Passing a School Bus
MCA 61-8-351 — stop about 30 feet away from either direction, and a fine of $500 to $1,000 the first time
When a stopped school bus has its flashing red lights on, a driver approaching from either direction stops not less than about 30 feet from it and does not pass until the red lights go off. No one may pass a stopped school bus on the right.
Who handles this in Montana: State Bar of Montana, Licensed Lawyer Montana; and legal aid programs and the state offices, listed in the Montana directory.
When a bus preparing to stop shows flashing amber lights, drivers from either direction slow to a reasonable speed and are ready to stop when the red lights come on.
| Offense | Fine | Or |
|---|---|---|
| OffenseFirst | Fine$500 to $1,000 | Or50 to 100 hours of community service |
| OffenseSecond | Fine$1,000 to $2,000 | Or100 to 200 hours of community service |
| OffenseThird or later | Fine$3,000 to $5,000 | OrNot less than 30 days |
Sources for this section (1)
- MCA 61-8-351 — Meeting or passing school bus -- vehicle operator liability for violation -- penalty
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Montana attorney.