As the new school year begins in Tennessee, both state and local officials are issuing a reminder to drivers about the importance of adhering to school bus safety regulations. These laws are crucial for ensuring the safe transportation of children to and from school.
Under Tennessee law, it is illegal and poses a significant danger to pass a school bus that has stopped to load or unload students, indicated by flashing red lights and an extended stop arm. Drivers should familiarize themselves with the following essential rules regarding school bus safety.
On roads that have two lanes or on multi-lane roads lacking a physical barrier, all vehicles must come to a complete stop when a school bus is engaged in picking up or dropping off children, regardless of the direction they are traveling. In contrast, on divided highways that feature a physical median or an unpaved area, only those vehicles moving in the same direction as the school bus are required to stop.
Additionally, motorists must maintain a distance of at least 25 feet from the bus and remain stationary until the bus resumes its journey, the stop sign is withdrawn, or the bus driver indicates that it is safe to continue driving.
Violating the school bus stop law in Tennessee is a serious matter, classified as a Class A misdemeanor. Offenders may face penalties that include fines, suspension of their driver’s license, or even incarceration. To combat this issue, many school districts have installed stop-arm cameras on their buses to capture evidence of vehicles that unlawfully pass stopped buses, which has led to heightened enforcement efforts.
In response to the new school year, law enforcement agencies throughout the state are increasing their patrols in school zones and along bus routes, particularly during the critical times of student pickup and drop-off. Drivers are strongly encouraged to stay vigilant, minimize distractions, and exercise additional caution in residential areas and near schools.
The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security is urging all residents to review these laws and take an active role in safeguarding students throughout the academic year. For further details, individuals can visit the official website at www.tn.gov/safety.