Back to School: Stopping for a School Bus Is Not Optional

Educational guide to Florida school bus law and its penalties.

With the start of the school year, school buses return to our streets. When a school bus is stopped and displays its STOP signal, drivers need to know when they must stop and what consequences can result from ignoring the signal.

What Does Florida Law Require?

When approaching a school bus displaying a STOP signal, the driver must bring the vehicle to a complete stop while the bus remains stopped and may not pass it until the signal has been withdrawn.

When Does Opposing Traffic Not Have to Stop?

On a divided highway, a driver traveling in the opposite direction from the bus is not required to stop when the directions of travel are separated by an unpaved space of at least 5 feet, a raised median, or a physical barrier.

How Much Can the Violation Cost?

Situation	Penalty
Failure to stop for a school bus with its STOP signal displayed	$200 minimum
Passing the bus on the side where children enter and exit	$400 minimum
The violation causes or results in serious bodily injury or death	$1,500

Additional Consequences

A second or subsequent violation for failing to stop for a school bus within a five-year period may result in a driver license suspension of 180 days to 1 year. If the violation causes serious bodily injury or death to another person, additional consequences may apply, including a minimum driver license suspension.

School Bus Cameras

Florida allows certain school districts to use detection systems installed on school buses to document vehicles that violate the stop law. The process and penalties may vary depending on whether the violation is directly observed by an officer or processed through one of these systems.

The STOP Signal Protects Children

A school bus STOP signal means children may be entering, exiting, or crossing the roadway. When you see it, slow down, watch your surroundings, and stop when required by law. A few seconds of waiting can prevent a tragedy.

Knowing the law protects your license, but above all, it protects our children.

Don't Stress • Call Jess!

Sources: Florida Statutes §§ 316.172, 316.173, and 318.18. Educational content; not legal advice.