School Buses Are Back – What’s The Law In New York State?

It's that time again. Back to school for all the kiddies. I'm glad that's no longer the case for me. It's been a few years. Well okay, a lot of years since my school years ended.

The New York State school year begins the week of September 5th (day dependent on each school district.)  Pennsylvania schools are already back in session as are all colleges. And with the 2022-2023 school year back in session, it's a good time to remind motorists of the rules of the road now that school buses are back in full force on our highways, roadways, streets, etc.

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A  Broome County report from WNBF in July stated that "County officials announced there have been over three-thousand violations since the launch of the program last summer (2021) in spite of the $250 fine for a first offense and the increased chances of getting caught with the equipping of buses with cameras on their swing-out stop signs."

That's mind-boggling. Over 3000 violations just one year after cameras were installed on school buses. There are cameras on these buses, so for those who are in a hurry or whatever and don't think they have to stop, you will be caught. And this doesn't even touch on the possibility that a child could be injured or worse.

But I wonder if many of these violations are from motorists who aren't necessarily attempting to pass a stopped school bus but are not aware of some of the rules, including two-lane, multi-lane, and divided highways. It can be a bit confusing. The Broome County Sheriff's Office Facebook page shows a perfect example of the rules for a stopped school bus, below.

Let's all do our part and keep school children safe. And kids - welcome back to school! Better you than me.

[via Broome County Sheriff's Facebook]