Here’s What Happens If You Don’t Stop For An NJ School Bus

Back-to-school season is upon us, and with that, we're going to see some changes to routines and schedules.

Drivers Need To Watch For School Buses In New Jersey

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We'll also see some changes on the roads; school buses will again be a part of the daily commute, and you're going to want to be extra careful that you don't break any laws when it comes to interacting with a school bus while on the road.

NJ School Bus Safety Laws Carry Heavy Penalties

Something as small as not stopping with enough space between you and a school bus with flashing red lights can lead to major fines, points on your license, and, in severe cases, jail time.

Being aware of school bus safety while driving around Jersey is incredibly important; those buses are transporting people's children, and we want to keep them safe.

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Why I always Stop For School Buses

Personally, even if I come up to a school bus that's just slowing down and putting on its yellow flashing lights, I'll stop. Honk at me all you want, I'm not getting a ticket.

What Happens If You Pass A School Bus Illegally In NJ?

So, what happens if you don't stop for a school bus with its red lights on and its stop sign out?

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NJ Penalties For Passing A School Bus

According to NJ.gov, there are several things that could happen

• For a first offense, it's a fine of no less than $100, and up to 15 days in jail or 15 days of community service
• For a second offense, the fine increases to no less than $250, and you could face 15 days of jail time
• Each offense also comes with 5 points on your license

And if you're unsure of when you're supposed to stop for a school bus, it's anytime you see red flashing lights and a stop sign displayed.

You want to make sure you also stop at least 25 feet from the spot where the bus stops to pick up children.

Exceptions To New Jersey's School Bus Safety Laws

There are, however, a few exceptions to when you have to stop for a school bus.

They're few and far between, but when you're on a divided highway, and a bus is stopped with its flashing red lights, and a stop sign is out, you may proceed at a speed of no more than 10 miles per hour.

You may also pass a bus with its flashing red lights when it's parked directly in front of a school zone, again at a speed of no more than 10 miles per hour.

Most buses have cameras on the outside now to catch people who violate school bus passing laws, so when in doubt, don't pass the bus.