Passing a School Bus
RSA 265:54 — stop 25 feet back from a bus picking up or dropping off children
A driver meeting or overtaking, from either direction, a marked school bus stopped to receive or discharge children stops at least 25 feet away and does not go on until the bus moves or its flashing red lights stop.
Who handles this in New Hampshire: New Hampshire Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service; and legal aid programs and the state offices, listed in the New Hampshire directory.
On a divided highway with separate roadways, a driver need not stop for a bus on the other side. A driver required to stop may never pass the bus on the right.
The bus driver's word is enough. Sworn testimony from the bus driver or another witness that a vehicle failed to stop is sufficient evidence that the owner was driving.
A first offense is a violation with a $150 fine; a later one, $250 to $1,000, and a possible 30 day suspension.
Sources for this section (1)
- RSA 265:54 — Overtaking and Passing School Bus
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed New Hampshire attorney.