FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 23, 2003
CONTACT: SID GAULDEN, 803-896-8755
NEW SCHOOL BUS SAFETY LAW TAKES EFFECT AUG. 1
COLUMBIA -- The South Carolina Department of Public Safety today announced that new legislation takes effect Aug. 1 changing the circumstances in which a driver must stop for a school bus.
Section 56-5-2770 of the South Carolina Code of Laws has been amended to no longer require drivers on a multi-lane highway (two lanes on each side running in opposite directions) to stop for a school bus, which is on the opposite side of the road. The law further states that a school bus route that requires passengers to be loaded or off-loaded along a multi-lane highway must be designed to ensure that a student is not required to cross the highway or road.
“The old law was somewhat confusing as to when drivers had to stop on a four-lane highway,” said Highway Patrol Col. Russell Roark. “The new law not only makes it safer for students to get on and off the bus, but it simplifies the law for motorists as well.”
The fine for passing a stopped school bus can be as much as $1,000 and up to 30 days in jail for a first offense.
When does a driver stop for a school bus? Motorists must always stop when they are traveling behind a bus with flashing amber or red lights. When they are approaching a stopped school bus with flashing red lights from the opposite direction, drivers must stop if they are on a two-lane road. If motorists are on a four-lane (or more) highway or private road and meet a stopped school bus, they do not have to stop. However, drivers should slow down and proceed with caution.
After stopping for a stopped school bus, drivers must not proceed until the bus resumes motion or the flashing red lights have been turned off.
The Highway Patrol, in conjunction with the South Carolina Department of Education, will begin its second year of a special school bus safety enforcement program in August. The program began last fall to ensure that children get to school safely.
The following is a link to the school bus legislation http://www.lpitr.state.sc.us/sess115_2003-2004/bills/3333.htm.
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