Stopping For A School Bus Laws In California

July 18, 2023 Posted In Bus Accidents

In California, there are specific regulations in place to protect students as they board or exit a school bus. Understanding and adhering to these laws is crucial in preventing vehicle accidents and keeping our communities safe.

The Purpose of Stopping for a School Bus Laws

The primary purpose of stopping for school bus laws is to prevent accidents involving other vehicles that fail to stop. By obeying these laws, drivers can ensure the safety of children crossing the street in close proximity to the bus and minimize the risk of injuries or even fatalities.

Exceptions to Stopping For a School Bus

California law requires drivers to stop for a school bus in most situations, but limited exceptions apply under California Vehicle Code § 22454:

• Drivers do not need to stop for a school bus when traveling on the opposite side of a four-lane highway divided with a physical barrier or median. Painted lane markings alone do not qualify as a divider.
• On a two-lane highway, drivers traveling on the opposite side of a road with a median can also continue cautiously.

No exception applies to drivers traveling behind a school bus. Vehicles in the same direction must always stop once red lights activate and the stop arm extends, regardless of the number of lanes.

California’s Stopping for a School Bus Laws

In California, the stopping for a school bus laws are defined under the California Vehicle Code (CVC) Section 22454. Here are the key aspects:

Vehicles Must Stop

According to CVC Section 22454(a), all drivers must stop when a school bus displays its flashing red lights and has its stop signal arm extended. This applies to vehicles traveling in the same direction as the bus, as well as those approaching from the opposite direction on a two-lane road.

Stop at a Safe Distance

When stopping for a school bus, it is essential to maintain a safe distance of at least 20 feet behind or in front of the bus. There are a few exceptions to the stopping requirement. If a bus is stopped on the opposite side of a divided highway or a multi-lane highway with two or more lanes in each direction, vehicles traveling in the opposite direction do not need to stop. However, it is still crucial to exercise caution and be prepared to stop if necessary.

Other California School Safety Laws to Keep in Mind

California law imposes heightened duties on drivers near schools to protect pedestrians and cyclists. Under California Vehicle Code § 21950, drivers must yield to pedestrians in both marked and unmarked crosswalks. This duty applies regardless of whether a crossing guard is present.

School zones often carry reduced speed limits, sometimes as low as 15 miles per hour during school hours. Speeding in a school zone increases injury risk and can lead to enhanced penalties if a child or pedestrian is harmed.

Cyclists, including children riding to and from school, have the same rights to the roadway as motor vehicles. Drivers must provide safe passing distance and avoid actions that place cyclists at risk.

Drivers must also obey crossing guards, respect designated school crossings, and avoid passing stopped vehicles at crosswalks. Violations involving pedestrians or cyclists near schools are strong evidence of negligence in injury claims.

Penalties for Violating the Stopping for a School Bus Laws

Failing to stop for a school bus can have serious consequences. In California, a first offense is a fine of $150 to $250 and 1 point on your driving record. A second offense is a fine of $500 to $1,000. A third offense is a license suspension for one year. The severity of the penalty can also vary if an accident and injuries occur. 

Common Causes of School Bus-Related Accidents

Many school bus-related accidents occur because drivers rush, become distracted, or misunderstand the law. Common causes include:

• Distracted driving near school zones
• Speeding through residential areas
• Misjudging when it is safe to proceed
• Attempting to pass a stopped school bus
• Ignoring flashing red lights

These behaviors place children at extreme risk, particularly during morning and afternoon drop-off times when visibility decreased due to traffic congestion.

What to Do If a School Bus Accident Causes Injuries

If a driver fails to stop for a school bus and causes an accident, take the following steps to protect both safety and legal rights:

• Call emergency services and report the accident.
• Seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries seem minor.
• Follow all medical recommendations and attend follow-up appointments.
• Obtain the names, contact information, and insurance details of all drivers involved.
• Identify the school bus number, district, or operator if applicable.
• Gather witness names and contact information.
• Take photographs of the scene, vehicle positions, traffic signals, and visible injuries.
• Request a copy of the police report as soon as it becomes available.
• Preserve clothing, damaged personal items, and medical records.
• Avoid discussing fault at the scene or making statements to insurance adjusters.
• Document symptoms, pain levels, and limitations in daily activities.

Speak to a Riverside Bus Accident Lawyer as soon as possible. Contacting an experienced accident attorney early allows evidence to be preserved, protects your rights, and ensures the violation of California school bus safety laws is properly used to establish negligence.

How California’s Stopping For A School Bus Laws Impact Accident Liability

When a driver fails to stop for a school bus, it creates a presumption of negligence. Negligence is the legal principle that forms the basis for holding someone responsible for their actions or inactions. In the context of stopping for a school bus law, if an accident occurs due to a driver’s failure to stop, the presumption of negligence may work against them in determining liability.

As a result, legal action can be taken by the injured parties or their families to seek compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other related damages. In addition to civil liability, criminal charges may be brought against the driver if their negligence resulted in severe injuries or fatalities.

If you or a loved one has been injured by a negligent driver who failed to stop for a school bus when necessary, speak to a Riverside Bus Accident Lawyer. They can discuss your legal options in a free consultation and ensure you recover the compensation you deserve.