With students across South Carolina returning to school, officials are reminding all drivers to be vigilant and aware of the state’s laws regarding school buses. Understanding these rules is critical for ensuring the safety of children during their daily commute.
South Carolina law is clear: when a school bus activates its flashing red lights and extends its stop arm, vehicles must come to a complete stop. The specific rules on when to stop depend on the type of road you are traveling on.
When You MUST Stop:
- On a Two-Lane Highway: All drivers traveling in both directions must stop. This rule applies regardless of whether the road has a center turn lane.
- On a Multi-Lane Highway (four or more lanes): All vehicles traveling in the same direction as the bus must stop. This includes any vehicles directly behind the bus or in adjacent lanes.
- On Any Highway: All drivers behind the bus, regardless of the number of lanes, must stop. Drivers should not proceed until the red lights are turned off and the stop arm is fully retracted.
When You Do NOT Need to Stop:
- On a Divided Highway with a Physical Median: Drivers traveling in the opposite direction on a divided highway do not need to stop. A divided highway is defined as one with a barrier, such as a concrete wall or a grass median, physically separating the directions of travel.
Stiff Penalties for Violators
Illegally passing a stopped school bus is not just a minor traffic violation; it’s a serious offense with significant penalties.
- First Offense: Drivers face a minimum fine of $500 or can be imprisoned for up to 30 days. In some cases, a court may order community service in lieu of jail time.
- Second or Subsequent Offense: The penalties increase dramatically, with fines ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 and potential imprisonment of up to 60 days.
- Felony Charges: If a violation results in great bodily injury or death to a pedestrian, the driver can face felony charges, hefty fines, and extended prison time, along with a driver’s license suspension.
South Carolina has also equipped many of its newer school buses with stop-arm cameras to capture violations. The recorded video footage can be used as evidence to issue citations to drivers who illegally pass a bus.
With buses back on the roads, the South Carolina Department of Public Safety and local law enforcement are urging all motorists to exercise caution, eliminate distractions, and remain alert in school zones and around bus stops to ensure the safety of every child.
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