Missouri increases penalties for drivers who illegally pass stopped school buses

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

MISSOURI (KBSI) — Missouri drivers who illegally pass a stopped school bus will face tougher penalties under a new state law taking effect Friday.

Beginning Aug. 28, drivers convicted of failing to stop for a school bus that is loading or unloading students will receive five points on their driver’s license, according to the Missouri Department of Transportation.

The new penalties were approved through Senate Bill 1421.

Under the law, a first offense carries a court-ordered driver’s license suspension of 90 days, or another period designated by the court, and a fine ranging from $500 to $1,000.

A second offense within five years carries a 90-day license suspension and a fine between $1,000 and $2,000.

Drivers convicted of a third or subsequent offense within five years face a 180-day license suspension and a fine ranging from $1,500 to $3,000.

Penalties increase if a child is struck, injured or killed.

MoDOT is also reminding drivers when they are required to stop for school buses.

Yellow flashing lights mean a school bus is preparing to stop to pick up or drop off students. Drivers should slow down and prepare to stop.

When a school bus displays red flashing lights and extends its stop arm, drivers who are required to stop must do so before reaching the bus. They must remain stopped until the lights stop flashing, the stop arm is withdrawn, and the bus begins moving or the bus driver signals them to proceed.

On a two-lane road, with or without a center turn lane, traffic traveling in both directions must stop.

On a four-lane road with a center turn lane, only vehicles traveling in the same direction as the school bus are required to stop. The same rule applies on a four-lane divided highway with a median.

At intersections and four-way stops, vehicles traveling toward, behind or turning in the direction of the school bus are required to stop. Drivers traveling in other directions should continue to use caution.

Drivers are not required to stop when a school bus is loading or unloading students without its flashing lights or stop arm activated, such as when a bus is in a designated school loading zone.

MoDOT is urging motorists to remain alert for school buses and children waiting along roadways as students return to school.