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What are Indiana’s school bus stop laws? Know when to stop, protect children, and drive safely near school buses. Some apply to all the states.

Schools are starting across America, and Indiana roads will grow busier. Students, school buses, bicyclists, and families will be out on the roads more. Your patience helps children reach school and return home safely. Apply common sense and kindness. Just slow down, stay alert, and follow Indiana school bus stop laws. Drivers must STOP at school bus flashing red lights and extended stop arms. It would be beyond awful to hit a child with your vehicle. Take a moment to share with your newer drivers.

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Know Indiana’s School Bus Stop Law

You may already know Indiana’s school bus stop law. Just in case, Indiana law requires drivers to stop when a school bus displays its extended stop arm. This refresher is worth a minute of your time.

Two Land Roads: Both directions must stop on two-lane roads.

Multi-lane Roads without a physical barrier:  Both directions must also stop.

Divided highways create one exception: Traveling in the same direction with the bus, you must stop. Opposing drivers across a physical barrier or unimproved median (grass, for instance) may continue. Still be watchful. Children are quick. Indiana Code explains the rules. See, also, this information on Indiana’s school bus safety. For other states, take a moment to know your state’s rules.

KNOW THE LIGHTS

Yellow flashing lights warn that the bus will stop soon. Slow down, increase your following distance, and prepare to stop.

Red flashing lights and an extended stop arm signal that children may cross the road. Stay stopped until the red lights stop and the driver withdraws the stop arm. Move only after the bus starts moving.

Back-to-School Driving Checklist

• Leave earlier. Add extra time to morning and afternoon trips. Avoid getting impatient and tempted to rush around a bus.
• Put distractions away. Keep your phone out of reach. Give the road your full attention.
• Watch bus stops and school zones. Look carefully for children. They may enter the road without warning.
• Never pass a stopped bus illegally. Wait until all required signals end. Move only when you can go ahead safely.
• Expect the unexpected. Use extra caution near parked cars, crosswalks, driveways, and areas without sidewalks, especially near a school.

When Must Indiana Drivers Stop for a School Bus?

Indiana school bus stop laws state to stop when the bus displays flashing red lights and extends the stop arm. Follow the divided-highway exception described above. Never pass until the driver withdraws the arm and the bus starts moving. Though this focuses on Indiana, the basics apply to all 50 states.

Safety Is Always the Best Policy

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Passing a stopped school bus can endanger a child and trigger serious legal and financial consequences. Safe driving also helps prevent crashes and insurance claims. Review your auto policy before the school-year routine gets busy. Confirm that your policy lists every driver and vehicle correctly. Make sure your coverage still meets your family’s needs.

Do you have questions about auto insurance? Contact Solo Insurance® for a free rate review. Together, we can help protect Indiana families this school year.

We provide this article for general information, not legal advice. Laws, road conditions or individual circumstances can vary. Review your state’s current guidelines and applicable law for complete, up to date requirements.

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