Keeping our Kids Safe by Obeying the School Bus Laws

The Montgomery County Public Schools school year begins Tuesday, September 5. Please help us get the word out about the importance of knowing and obeying school bus laws. School bus enforcement cameras are generating a concerning number of citations for drivers who either fail to stop, or stop for a moment and then drive on before the red lights are deactivated.

The Law:

• Two Lane & Multi-Lane Roadway: Motorists travelling in both directions -- regardless of how many travel lanes or the presence of a turn lane -- must stop and remained stopped until the bus red lights go off. Remember, “Paint (the line markings on the roadway) Doesn’t Protect” (children crossing the street).
• Multi-lane Roadway divided by a Median Strip: The only time a motorist does not have to stop is when travelling in the opposite direction of a bus on a multi-lane highway that is divided by a physical barrier such as a grassy or paved median strip. In that case alone, only traffic following the bus must stop. Drivers travelling in the opposite direction on the other side of the median strip may proceed with caution.

County government, law enforcement and school officials are dedicated to continuing public education to gain voluntary compliance. You can help by spreading the word to your co-workers, friends and family members. Help us protect our kids!