Passing A School Bus
Veh. Code 22454 — stop for a school bus flashing red, from either direction
In California, a driver meeting or overtaking, from either direction, a school bus stopped to load or unload schoolchildren and showing a flashing red light signal and stop signal arm stops immediately before passing it, and does not go past until the red light and the stop arm stop operating.
- On a divided highway, or one with two or more lanes of travel in each direction, a driver need not stop for a bus on the other roadway.
- The section also applies to a roadway on private property.
A bus driver who saw a car pass in violation may report its plate, description, time and place within 24 hours, and the police agency then sends the registered owner a warning letter. The letter does not go on the driving record and does not prevent any other penalty.
Sources for this section (1)
- Veh. Code 22454 — School bus: passing while stopped with flashing red signal lamps
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed California attorney.