When Are You Supposed To Stop For A School Bus In Michigan?

With back-to-school season in full effect, you should expect to see a lot more school buses out and about on the roads/

Before you pass by a school bus or decide not to stop, there are a few things you need to know.

It may not be National School Bus Safety Week until October, but you can learn how to be safe around school buses.

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Michigan School Bus Rules & Regulations

If you do not know when you are supposed to stop for a school bus in the state of Michigan, here is a breakdown for you for future reference.

Keep in mind, that you need to keep your distance from school buses. Michigan law states that drivers should stop at least 20 feet away from a school bus.

Once you have stopped for a school bus, you should not start moving "until the school bus resumes motion or the visual signals are no longer actuated."

All vehicles must stop when a school bus stop arm is extended, regardless of what side of the road you are on at a two-lane road.

That same thing applies to a multi-lane road. Even if there is an unoccupied middle lane, drivers must make a complete stop.

Drivers VS School Bus Possible Punishment

If a Michigan driver is caught not stopping for a school bus, you can be found guilty of a civil infraction.

Michigan police can give you a ticket with a fine of anything between $100 and $500, with a potential community service requirement.

You can also be subjected to getting points on your license. Most school buses have cameras on the stop-arms, which police can use to find and fine the drivers.