COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — As students begin to return to school after the summer break, it’s important for drivers to be mindful of school buses.
Ohio law requires drivers to stop for any school bus with flashing red lights, with limited exceptions for roadways with four or more lanes, leaving at least 10 feet between the bus and their vehicle.
On a two-lane road, all drivers must stop in both directions.
On a two-lane road with a center turn lane, all drivers must stop in both directions.
On a four-lane road, only drivers on the same side of the road as the bus must stop. Drivers in all lanes must stop at least 10 feet behind the bus.
On a road with four lanes and a center turn lane, drivers on the same side of the road as the bus must stop at least 10 feet behind the bus. Drivers on the opposite side may continue.
Drivers should prepare to stop when the bus lights are flashing yellow, and they must stop when the lights are red, even if there’s no stop sign on the bus. Wait for children to exit the roadway or a signal from the bus driver before continuing to drive.
Drivers who violate Ohio’s school bus stopping laws can be fined up to $500 and may have their license suspended. Those who violate the law must show up in court to defend the citation and cannot enter a written guilty plea or waive their right to contest.
