Passing A School Bus
75 Pa.C.S. 3345 — stop at least ten feet back while the red lights flash, and a $250 fine
In Pennsylvania, a driver meeting or overtaking a school bus stopped on a highway or trafficway stops at least ten feet before reaching it when its red lights are flashing and its side stop arms are out, and does not go on until the red lights stop. No driver moves again until children who got off the bus have reached a place of safety. At an intersection where a school bus is stopped, a driver stops at the intersection until the red lights stop.
| The bus shows | The driver |
|---|---|
| The bus showsFlashing amber lights | The driverPasses with caution, prepared to stop |
| The bus showsFlashing red lights and side stop arms | The driverStops at least ten feet back and stays stopped |
- On a highway with separate roadways, a driver need not stop for a bus with its red lights on that is on a different roadway.
- A school bus driver who sees a car pass may write a signed report and deliver it to the police within 48 hours, and an officer who finds it sufficient files a citation on it.
A violation is a summary offense with a fine of $250 and a $35 surcharge.
Sources for this section (1)
- 75 Pa.C.S. 3345 — Meeting or overtaking school bus
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Pennsylvania attorney.