What is the law concerning passing a school bus?

Question

I live in Texas and I have tried to find an answer online. What is the law pertaining to passing a school bus on a roadway that has more than two lanes?

Some of these "answers" are hilarious.

Jurydoc got it for me. I went to Texas Department of Public Safety but I could not find the answer. Thanks Jurydoc.

By the way, the reason I am asking is that my son is riding the bus for the first time this year and I have seen too many motorists passing the bus while it is stopped. This morning, one of the motorists was a sheriff.

Answer 1

You cannot pass a stopped school bus in either direction UNLESS you are on a divided road, then you can pass only if you are going in the opposite direction. The divider can be a fence, grass, etc. but if all the lanes are connected, do not pass.

From Texas Dept of Public Safety:
Drivers should also be aware that it is also illegal to pass school buses under certain conditions.

"Motorists approaching a stopped school bus with alternating red flashing lights are required by state law to stop," said Charley Kennington, DPS program administrator for school bus transportation. "Violators face fines of up to $1,000 if convicted."

Drivers should not proceed until the school bus resumes motion; the driver is signaled by the bus driver to proceed; or the visual signal is no longer activated. If a road is divided only by a left-turning lane, drivers on both sides of the roadway must stop for school buses with alternating red flashing lights activated. However, if the lanes are separated by an intervening space or physical barrier, only motorists going in the same direction as the bus are required to stop.

Answer 2

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
What is the law concerning passing a school bus?
I live in Texas and I have tried to find an answer online. What is the law pertaining to passing a school bus on a roadway that has more than two lanes?

Answer 3

I am pretty sure that it is legal to pass a school bus as long as you are following all the other laws. Don't pass a bus if they are stopped with their 'stop' sign displayed, or lights are flashing.

Your best way to find an answer for a local traffic law is to call the department/bureau of motor vehicles. If they can't tell you then whoever answers the phone should be fired. Ask for a drivers ed. law book, it will be in there.

Answer 4

I think the car will pass as long as it meets safety regulations. The reason is because we are talking about motor vehicles. The only way the car itself would not pass is if it doesn't meet the requirements of how many students it can hold. For example, if the driver usually picks up about 6 to 7 children each day, then the car wouldn't pass because most small or regular size vehicles cannot hold that many. But again the state has to decide if it is safe. Now if what you say is right about the car seat not being able to fit, then no it isn't safe. But overall I think the car will pass if there is enough room for each passenger to ride safely.

Answer 5

WHAT, you can't pass buses!

WOW, you really need to plant a bomb on them which the bus driver (namely a hot chick) wouldn't be able to go below (say 55mph) that way you don't need to pass it!

Hey that would be a really cool film, cast someone like Keanu Reeves in it and you're on a winner!

Pah, crazy America laws, in the UK we have bus lanes that most people drive in anyway to undertake other drivers and exceed the speed limit by at least double!

Answer 6

Are you just passing it on a road or passing it to get around because you don't want to stop? If the lights are on, you must stop. (Children pass on both sides of the road. It's a safety issue) This includes traffic going the other direction.

Answer 7

You can not pass a stopped school bus with red lights flashing, from either direction even on a divided highway.

Answer 8

I'm not sure but if it has more then one lane then I'd say your allowed to pass it I know here in Ct on the highway we have 2 lanes & I pass buses all the time nothing ever happens but our roads only have one lane normally not unless your by a casino lol

Answer 9

When there's a school bus, and its picking or dropping off children, all cars must stop. Too bad cops aren't there to ticket the retarded drivers.

Answer 10

You can go to the DMV and get a driving manual to get the laws for Texas. But in this state (I would guess in all states) you cannot pass if they are stopped and have their lights flashing as a child may be crossing the road.