Reminder: It Is Still Illegal To Pass A Stopped School Bus In Illinois

After 3 siblings were hit and killed at their Indiana bus stop in 2018, the person responsible for their deaths is getting released early from prison.  Because of this news, this is the perfect time to bring awareness to a law that shouldn't be ignored.

Drivers who have even the slightest thought of hurrying around a school bus when their stop arm is out and red lights are flashing... DON'T BE TEMPTED.  It's dangerous for not only YOU, but also the children crossing the street to get on their bus to go to school.

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An Indiana woman neglected to obey the law in 2018 and it resulted in the death of 3 young children - a sister; Alivia Stahl and twin brothers; Mason and Xzavier Ingle.  No matter how impatient you are, remember there are so many lives at risk when you fail to be vigilant in your surroundings.

In Illinois, for just illegally passing a school bus you can be fined $300 for your first offense.  Committing that offense again results in a $1,000 fine.

You can be charged with the crime of passing a stopped school bus under the Illinois Vehicle Code – and if you’re convicted, the Illinois Secretary of State will also suspend your driving privileges. - ildefense

 

On January 1, 2020, the state of Illinois passed a law that upped the fine for drivers passing stopped school buses – and it comes with big consequences. - ildefense

 

BE IN THE KNOW - Here are just some tips when you approach a school bus from ANY direction of an intersection:

• Two-lane road - all lanes of traffic in both directions have to stop when a school bus is stopped with its stop arm out.

• One-way street - you must stop for a bus with its stop arm out, regardless of the number of lanes on the street.

• Four-lane road - with at least two lanes moving in the opposite direction, only traffic traveling in the same direction as the bus are required to stop.

• You should stop at least 20 feet from the bus when you see the bus’s flashing lights and stop arm.

Please be aware of everything around you when you're driving.  Whether you're the only one on the road or stuck in heavy traffic, it's so important to focus on the road.  To learn more about safety and get more clarity when you approach a school bus zone, check out this website for further info.