School Year Begins Next Week NYSDOT Reminding Drivers to Stop For Stopped School Buses

Students will begin their school year starting on Tuesday, September 3rd with some districts beginning on Wednesday, September 4th. The New York State Department of Transportation (DOT) is sending out a friendly reminder on when vehicles must stop when a school bus has their red flashing lights on when loading/unloading students.

The DOT says the law applies to all vehicles traveling on two-lane, multi-lanes including a center turn lane, and a divided highway. The DOT says when the bus stops, you must also stop. 

Since 2019, school districts have been authorized to use stop-arm cameras to catch vehicles illegally passing stopped buses. Fines can range from $250 for a first time violation and up to $300 for each violation in an 18-month period.

Motorists are also being asked to use extra caution next week as students will be walking to the bus stop or the school itself and to be patient.