When drivers are on the same side of the road as the school bus, they must never pass a school bus with flashing lights on. Washington drivers in the opposite lane must stop for flashing lights on a two-lane road. Motorists traveling in the opposite direction don’t have to stop if there are three or more lanes or if the lanes are separated by a median or barrier.
The Laws Governing When Drivers Must Stop for Washington State School Buses
Washington State drivers should stay alert and stay off their phones while traveling near a school bus. There are laws that determine when you can pass a stopped school bus, but basic caution and care are also required to keep children as safe as possible.
The Revised Code of Washington makes it clear when drivers should stop and when they can proceed with care:
RCW 46.61.370
“(1) The driver of a vehicle upon overtaking or meeting from either direction any school bus which has stopped on the roadway for the purpose of receiving or discharging any school children shall stop the vehicle before reaching such school bus when there is in operation on said school bus a visual signal as specified in RCW 46.37.190 and said driver shall not proceed until such school bus resumes motion or the visual signals are no longer activated.
(2) The driver of a vehicle upon a highway divided into separate roadways, as provided in RCW 46.61.150 need not stop upon meeting a school bus which is proceeding in the opposite direction and is stopped for the purpose of receiving or discharging school children.
(3) The driver of a vehicle upon a highway with three or more marked traffic lanes need not stop upon meeting a school bus which is proceeding in the opposite direction and is stopped for the purpose of receiving or discharging school children.”
What to Do When You See a Stopped School Bus
The Washington State Department of Licensing explains (Section 4.2) the duties of all drivers when a Bus has flashing lights and a stop-arm extended.
When you are following a school bus:
Drivers must always stop for a bus that is stopped or coming to a stop with flashing lights on. The stop-arm will also be extended. You may go after the lights stop flashing, the sign is retracted, and the metal arm returns to the front bumper of the bus.
When you are traveling in the opposite lanes from a stopped bus:
If it’s a two-lane road, drivers must immediately stop for a bus with flashing lights on. The only exception would be if the two lanes are separated by a median or barrier. Motorists may go after the bus lights stop flashing, the sign is retracted, and the metal arm returns to the front bumper of the bus.
If it’s a road with three or more lanes, motorists in the opposite lanes don’t have to stop for the bus. If it’s a road with a barrier or median between opposing lanes, drivers in the opposite direction don’t have to stop. However, even if drivers are free to continue on, they should still proceed with extra caution.
Additional Safety Tips to Keep Children Safe at a Bus Stop
- Drivers who continue on once the bus is back underway should still be on the lookout for any children who might return to the road.
- Drivers behind stopped buses should never pass a school bus on the right.
- Drivers should never use a turn lane to pass a stopped school bus.
- Washington transportation officials also say that drivers shouldn’t advance until all children have left the roadway.
- Drivers should also watch for children who might attempt to return to the bus for some reason.
The Cost of Passing a School Bus Illegally in Washington State
If you are convicted of passing a school bus illegally, you’ll pay a mandatory fine of $500. The financial penalty can’t be tossed out or reduced.
Of course, there are much more serious consequences when taking unsafe actions around a school bus. Children can be put into harm’s way and have their precious young lives threatened. Those at fault would have to live with the knowledge that they had injured a child or had tragically ended the victim’s life.
An accident caused by a driver passing a stopped school bus could result in higher fines and criminal charges, such as felony vehicular assault.
Talk to a Spokane Child Injury Lawyer in a Free Consultation
Drivers who cause collisions involving children can be held liable for all hospital bills and for the pain children must endure. CCD Law offers a free case consultation for parents in the Spokane area and anywhere in Eastern Washington. It’s a chance to determine how much in support an injury is worth and now to hold a car insurance company fully responsible.
A Spokane child injury lawyer makes sure young victims receive the compensation they need to make a full recovery. Any settlement involving a child should include additional support for the child’s future. This is necessary because an injury can flare up as the child grows and cause problems with development. Victims should have the money to pay for any additional surgery or physical therapy required.
If you need our help winning more in support for your child, you won’t have to worry about the cost of hiring a lawyer. CCD Law works on behalf of child victims on a contingency basis. It means we don’t receive any payment unless we win the case for the family. Then our fee is paid out of the car insurance settlement families receive.