No matter where in Florida you may live, keeping our children and students safe is a community responsibility. There are many guidelines put in place to ensure that our students arrive to and from school safely every single day such as designated crosswalks, School Crossing Guards or Community Service Aides, seat belt laws, and so on. But one law that is absolutely crucial and yet often gets ignored is, “ALWAYS” stopping behind a school bus.
Drivers need to remember that Florida law prohibits passing, in either direction, a school bus that is stopped with its “STOP” sign extended and flashing red lights activated on a two-way street or highway. If the highway is divided by a raised barrier or an unpaved median at least five feet wide you do not have to stop if you are moving in the opposite direction of the bus. Anyone caught passing a stopped school bus or speeding in a school zone can expect to get a costly fine – the Lady Lake Police Department simply will not tolerate violations that could harm a child. We also take into account which side of the bus you chose when violating the law. While neither side is necessarily “safer,” the amount of danger to kids sharply increases if you pass the bus on the right-hand side, as this is the side that the children use to step off of the bus, and therefore are more likely to be struck by your car.
- Drivers who pass a school bus on the right-hand side, will pay a minimum fine of $265.00. A second offense within 5 years of this nature carries an additional $265 fine, as well as the suspension of your license for 180 days to one year. There is a mandatory court hearing for both offenses.
- Drivers who pass a school bus on the left-hand side are no less culpable for their actions. You will pay a minimum fine of $165. A second offense will add another $165 to that total, along with license suspension of 90 days to 6 months.
You will also be required to attend and successfully complete a basic driver improvement course. Submission of successful completion proves to the state that you have reviewed and refreshed your knowledge of Florida traffic laws, including those dealing with school zones and school buses. Please reference Florida State Statute 316.172 and https://www.flhsmv.gov/safety-center/child-safety/school-bus-safety/ for further details.
Although any parent whose child takes the bus to and from school has no doubt cautioned them about the dangers of traffic, we need to remember that children are still young and still learning. With all of the distractions and noises that are abundant on school busses, it’s easy to imagine a child stepping off of the bus and not being able to hear oncoming traffic. We are the adults; it is our duty to abide by the laws put in place and give our children a safe environment in which to learn, play, and grow.
On behalf of the men and women of the Lady Lake Police Department, we wish everyone a productive and safe school year.
