With the new school year under way across Maryland, transportation officials are emphasizing the importance of safe driving around school buses. At a weekly briefing, Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich told reporters that motorists must stay alert at bus stops and crossings as children return to classrooms.
State guidance on bus safety
Chrissy Nizer, the head of the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration, explained that drivers must obey the flashing red lights and extended stop arms on school buses. The law requires a minimum 20‑foot distance between a stopped vehicle and the bus, regardless of lane position.
“If you’re traveling in the same direction as a school bus, you are required by law to stop,” Nizer said. “That rule applies on multilane roadways as well. Even on a three‑lane road, you must always stop, no matter which lane you’re in.”
Opposite‑direction traffic
Drivers approaching a bus from the opposite direction must also stop when the stop arm is deployed, unless a physical barrier such as a grass median, concrete barrier, or guardrail separates the lanes. “If there’s no median or barrier, you must stop,” Nizer added.
Penalties for violations
Motorists who attempt to pass a stopped school bus face civil fines of $250 if cited by an automated system. Those stopped by law‑enforcement officers can receive a $570 ticket and three points on their driver’s license.
The reminders come as families across the state prepare for the challenges of a post‑pandemic school year. Parents and school officials hope that stricter adherence to traffic laws will protect children during the critical morning and afternoon pick‑up periods.
Community response
Local parents have voiced support for the heightened enforcement, noting that safe school‑bus practices are essential for protecting their children. “We want drivers to respect the law and keep our kids safe,” said one Montgomery County resident who asked to remain anonymous.
Transportation officials encourage anyone who witnesses a violation to report it to local law‑enforcement agencies. Continued public awareness and compliance are seen as key factors in reducing accidents involving school buses.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
