Back-to-school safety: remember to stop for school buses

With Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) starting on Aug. 25, the roads will once again be filled with school buses during the morning and afternoon hours. It’s important to stop for school buses to help ensure student safety. Thousands of students rely on school transportation, and a moment of impatience or distraction behind the wheel can have serious consequences.

As students return to classrooms, Montgomery County officials are reminding drivers to play extra travel time, slow down, and stay alert for school buses, children walking to school, and families crossing streets near schools and neighborhoods.

When Do You Need to Stop?

All vehicles, in BOTH directions must stop for a bus when the overhead lights turn red.

• Stop at least 20 feet from the school bus
• Don’t proceed until the red lights stop flashing and the bus begins moving again
• Exception: a divided highway (a roadway with a physical barriers, concrete, grass, etc. that prevents vehicles from crossing)

• • The barrier must extend the length of the roadway. Pedestrian islands do not divide a roadway.
  • Painted turn lanes do not divide a roadway

• • There is no limit to number of lanes on the roadway.

School Bus Cameras

Since 2019, all Montgomery County school buses have been equipped with enforcement cameras through Montgomery County’s Automated School Bus Enforcement Program, Cross Safe. The cameras automatically record vehicles that illegally pass a stopped school bus.

Drivers who violate the law can receive a $250 civil citation, similar to a parking violation. Drivers stopped by a police officer may face higher penalties, including fines and points on their license.

Keeping Students Safe

Stopping for a school bus is about more than avoiding a fine. Children can be unpredictable, especially younger students who may not always look before crossing the street.

Take a few extra seconds, stay focused behind the wheel, and remember that the extra caution can help protect a child on their way to or from school. Let’s keep Montgomery County students safe.

For more information, read Montgomery County’s press release.

To learn about paying for a school bus ticket, visit Montgomery County Police’s website.