As students across Massachusetts return to school, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is reminding drivers to use extra caution around school buses, bus stops, and school zones and to follow state laws designed to keep students safe.
Under Massachusetts law, when a school bus stops to pick up or drop off students and its red lights are flashing, drivers approaching from either direction must stop before reaching the bus. The only exception is for drivers traveling in the opposite direction on a divided highway separated by a physical barrier.
Drivers must remain stopped until the red lights are turned off and the stop-sign arm has fully retracted, unless directed to proceed by a police officer. Motorists traveling behind a school bus must remain at least 100 feet back.
“As students return to school, we are asking every driver to build extra time into your commute so you can slow down and stay alert as school buses are picking up and dropping off children,” said Colleen Ogilvie, Massachusetts Registrar of Motor Vehicles. “Stop when a school bus or van has its red lights flashing and a stop sign extended. Remain stopped until the lights stop flashing and proceed with caution being on the lookout for children.”
“This time of year brings many transitions for communities, children and families,” Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez said. “I’m grateful to the transportation and public safety professionals who get students to and from school safely. I ask drivers to please be patient and careful during back-to-school season.”
The six school bus rules every Massachusetts driver should know:
- Stop when red lights are flashing: Drivers approaching a stopped school bus with its red lights flashing must stop before reaching the bus.
- Traffic in both directions must generally stop: The exception is for drivers traveling in the opposite direction on a divided highway separated by a physical barrier.
- Remain stopped until the lights are off: Do not proceed until the flashing red lights have been turned off and the stop-sign arm fully retracted or a police officer directs you to move.
- Slow down and prepare to stop when the yellow/amber lights are flashing which indicate the bus is slowing down and preparing to stop to load or unload passengers.
- Stay at least 100 feet behind a school bus: Drivers following a school bus must maintain this distance and be prepared for frequent stops.
- Watch for children: Slow down and remain especially alert near bus stops, schools, crosswalks and residential areas.
In Massachusetts, the first offense for failing to stop for a school bus carries a minimum fine of $250, with higher fines and possible license revocation for repeat offenses.
Massachusetts law also allows cities and towns to adopt school-bus camera programs. In participating communities, cameras can document vehicles that illegally pass stopped school buses. Local law enforcement reviews the footage and determines whether to issue a citation.
The RMV inspects Massachusetts school buses three times each year, in addition to the required annual state inspection. Approximately 10,000 buses undergo comprehensive reviews covering brakes, steering, suspension, lights, emergency equipment, interiors and seating.
MassDOT encourages drivers to build additional time into their morning and afternoon travel as school resumes, avoid distractions behind the wheel, and be prepared for increased pedestrian, bicycle, and school bus activity.
