Introduction
School buses carry Utah’s most precious passengers—children. Because children can be unpredictable when boarding or leaving a bus, drivers must always exercise extra caution. Utah law has strict rules about when to stop for school buses to ensure kids can cross the road safely.
Key Rules for Drivers
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Flashing Yellow Lights
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Indicate that the bus is preparing to stop.
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Slow down and prepare to stop.
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Flashing Red Lights & Stop Arm Extended
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All traffic in both directions must stop, unless separated by a physical barrier or median.
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Remain stopped until the lights stop flashing and the stop arm is retracted.
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School Zones & Bus Stops
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Drive at reduced speeds in school zones.
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Watch closely for children running across the street to or from the bus.
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Passing a School Bus
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Illegal and extremely dangerous when the red lights are flashing.
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Penalties include heavy fines, points on your license, and possible suspension.
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Extra Caution in Residential Areas
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Children may dart out between parked cars to catch the bus.
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Stay alert during early morning and afternoon hours when buses are most active.
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Safe Driving Practices
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Keep a safe following distance behind school buses.
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Expect frequent stops and starts along their routes.
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Never try to “beat” a school bus by speeding up before it stops.
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Be patient—protecting children is more important than saving a few seconds.
Why It Matters
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Children are smaller, harder to see, and may not always follow safety rules.
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School bus laws are designed to protect them at their most vulnerable times—getting on and off the bus.
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Your alertness and patience can prevent tragic accidents.
Takeaway
When sharing the road with school buses, the rules are simple: Stop when the lights flash, give children space, and always drive with caution.