When my daughter was little, she took the bus to school. One morning, as she was getting on, I saw something shocking. A woman in a sedan stopped behind the bus. The lights were flashing, and the stop sign was out, but she seemed impatient.
She waited behind the bus for just a moment. I could see her talking and waving her arms, clearly annoyed at having to wait for the kids to get on safely. Then she signaled and quickly drove around the bus.
Shock and Surprise
The bus driver and I looked at each other in surprise, then quickly noted the car’s license plate. The driver used the bus radio to report what happened to the dispatch office.
Seeing this while putting my own daughter on the bus made me realize just how much danger kids and bus drivers face every day.
We all feel rushed in the morning, but as drivers, we need to be extra careful around school buses. It’s never worth risking safety just to save a few minutes.
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School Bus Stop Signs Are Not Optional
Every school bus in Arizona has flashing lights and a retractable stop sign. They’re designed to protect our kids as they get on and off the bus. According to Arizona Revised Statutes ARS § 28-857, when that sign swings out and the lights start flashing, drivers are required to stop.
That rule applies to traffic coming from both directions in most situations. Never lose sight of safety and always give children a safe space to cross the street without worrying about passing vehicles.
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When Is It Legal for Drivers to Keep Going?
I said “in most cases” because there is one exception. If you're traveling on a roadway divided by a physical barrier or median that separates traffic, vehicles on the opposite side of the bus don't have to stop.
Outside of that situation, drivers should remain stopped until the bus starts moving again or the stop sign is retracted and the warning lights are turned off.
An Expensive Mistake for Arizona Drivers
Passing a stopped school bus can lead to more than just a ticket. Now, it’s not just witnesses like parents or drivers—many school buses have cameras that record cars that break the law.
A first offense could garner a $250 fine. Repeat violations within 36 months can mean much steeper fines and even a suspended driver's license.
A Few Minutes Is Not Worth the Risk
Kids can be unpredictable, so we have to be extra careful. They may cross the road suddenly or appear where drivers don't expect them. That's exactly why Arizona's school bus laws exist.
If you are running late and see a stopped school bus, slow down and wait. Taking a few extra minutes could help keep a child safe.
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