Stop Here!
Pure and Simple, STOP for School Buses.
School buses are now equipped with Amber Signal Lights on the back and front of the bus. The amber signal lights flashing means the bus is slowing down and is coming to a stop to pick up or drop off students. When you see a school bus with its amber signal lights flashing, slow down and be prepared to stop. Once you see the bus stopped with its overhead red lights flashing and the stop arm out, you MUST STOP!
All motorists travelling in both directions must stop, regardless of the posted speed limit - 20 metres if you are coming from behind the bus, and a safe distance when approaching from the opposite direction.
The only exception is on a road divided by a median. A median is a barrier - a raised or lowered, paved or unpaved strip dividing traffic travelling in both directions. In this case, only vehicles coming from behind the bus must stop.
Median
No Median
Motorists may proceed only when the lights stop flashing, the STOP arm folds away and the bus begins to move.
In Ontario, failing to stop for a school bus with its red lights flashing and stop arm out will result in the following:
All motorists travelling in both directions must stop, regardless of the posted speed limit - 20 metres if you are coming from behind the bus, and a safe distance when approaching from the opposite direction.
The only exception is on a road divided by a median. A median is a barrier - a raised or lowered, paved or unpaved strip dividing traffic travelling in both directions. In this case, only vehicles coming from behind the bus must stop.
First Offence:
Fine - $400 to $2000
Demerit Points - 6
Subsequent Offence:
Fine - $1000 to $4000
Demerit Points 6 plus possible imprisonment
In either Offence, this could result in increases in your vehicle insurance.
Within Community Safety Zones, the fines under the Highway Traffic Act are doubled. Watch for signs, watch your speed and watch for stopped school buses.
Remember too, school buses are required to stop at all railway crossings, but they are not required to use the upper red lights.
All motorists travelling in both directions must stop, regardless of the posted speed limit - 20 metres if you are coming from behind the bus, and a safe distance when approaching from the opposite direction.
The only exception is on a road divided by a median. A median is a barrier - a raised or lowered, paved or unpaved strip dividing traffic travelling in both directions. In this case, only vehicles coming from behind the bus must stop.
