What happens if you accidentally pass a stopped school bus in NC?

Q: What happens if you pass a stopped school bus in North Carolina?

Heres what to expect: Passing a stopped school bus violates G.S. 20-217(a), a Class 1 misdemeanor with a minimum fine of $500. A court appearance is mandatory, and the penalty cannot be paid and resolved by mail. Five drivers license points are given to the driver; eight points if driving a commercial motor vehicle.

Q: When can you pass a stopped school bus in NC?

If youre on a road with four or more lanes and a center turning lane, you are only required to stop if you are traveling in the same direction as the bus. If you are on the other side of the turning lane from the bus, traveling in the other direction, you do not have to stop.

It is back to school time here in North Carolina. Anxious children are out early in the morning waiting on their buses, and they are eager to get home in the afternoon to report about their day at school. While we all learned the rules when we received our drivers’ licenses about when to stop for a school bus (at least, let’s hope we learned those rules), a refresher around this time of year is always a good idea. You want to make sure you stop when it’s required as penalties for not stopping for a school bus are harsh. Further, not stopping could lead to a serious accident with devastating consequences. So, here are the rules complete with pictures for our visual learners.

Table of Contents Show

Passing a Stopped School Bus, Bus Driver or Cop?
What happens if you pass a stopped school bus in North Carolina?
Do all NC school buses have cameras?
When can you pass a stopped school bus in NC?
What is the fine for going around a stopped school bus?

BOTH DIRECTIONS OF TRAFFIC MUST STOP FOR A STOPPED SCHOOL BUS:

1. On a two lane road;

2. On a two lane road with a center turn lane; and

3. On a four lane road without a median.

ONLY TRAFFIC FOLLOWING THE BUS STOPS:

1. Divided highway with 4 lanes or more with median separation; and

2. Roadway of four lanes or more with center turning lane.

To summarize, if you are on a two lane road and a bus puts on its blinking red lights and puts out the stop sign, STOP. It doesn’t matter what side of traffic you are on, you have to stop. If you are on a four lane road, and you are behind the bus, you have to stop regardless of whether there is a median or turn lane when the bus puts on the flashing lights and puts out its stop sign. However, you only stop on a four lane road in the opposite direction of the bus if there is no median or turn lane.

If you are more of a visual learner, these pictures with the rules may help you to remember. To learn more about school bus safety and rules, you can visit the North Carolina School Bus Safety Website.

Here are examples for when traffic in both directions MUST stop when a school bus stops for passengers:

And here are examples for when only traffic following the bus must stop when a school bus stops for passengers:

Unfortunately, despite the harsh rules for offenders who do not stop for school buses, accidents still happen. It is important that parents and teachers remind students to use caution at school bus stops. Just because a car is supposed to stop for passengers does not mean that it will. It is also helpful to put children in clothes that can be seen especially if they are out before the sun comes up. And motorist, please SLOW DOWN. Anytime you see a school bus, particularly if it is stopped, there are children around. It takes just a few extra seconds to make sure those kids make it to school and back home safely. Familiarize yourself with the rules and know when to stop. Also pay particular attention in school zones and slow down to the maximum posted speed. Slowing down and staying alert when school buses are around and in school zones saves lives and prevents avoidable injuries.

Passing a Stopped School Bus, Bus Driver or Cop?

One of the most serious traffic offenses that a driver can be charged with in NC is passing a stopped school bus. Many people are not aware that NC General Statutes allow a driver to be charged even if a law enforcement officer does not personally observe the violation.

School buses are equipped with recording equipment on both the inside and outside of the bus. The law requires a driver passing a stopped school bus with red lights flashing or stop sign deployed, to stop and not pass the vehicle until the red lights are no longer flashing.

In Wilmington, many drivers get caught due to the nature of the roads that the buses are stopping on. There are many bus stops on roads that have speeds of 55 mph, such as Carolina Beach Rd. and College Rd. It is a common mistake when drivers see the buses pulling over in to the entrance lane for neighborhoods on those roads to think the bus will be pulling into the neighborhood.

Instead, the driver puts on the red lights and discharge riders right there on the side of a highway. Some bus drivers have taken this new power as a crusade to catch as many people illegally passing their buses as possible. This crusade results in a Trooper or other law enforcement showing up at a driver’s home with a citation from many days prior. The Trooper usually cannot answer any questions about the citation other than show the driver three pictures from the bus cameras.

The pictures are provided by the bus driver to the officer. The pictures show the passing vehicle behind the bus, as it passes the stop sign, and after it pass the bus completely. Most accused drivers take this as proof of their crime and plead guilty or try to make arrangements for a reduction. What those drivers don’t realize is that the information provided to the Trooper is only part of the story.

In effect, the state has deputized bus drivers. This results in citations being issued for a very serious traffic charge, with almost no law enforcement involvement or investigation. The citation is based on the testimony of a bus driver who is dividing their attention between driving, riders, and other vehicles. Luckily, there are recording devices that are available to show what actually happens. However, if the relevant information is not requested, the judge will not see it.

Consult with an experienced attorney who has disputed these types of cases before. Just because it is a traffic charge, does not mean it will not have a serious effect on your license and insurance. If you feel the charge was not appropriate, fight for your rights! If you don’t stand up for yourself, no one will.

What happens if you pass a stopped school bus in North Carolina?

Here's what to expect: Passing a stopped school bus violates G.S. 20-217(a), a Class 1 misdemeanor with a minimum fine of $500. A court appearance is mandatory, and the penalty cannot be paid and resolved by mail. Five driver's license points are given to the driver; eight points if driving a commercial motor vehicle.

Do all NC school buses have cameras?

Does North Carolina Use Automated School Bus Safety Cameras? North Carolina law allows for automated school bus safety cameras, though not all school buses have the devices.

When can you pass a stopped school bus in NC?

If you're on a road with four or more lanes and a center turning lane, you are only required to stop if you are traveling in the same direction as the bus. If you are on the other side of the turning lane from the bus, traveling in the other direction, you do not have to stop.

What is the fine for going around a stopped school bus?

Drivers are not to proceed until the red stop flashing or the bus driver signals to proceed. First offense is a fine of $250 to $400 and/or imprisonment of 30 days.