May 1, 2024
A guide for drivers to navigate school buses
Did you know the stopping-for-school-buses law applies on all roads, regardless of the speed limit or location?
The rules of the road are always with you, guiding you on how to travel from one point to another safely and responsibly. It is extremely important to follow these rules, especially regarding school buses.
School buses are not just a means of transportation for students; they are a shared responsibility of all drivers to guarantee the safety of children during their commute to and from school.
Let’s look at the intricacies of school bus laws and fines that every driver should know.
Three main takeaways about stopping for school buses:
- Failure to stop for a school bus in Ontario can result in fines and increased car insurance, depending on the infraction.
- Drivers must stop when a school bus extends its stop arm and flashes its lights.
- The new school bus light system will include amber-yellow lights that flash as the bus approaches a stop. Then, the red lights will begin to flash, and the stop arm will extend, alerting drivers to come to a complete stop.
What’s on this page
School bus laws in OntarioWhat is the fine for failure to stop for a school bus?
Can you pass a school bus without flashing lights?
Types of school bus lights in Ontario
Is it illegal to pass a stopped school bus?
School bus driving safety FAQs
School bus laws in Ontario
One of the most fundamental laws regarding school buses requires all drivers to stop when a school bus is picking up or dropping off passengers. When a school bus extends its stop arm and flashes its lights, drivers must stop. Failing to stop in such situations can have severe consequences. Here are a few more considerations:
- You must stop at least 20 metres short of the school bus and not proceed until the overhead red signal lights have stopped flashing. If there is no median, drivers travelling in both directions must stop when the lights are flashing.
- Stop at a safe distance when approaching from the opposite direction to let children cross and get on or off the bus. Only move forward once the red lights have stopped flashing or the bus moves.
- If there is a median, oncoming traffic is not required to stop. However, be mindful of children and slow down. Vehicle owners can be charged if they illegally pass a stopped school bus, even if they weren’t driving then.
Does the stopping for school buses law apply to all buses?
The law that requires drivers to stop for school buses only applies to chrome yellow school buses with proper markings and signals as defined in Section 175 of the Highway Traffic Act. This law only applies when the bus is loading or unloading adults with developmental disabilities or children.
Drivers of other school vehicles should know this law does not protect them. Therefore, they should choose safe places to stop and direct their passengers carefully as they leave the bus.
What is the fine for failure to stop for a school bus?
One of the most important laws regarding school buses is that all drivers must stop when a school bus is picking up or dropping off passengers. This rule applies no matter which direction you travel, with only a few exceptions based on specific road configurations and barriers.
When a school bus extends its stop arm and flashes its lights, it’s not just a suggestion - it's the law.
Failing to stop for a school bus is a serious offence. Here are the fines and penalties:
- First offence: $400-$2000 and six points.
- Each following offence: $1000-$4000, six points and possible jail time up to six months.
Violating school bus laws can result in severe penalties, such as hefty fines, demerit points on your license, and even suspension.
Can you pass a school bus without flashing lights?
In many jurisdictions, the specific laws regarding passing a school bus without flashing lights can vary. However, it is generally legal to pass a school bus when its lights are not flashing, but only if it is safe to do so and if the bus is not actively picking up or dropping off passengers.
For example, suppose a school bus has finished loading or unloading passengers, turned off its flashing lights, and retracted its stop arm. In that case, it may be permissible to pass the bus, provided there are no children in the immediate vicinity, and it is safe to proceed according to traffic conditions.
Even if it's legal to pass a school bus without flashing lights, drivers should remain vigilant and prepared to stop if necessary, especially in school zones and areas where children may be present. Ultimately, the priority should always be the safety of children and other road users.
Types of school bus lights in Ontario
In 2022, Ontario introduced a new eight-light system to improve the safety of students travelling on school buses. This was in light of the Safer School Buses Act, 2021.
The new system will feature amber-yellow lights that flash as the bus approaches a stop, warning drivers that the bus will soon come to a stop. The red lights will start flashing once the bus has come to a complete stop, and the stop arm will extend. This will signal drivers in both directions to stop to allow students to get on or off the bus safely.
Here's a look at the two types of lights on a school bus:
Flashing amber lights
- When a school bus is preparing to stop, the driver will activate flashing amber lights, signalling to drivers they should also slow down and prepare to stop.
- Drivers approaching from the front or behind should prepare to stop.
- However, if on a road with a median strip, only vehicles coming from behind the bus should prepare to stop.
Flashing red lights
- Once the bus comes to a complete stop, the upper flashing red lights will appear, and a stop arm will be activated. When drivers see this, the bus is loading students; they must stop and cannot move until the lights have stopped flashing and the stop arm is no longer out.
- Drivers in front or behind the bus must stop. However, only vehicles coming from behind the bus must stop on a road with a median strip.
- Drivers from behind the bus must stop at least 20 metres away.
Is it illegal to pass a stopped school bus?
It is against the law to pass a stopped school bus with its red lights flashing. If a vehicle passes a stopped school bus illegally, the vehicle's owner can be charged, regardless of whether they were driving at the time.
This law applies to drivers travelling in both directions unless a median divides the road. In that case, drivers travelling in the opposite direction are not required to stop, but they should still be cautious.
The penalties for passing a stopped school bus may vary depending on the municipality. Passing a stopped school bus can also result in severe legal consequences if it leads to an accident or injury to a child. Therefore, all drivers should be aware of and comply with school bus laws to ensure the safety of everyone on the road.
When you drive safe, you pay a lower rate
When you put safety first as a driver, such as stopping for school buses, you keep your coverage costs low. To see if you qualify for most affordable insurance, contact our experts today.
School bus driving safety FAQs
When you see a school bus that has stopped and has its red lights flashing, you should stop and wait until the arm folds away and all lights stop flashing before proceeding. It is illegal and unsafe to fail to stop for a stopped school bus. You can be fined anywhere from $400 to $2,000 for a first offence and receive six demerit points.
If you have been issued a ticket for failing to stop for a school bus, it is probably because your vehicle passed a stopped school bus while children were getting on or off. In such a scenario, the bus driver notes your license plate number and reports it to the police, or someone else reports it.
Make safe decisions when driving to protect others
To prevent school bus law violations, drivers need to know the rules in their area. Education campaigns within driving schools and public initiatives can help reinforce the importance of obeying these laws. Choosing to slow down, follow school zone signs, and obey community safety zones helps make safer roads in the province.
