According to Michigan Law, if a school bus is stopped and its red lights are flashing, drivers must stop at least 20 feet from the bus (MCL 257.682(1)). Failure to abide by this law can result in a civil infraction and a fine of up to $500.
In this guide, we explain the times when a driver must stop for a stopped school bus, if it is ever okay to pass a stopped school bus, and the consequences for illegally passing a stopped school bus in Michigan.
Can Motorists Ever Pass a Stopped School Bus in Michigan?
No. Michigan Law states, “The operator of a vehicle overtaking or meeting a school bus that has stopped and is displaying 2 alternately flashing red lights located at the same level shall bring the vehicle to a full stop not less than 20 feet from the school bus and shall not proceed until the school bus resumes motion or the visual signals are no longer actuated.” (MCL 257.682(1))
This law applies whether you are approaching a stopped school bus from behind or from the opposite direction.
When “Overtaking” a School Bus
“Overtaking” refers to vehicles approaching a school bus from behind. If you are driving behind a school bus you should:
- Be conscious of the overhead lights, located near the roof of the school bus. If these lights are flashing yellow, be prepared to stop.
- When the overhead lights change from yellow to red, you must stop at least 20 feet from the back of the school bus.
- You may only proceed once the school bus deactivates its lights or begins moving again.
When “Meeting” a School Bus
“Meeting” a school bus refers to approaching a stopped school bus while traveling in the opposite direction. If you are approaching a stopped school bus with its red lights flashing, you must stop at least 20 feet away, subject to Michigan’s exceptions for divided highways and other circumstances described below.
When You May Not Be Required to Stop for a Stopped School Bus
There are two instances when drivers are specifically permitted to pass a stopped school bus:
- The first instance is when you are traveling in the opposite direction of a school bus on a road that has a dividing physical barrier (like a median).
Michigan Law states, “Except where a crosswalk or pedestrian walkway is present, the operator of a vehicle on a highway that has been divided into 2 roadways by leaving a raised intervening space, or by a physical barrier, or clearly indicated dividing sections so constructed as to impede vehicular traffic, is not required to stop upon meeting a school bus that has stopped across the raised intervening space, physical barrier, or dividing section.” (MCL 257.682(2))
If you encounter a school bus stopped on the other side of a divided highway, it is important to check if there is a crosswalk or walkway nearby. If there is, you should stop. If there is not, be sure to proceed with caution.
- The second instance is when a stopped school bus is displaying flashing yellow hazard warning lights. Not to be confused with overhead lights, hazard warning lights are located near a bus’s taillights and headlights. If the overhead lights are flashing yellow, you should be prepared to stop.
Photo courtesy of Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning
In the situations described in MCL 257.1855(2)(e), a school bus might use its hazard warning lights to indicate a “hazard stop”. Michigan State Police states that drivers are not required to stop for a school bus performing such a maneuver.
While you are not required to stop for a school bus making a hazard stop, you should still proceed with the utmost caution.
Consequences for Passing a Stopped School Buss
When in doubt, you should always stop for a stopped school bus. It is better to be cautious and potentially spend a couple seconds waiting than to be rash and potentially endanger a child’s life.
If the desire to keep children safe is not enough to make you want to stop, the consequences of illegally passing a stopped school bus might make you think twice.
In Michigan, illegally passing a stopped school bus is a civil infraction punishable by a fine of up to $500 (MCL 257.682(1)). Additionally, if you are in a school zone (within 1,000 feet of school property) fines may be doubled depending on when the violation occurs.
If you cause injuries or death, the consequences are much more severe. Passing a stopped school bus and causing an injury can result in a misdemeanor charge and a fine of up to $1,000 and/or up to one year in jail. Causing a death can result in a felony charge and a fine of $7,500 and/or up to 15 years in prison (MCL 257.601b(2)-(3)).
And don’t try to be sneaky. Many school buses now have stop-arm cameras meant to capture careless drivers. If one of these cameras catches a violation, the driver may receive a citation and face a civil fine of $100 to $500 (MCL 257.682(4)-(5)).
Talk to an Experienced Michigan School Bus Accident Attorney
Michigan state law requires drivers to stop no less than 20 feet from stopped school buses displaying flashing red overhead lights. Failing to do so can result in citations and fines.
Unfortunately, not every driver follows Michigan’s school bus laws. If your child was injured by a driver who failed to stop for a school bus, your family may have legal options. An experienced Michigan car accident attorney can help you understand your rights and determine what steps you should take to pursue compensation for your child’s injuries.
At Femminineo Law, we have been helping Michigan pedestrian car accident victims for over thirty years. The Femminineo Law Accident Response Team will be able to review the circumstances of your child’s accident, preserve critical evidence, and help you build the strongest claim for compensation possible.
Give us a call at 855-65CRASH or schedule a free consultation with Femminineo Law today.
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