DETROIT – In most scenarios, drivers in Michigan are required to stop when a school bus does -- but authorities in Metro Detroit say many drivers have been ignoring this rule.
In every state in the U.S., drivers are legally obligated to stop when a school bus is stopped and its “stop-arm” -- a post with a stop sign on it -- is extended, or when its red lights are flashing. The rules vary slightly from state to state, but in almost every case: If you’re sharing the road with a school bus that comes to a stop, you should stop, too.
The rule is in place to keep kids safe as they board and exit the school bus. Children are most at risk of getting hurt when getting on and off the school bus and crossing the street, compared to when they’re actually riding in the bus.
Police in Ann Arbor said Tuesday that they’ve seen an “uptick in school bus violation complaints in recent weeks.” Drivers who are caught ignoring the rules may get ticketed and have to pay a fine.
When a school bus is stopped to let children on or off, alternating red lights will flash on the bus. Most buses will also have a stop-arm jutting out from the side of the vehicle at the same time.
Here’s a breakdown of when you’re supposed to stop for a school bus in Michigan.
❌ Stop on a two-lane road
Drivers on either side of a two-lane road must stop when a school bus is stopped.
It does not matter what side of the road the school bus is on. All vehicles must stop when a school bus has its stop-arm extended.
❌ Stop on a multi-lane road
Drivers on either side of a multiple-lane road must stop when a school bus is stopped.
Even if there is an unoccupied middle lane, or some other pavement between the travel lanes, drivers on either side of the center lane must come to a complete stop.
❌✅ Some stop on a divided highway
Only some drivers are required to stop for a school bus when traveling on a divided highway.
A divided highway is a roadway that has something dividing the two directions of travel. The divider could just be an unpaved area, or may include an actual barrier or median.
On this roadway, if a school bus is stopped, only the vehicles traveling in the same direction of the bus are required to stop. This includes vehicles driving behind and beside the school bus.
Drivers traveling in the opposite direction on the other side of the divided highway are not required to stop in this case. These drivers are still urged to be cautious.
✋ Keep your distance
Drivers are supposed to stop at least 20 feet away from the school bus, according to Michigan law.
After stopping for a school bus, drivers are not supposed to start moving “until the school bus resumes motion or the visual signals are no longer actuated,” the law reads.
It’s best to make sure no children are in or near the road before you resume driving.
⚖️ Possible punishment
Drivers who do not stop for a school bus are guilty of a civil infraction. Law enforcement can issue a traffic ticket to the driver.
Those tickets can carry fines anywhere between $100 and $500, and potential community service requirements. The driver may also be subject to getting points on their license.
Some school buses are equipped with cameras on their stop-arms. Law enforcement can use that footage to find and fine drivers who do not stop for a school bus.