Passing A School Bus
G.L. c. 90, § 14 — a full stop for flashing red lamps, and at least $250
In Massachusetts, a driver approaching a vehicle marked SCHOOL BUS that has stopped for pupils with its front and rear red lamps flashing comes to a full stop before reaching it and does not go on until the signals are off, unless a police officer directs otherwise. A driver approaching from the opposite direction on a divided highway is outside the rule.
| The offense | The fine | The license |
|---|---|---|
| The offenseA first offense | The fineNot less than $250 | The licenseNot affected by this section |
| The offenseA second offense | The fine$500 to $1,000 | The licenseRevoked, with no new license until 6 months after the revocation |
| The offenseA third or later | The fine$1,000 to $2,000 | The licenseRevoked, with no new license until 1 year after the revocation |
No one may drive within 100 feet behind a school bus, and every school bus carries the words keep back 100 feet on its back.
Sources for this section (1)
- G.L. c. 90, § 14 — Precautions for safety of other travelers
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Massachusetts attorney.