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Passing a School Bus

Iowa Code § 321.372 — stopped no closer than 15 feet while the stop arm is out

  • A driver may not pass a school bus while its red or amber warning lights are flashing.
  • With the bus stopped and the stop arm out, the driver stops no closer than 15 feet and stays stopped until the arm is retracted and the bus moves on.
  • The bus turns on its amber lamps well before the stop and its red lamps and stop arm at the stop.
  • Iowa Code § 321.372
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A first offense is a simple misdemeanor with a fine of $345 to $930, up to 30 days, or both; a second or later offense is a serious misdemeanor.

  • Iowa Code § 321.372
Sources for this section (1)
  1. Iowa Code § 321.372 — Discharging pupils — stopping requirements — penalties

Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Iowa attorney.

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