GOHS Reminds Motorists of School Bus Laws as Students Return to Class

School starts Monday in Hart County and on Friday, August 5 in Franklin County and motorists can expect to once again see school buses on the road in the early morning and in the afternoon.

The Governor’s Office of Highway Safety is reminding motorists to use extra caution and to be on the lookout for children waiting for the bus.

Georgia law requires motorists behind a school bus and coming from the opposite direction on a two-lane road must stop to allow children to cross the road.

On two-lane roadways with a center turning lane, all traffic from both directions must also stop when the school bus stops to pick up or let students off.

Also, the same applies to a four-lane roadway without a median separation – all traffic from both directions must stop when the school bus stops.

The same applies to a four-lane road with a center turning lane – vehicles in both directions must stop.

However, on a divided, four-lane highway with a median, only motorists behind the school bus must stop when the bus stops.

Passing a school bus carries a fine of at least $300 for a first offense, $750 for a second offense, and $1,000 for a third offense.

Additionally, the unlawful passing of a school bus will result in 6 points being added to the driver’s license.

For a person under 21 years old, accumulating 4 or more points on their license will result in their license being suspended for 6 months.

A driver over 21 years of age will have their license suspended if they accumulate 15 points in a 24-month period.