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School bus safety

Stop for school buses – it’s the law

Most school bus injuries happen as students are boarding or leaving the bus or crossing the street.

Drivers who don't follow provincial bus safety laws will be fined. First offence penalties can be up to $2000 and 6 demerit points. Each following offence can be $1000 to $4000 and six demerit points and possible jail time (up to six months).

Stop-arm camera regulations follow the Ontario Highway Traffic Act: Section 175. 11, 12.

Remember to be patient and leave space anytime you see a school bus.

Follow these guidelines to help protect students’ safety.

For all types of roads

  1. Be ready to stop.

    Always be ready to stop for a school bus at any time, not just within school hours.

  2. Pay attention.

    Always pay attention to a school bus when the upper lights are flashing whether you’re behind the bus or approaching it from the front.

  3. Resume driving when it’s safe to do so.

    Wait for the red lights to stop flashing, the stop arm to fold away, and the bus to begin moving before continuing your route.

Roads without a median

A median is a permanent divide that separates each direction of traffic.

Medians may be raised or depressed.

If you’re travelling on a road without a median:

  1. Know when to stop.

    Vehicles in both directions must stop when a school bus stops.

    As it slows down, the bus will activate its stop arm and amber lights then the flashing red lights to signal the bus is stopping.

  2. Know where to stop.

    If you’re driving behind the bus, stop at least 20 m (65 ft.) away.

Roads with a median

If you’re driving in the same direction as the school bus, stop at least 20 m (65 ft.) away.

You do not need to stop if you’re driving on the other side of the median in the opposite direction of the school bus.

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