School Starts Today in Franklin County -Motorists Reminded to Watch Out for School Buses

School starts today in Franklin County and there will be school buses on the roads in the early morning and in the afternoon.

Motorists are asked to use extra caution and to be on the lookout for children waiting for the bus.

Another reminder for motorists about school bus laws in Georgia.

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.

School bus drivers have one of the most important jobs on the road and work long hours to keep your children safe.

And this year that is especially true with new coronavirus safety protocols in place.

So just a reminder to do your part as school begins to keep our children safe by obeying the laws regarding school buses.