It’s back-to-school season. Over the coming weeks, school children of all ages across North Carolina will make their way back into our classrooms. For the rest of us, that means increased traffic on our roads—including the return of school buses.
With this in mind, Daggett Shuler Law would like to share an infographic created by the North Carolina Department of Transportation on North Carolina law regarding school buses. It details when traffic can proceed and—most importantly—when traffic must stop.
- Two-Lane Roads: All vehicle traffic coming from both directions must stop for a school bus.
- Two-Lane Roads with a Center Turning Lane: All vehicle traffic from both directions must stop.
- Four-Lane Roads with No Median Separation: All vehicle traffic from both directions must stop.
- Four-Lane (or Larger) Highways with a Median Separation: Only traffic following the bus must stop.
- Four-Lane (or Larger) Roads with a Center Turning Lane: Only traffic following the bus must stop.
Note that traffic following in the direction of a school bus must always stop with the bus. When in doubt, always stop for any school bus that has stopped on the road.
Be Safe in School Zones
All drivers should be aware of school bus traffic both in and out of school zones, especially when buses are stopped to load or unload students. While the bus is a safe way for your children to travel, preventable accidents in school zones or near stopped buses are all too common.
Know the Penalty
Under North Carolina law, unlawfully passing a school bus carries a minimum fine of $500. Failure to pay this fine prevents a driver from renewing their vehicle registration.
Two convictions in a three-year period can result in a one-year license suspension. If a driver is convicted a third time, the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) can permanently revoke the driver’s license—which leaves them unable to apply for another license for two years.
We Can Help
If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident through no fault of your own, contact Daggett Shuler Law for help. An experienced Motor Vehicle Accident Attorney can handle your entire case and work to secure fair and just compensation for you.
If you have questions about a motor vehicle accident, call Daggett Shuler at 800-815-5500. When you call, you will speak with a Winston-Salem, North Carolina Motor Vehicle Accident Attorney for FREE. We will investigate every detail of your situation at no cost to you—and fight hard to secure the benefits you deserve.