School buses return to NJ roads: What every driver needs to know
As students return to the classroom, drivers need to know when they must stop for a school bus — and the penalties for not doing so.
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As students head back to school, school buses are becoming a bigger part of the morning commute and that means drivers need to know the rules when they see a bus with its red lights flashing.
In New Jersey, drivers must stop at least 25 feet away when a school bus activates its red warning lights.
On an undivided roadway, traffic traveling in both directions must stop.
There is one exception: Drivers traveling in the opposite direction on a divided highway with a physical barrier or raised median can continue — but must slow down to 10 miles per hour.
School bus drivers say one of the biggest dangers is drivers illegally passing a stopped bus while children are getting on or off.
Drivers who illegally pass a stopped school bus in New Jersey face five points on their license and a fine of up to $250.
Some school districts are also using stop-arm cameras to catch drivers who illegally pass buses. Right now, the use of those cameras is a district-by-district decision.
Bus officials also warn drivers about the 10-foot danger zone around a school bus, where children may be walking, running or crossing.
The bottom line: When those red lights come on, drivers need to stop immediately and give children the space they need to get on and off the bus safely.
Because a few extra seconds on your commute aren't worth putting a child at risk.
