Police are reminding motorists it is mandatory for drivers to stop for school buses that are actively dropping off or picking up children.
“The penalty for not stopping for a school bus with its red lights flashing starts at $400 and six demerit points,” states a press release from the Wellington County OPP.
“The vehicle owner could also be charged for the offence.”
Police say that on roads without a median (a barrier between the two opposing lanes of traffic):
– drivers travelling in both directions must stop for a stopped school bus with its upper red lights flashing;
– when drivers approach the bus from the front, stop at a safe distance to let children get on or off the bus and cross the road; and
– don’t move forward until the lights have stopped flashing or the bus begins to move.
On roads with a median, opposing traffic is not required to stop.
“You can report a vehicle that doesn’t stop properly for a school bus to police immediately by calling 911 or 1-888-310-1122,” police stated.
“You can also go to the nearest police station and file a complaint.”
Police will ask for several pieces of information, including the date and time of the incident; the make, model, colour and licence number of the suspect vehicle; who was driving; if passengers were boarding or leaving the school bus; and if the vehicle passed the bus from behind or if it was coming toward the bus in the opposite lane.
For information visit mto.gov.on.ca.
