LANSING, MI — As students across Michigan head back to school, school officials says drivers should review the state’s school bus and school zone traffic laws.
Michigan law sets clear rules for drivers around school buses and in school zones. Breaking these laws can lead to fines, license points and, in serious cases, criminal charges.
One of Michigan’s main school bus safety laws is known as the “20-foot rule.” Under that state law, drivers must stop at least 20 feet from a school bus when its red lights are flashing. This applies to drivers behind the bus and those approaching from the opposite direction.
It is illegal to pass a stopped school bus when its red lights are flashing. Drivers must remain stopped until the bus starts moving again or turns off its flashing red lights.
There is one important exception. Under Michigan state law, drivers traveling in the opposite direction on a divided roadway do not have to stop. A divided roadway has a raised median, physical barrier or other clear divider between traffic traveling in opposite directions.
Michigan law does not specifically define what flashing yellow lights on a school bus mean. However, the Michigan State Police recommend that drivers slow down, use caution and prepare to stop. Yellow lights usually mean the bus is about to stop.
Here is a recap of the state laws regarding school bus safety:
Penalties for Violating the 20-Foot Rule
Violating the 20-foot rule is a civil infraction. Penalties include:
- A fine of $100 to $500
- Additional court costs
- Double fines if the violation happens in a school zone, which is within 1,000 feet of school property
- No points on the driver’s license
Community service is no longer a penalty for this violation following a 2021 change in Michigan law.
Stop-Arm Cameras Are Watching
Many Michigan school buses now have stop-arm cameras. These cameras are mounted on the “stop” arm that extends from the bus when students are getting on or off.
The cameras can capture photos and video of vehicles that fail to stop. They may record the driver, vehicle make and model and license plate from up to 200 feet in front of the bus.
This footage can be used in court against drivers accused of illegally passing a stopped school bus. It can help law enforcement enforce the law even when an officer does not see the violation.
Comments