Driving on the roads of Vermont requires awareness, especially when it comes to sharing the road with school buses. School buses carry our most precious cargo—children—so understanding the rules for stopping when a school bus is present is not just about following the law; it’s about ensuring safety for students. Vermont has specific regulations to protect children boarding or leaving school buses, and these rules apply to all drivers on the road.
We’ll break down when and where you need to stop for a school bus in Vermont in this blog article, including different scenarios, the rules set by the state, and will also offer tips to ensure you stay compliant and keep Vermont’s children safe.
For legal help about accidents involving buses, please contact the car accident lawyers at Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law. Our phone lines are open 24-7.
School Bus Stopping Laws in Vermont
When Must You Stop for a School Bus?
In Vermont, it is mandatory for drivers to stop when a school bus is displaying its red flashing lights and the stop arm is extended. This indicates that children are either boarding or exiting the bus, and traffic in both directions must come to a complete stop. This rule applies regardless of whether you are approaching the bus from behind or from the opposite direction.
According to the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), drivers must stop at least 20 feet away from the school bus when the red lights are flashing. This distance ensures that children have a safe area to cross the road.
Stopping on Two-Lane Roads
Most roads in Vermont are two lanes, meaning traffic flows in opposite directions on either side of the road. On these roads, drivers traveling in both directions must stop for a school bus with its red lights flashing. No vehicles may proceed until the lights stop flashing, the stop arm is retracted, and the bus begins moving again.
Stopping on Multi-Lane Roads
Even if you’re on a multi-lane road without a median, you are still required to stop for a school bus in Vermont when its red lights are flashing. Again, this rule applies to traffic traveling in both directions. Unlike some other states, Vermont does not make an exception for multi-lane roads unless a physical barrier (such as a median) divides the traffic.
Exceptions to the Rule
Divided Highways
The only exception to Vermont’s school bus stopping rule occurs when the road is divided by a physical barrier or median. If you are driving on the opposite side of a divided highway from a school bus with flashing red lights, you are not required to stop. However, this scenario is rare in Vermont, as most of the state’s roads are two-lane or undivided multi-lane roads.
It’s important to note that the barrier must be physical—like a concrete median or grassy divider. Painted lines on the road do not count as a barrier. So, if there is no physical separation between lanes, all vehicles must stop regardless of the number of lanes.
What Happens When You Fail to Stop for a School Bus in Vermont?
Failing to stop for a school bus when required is not only illegal in Vermont but also dangerous. The state has strict penalties in place to enforce compliance and protect children.
Fines and Points on Your License
If you fail to stop for a school bus, you may face fines and points on your driver’s license. Vermont’s laws classify passing a stopped school bus as a traffic violation, which can result in a fine and points that may lead to an increase in your insurance rates. The Vermont DMV states that accumulating too many points on your license could eventually result in suspension.
Increased Insurance Rates
Aside from the fines, drivers who are cited for failing to stop for a school bus often see an increase in their insurance premiums. Insurance companies view this violation as a serious offense, as it endangers the lives of children. Therefore, adhering to school bus laws is not only about avoiding penalties but also about keeping your insurance rates manageable.
Safety Tips When Driving Near School Buses
To help ensure you’re following Vermont’s school bus laws and keeping children safe, consider the following safety tips:
- Stay Alert: School buses make frequent stops, and children can appear suddenly. Pay attention to your surroundings, especially when driving in school zones or residential neighborhoods.
- Watch for Yellow Lights: When a school bus activates its yellow flashing lights, it’s a warning that the bus is preparing to stop. Slow down and be prepared to stop, as the red lights and stop arm will follow shortly.
- Be Patient: It may feel inconvenient to stop for a school bus, especially if you’re in a hurry. However, stopping takes only a few moments and ensures the safety of children. Always remain patient and wait until the bus signals that it is safe to proceed.
- Anticipate Stops: During school hours, anticipate that you may encounter school buses. Slow down and keep an eye out for buses, especially when driving in residential areas, near schools, or on routes commonly used by buses.
Call Brandon J. Broderick For Legal Help
Navigating VT car and bus accident claims can be challenging. Fortunately, you don't need to do it alone. The experienced car accident lawyers at Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, are available 24/7 to help you understand your legal options, gather necessary evidence, and build a strong case to secure the settlement you deserve.
Contact us now for a free legal review.