Stopping for School Bus Changes in Georgia

Summer is officially over for thousands of school kids. Now that school is back in session, drivers need to be alert for kids and buses on the roads.

On July 1st, Governor Nathan Deal signed House Bill 978 into law. House Bill 978 helped set up automated speed traps in school zones, but in one paragraph it also amended the law for driver’s passing school buses.

Before, only a grass or concrete median meant drivers heading in the opposite direction didn’t have to stop. Now, in addition to a median, if there’s a turn lane present when a bus is loading or unloading opposite traffic no longer has to stop.

Buses in Georgia are not routed for stops where students have to cross multiple lanes of a highway, with a turn lane but that doesn’t mean the students don’t find ways to cross those highways after the bus is gone.

Some transportation officials say the law before was easier for many drivers to understand where a physical concrete or grass median meant you didn’t have to stop. The fine for passing a stopped school bus was also changed in the new law. Instead of a threatening $1,000 fine for multiple offenses, the punishment is now capped at $250 instead.

Ride Safe!

Chuck Watwood
LawBike.com
770-650-0016