Now that school is back in session, it’s important to remember the road rules pertaining to school zones and school buses. These rules are designed to protect children and ensure their safe transit from home to school and back. Failure to obey them may result in costly consequences, including fines and increased car insurance premiums. If you’re not sure how to proceed around a school bus, here’s a quick primer.

Signs a School Bus Is Stopping 

Whether you’re in a school zone or not, it’s important to stop when a school bus does. Whenever you’re near a bus, keep an eye out for signals. When a bus is stopping, the yellow lights will turn off, and two sets of red lights (located at the front and back of the bus) will begin flashing. This alerts drivers that students are getting on or off the bus. A stop sign may extend from the left-hand side of the bus as well. 

What to Do 

It’s illegal to pass a school bus when the red lights are flashing. If you’re on the road with three or fewer lanes, all traffic moving in either direction must stop at least 10 feet away from the bus's front or back. Once you’ve stopped, don’t move until the bus does or until the driver signals for you to go. 

If a school bus is stopped at an intersection to let children on or off, drivers in all directions must stop until the bus moves. The only time you don’t need to stop is if you’re on a divided highway with separate roadways for different directions of traffic separated by a barrier or median—and this only applies if you’re traveling in the opposite direction of the bus. In this case, proceed with caution. 

What Happens if You Don’t Stop 

The most important reason to stop for a school bus is to avoid a tragic accident. It can be difficult to see children passing in the roadway, particularly in the very early morning when it’s still dark or on foggy or rainy days. Stopping protects kids on the road. 

Failure to stop is a misdemeanor traffic offense. You can be fined up to $1,000 and receive eight points on your license in Tennessee. If you accumulate too many points on your license, it may be suspended. Violations can also increase your car insurance premiums, particularly if it isn’t your first offense. 

In addition to obeying traffic laws, it’s mandatory in Tennessee to carry a minimum amount of car insurance. If you need to purchase auto insurance, SR-22 insurance, or a similar policy, turn to Lafever Insurance Agency in Cookeville. This reliable auto insurance provider offers a range of policies, including budget-friendly plans and young drivers' protection. They also offer motorcycle and mobile home insurance policies. Call (931) 526-3377 to speak with a helpful staff member for a free estimate or visit the website to learn more about the options they offer.