
Penalties for Not Stopping
Failing to stop for a school bus with flashing red lights is illegal. Penalties include:
- First offence: $400 to $2,000 fine and six demerit points
- Second offence within five years: $1,000 to $4,000 fine, six demerit points and possible jail time (up to six months)
School bus drivers and other witnesses can report vehicles that illegally pass a stopped bus. If the driver of the vehicle is not identified, the registered owner may still receive the fine. Unpaid fines will prevent renewal of your vehicle permit.
At Railway Crossings
School buses must stop at all railway crossings, but they do not use their flashing red lights for these stops. Be alert and prepared to slow down.
