Back to school bus safety reminders

ST. JOSEPH, Mich.-- The Berrien County Sheriff's office would like to remind drivers of bus safety tips for this school year. 

What do yellow flashing lights indicate? 

The Michigan school bus traffic laws do not specifically address this, but they recommend that you prepare to stop when you see a school bus’s overhead yellow lights flashing. Proceed with caution when the yellow hazard warning lights are flashing.

Red flashing means no passing 

The Michigan school bus traffic laws prohibit drivers from passing a school bus that has “stopped” and is “displaying 2 alternately flashing red lights located at the same level.” (MCL 257.682(1)). 

This applies to drivers who are traveling in the same or opposite direction of the school bus. 

Penalties for passing a stopped school bus 

Drivers who fail to stop for and/or who pass a school bus that is stopped and has its red lights flashing is responsible for a “civil infraction” under the Michigan school bus traffic laws and are subject to a fine between $100 and $500 as well as court costs. . (MCL 257.682(1); 257.907(2) (l) and (4) 

If passing on a school zone, that fine is doubled. 

Sheriff Heit asks that all drivers stay alert while driving during this school year. Refrain from distractions such as texting, using a cell phone or eating while waiting for a stopped school bus.