Posted on 8/29/2025

Every day, school buses transport millions of children across the United States. They are one of the safest forms of transportation, but accidents can still happen when other drivers fail to follow the rules. Passing a stopped school bus isn’t just illegal, but in most circumstances, it’s extremely dangerous. Understanding why you must stop, when it’s safe to pass, and why these rules exist helps keep children and communities safe. What the Law Says About Passing a School Bus Traffic laws vary slightly from state to state, but the core rule is the same: when a school bus extends its stop arm and flashes red lights, all traffic in both directions must stop. The only exception is when there’s a physical barrier, such as a median or divided highway. In that case, vehicles traveling in the opposite direction may continue, while those driving behind the bus must stop. In Texas, where Liberty drivers share the road with thousands of buses daily, fa ... read more