When Are You Supposed To Stop For A School Bus In New York?

As hard as it is to believe, summer is just about over, and it's time to get ready to share the roads with students and school buses.

As we get closer to the first day of school all over New York State, it is probably a good idea to spend a little time reviewing the rules and regulations surrounding proper school bus etiquette. This is especially necessary because the rules may be different depending on the type of road you and the school bus are driving on.

If you have the time, you can peek at the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles list of reminders of how to behave when on the streets with a bus.

Stated simply, if a bus is stopped and its lights are flashing, you need to stop. According to the New York State Department of Transportation, it doesn't matter what type of road you're driving on; you should stop for a bus when its lights are flashing.

Whether it's a two-lane road, a multi-lane road with a turning lane, or a divided highway, you should be prepared to stop.

There's nothing more important than ensuring our children's safety and sound, which is why you should take extra care.

What Happens If You Don't Stop For A School Bus?

The chances you will get caught have increased exponentially as many school districts in New York State have installed cameras on their buses to catch dangerous drivers.

There are serious consequences for not being safe around school buses. If you aren't careful, you can get a heavy fine or go to jail.

Penalties range from a minimum fine of $250 and 30 days in jail to a $1,000 fine and 180 days in jail. That does not include the points charged to your driver's license if you are convicted.

But why worry about that? Just be careful around buses and take your time.