Do you know all of the Texas School Bus Laws?
Here are some to be aware of:
1. It is illegal (in all 50 states, actually) to pass a school bus actively loading or unloading passengers. Passing on either side of the school bus can lead to a fine anywhere from $500 to $1250 or more in Texas.
2. Texas law mandates drivers must stop when a school bus extends its stop sign or turns on its flashing red lights.
3. When a school bus is stopped, drivers traveling on either side of the road must come to a complete stop.
4. If the roadway is separated by a physical barrier (like a raised median for example) drivers do not have to stop for the school bus.
5. A roadway is not considered separated by left turn lanes only, so drivers must stop for school buses in that case.
6. Drivers can only pass a school bus if the flashing lights are no longer activated, or if it has resumed driving.
7. Drivers must always obey speed zones with flashing school zone lights and/or signs. If not, they could face at least $200 in fines.
TEXAS SCHOOL BUS AND CHILD SAFETY
According to the Texas Department Of Transportation (TxDOT), more than one million student passengers depend on buses to get them safely to and from more than 9,000 Texas schools every single day. In the grand scheme of things, waiting two or three minutes behind or near a school bus is really no big deal if it means ensuring the safety or life of a child.
While you might be familiar with these laws put into place to keep Texas students safe, not everyone is as responsible or vigilant while driving near school zones. Always be aware of your surroundings and help to keep our children safe!