School Bus Safety
Drivers and other road users: Be patient and leave space anytime you see a school bus.
When you see a bus with upper flashing amber lights activated:
- This pre-signal indicates that the bus is preparing to stop.
- Slow down and prepare to stop whether you are behind or approaching the bus.
- If you are on a road with a median strip, only vehicles coming from behind the bus must prepare to stop.
When you see a stopped bus with upper flashing red lights and/or stop arm activated:
- You must stop whether you are behind or approaching the bus.
- If you are on a road with a median strip, only vehicles coming from behind the bus must stop.
- If you are coming from behind the bus, stop at least 20 metres away.
- Do not go until the bus moves, the lights have stopped flashing and/or the stop arm is no longer activated.
- It is dangerous and illegal to fail to stop for a stopped school bus that has its red lights and/or stop arm activated.
Penalties
There are serious consequences for drivers who fail to stop for a stopped school bus with its upper red lights flashing and/or stop arm out.
- First offence: $400 to $2,000 and six demerit points.
- Each following offence: $1,000 to $4,000, six demerit points. and possible jail time (up to six months).
- Demerit points remain on your driving record for two years from the date of the offence.
Stop arm cameras on school buses
The registered owner of a vehicle illegally passing a school bus that is caught by camera technology or is reported by the school bus driver or other road user, may be charged and fined.
For more information on school bus safety, pedestrian crossing, and more, check out the resources down below. You can also visit the Ministry of Transportation Website