Passing A School Bus
S.C. Code 56-5-2770 and S.C. Code 56-5-2780 — stop for the red lights from either direction, except across a four lane road
Stop for the flashing red lights. A driver meeting or overtaking a school bus stopped on a highway or private road, from either direction, stops before reaching it while its flashing red lights are operating, and does not go until the bus moves or the lights stop. A driver may not overtake a school bus with its amber signals on.
A driver going the opposite direction on a multi lane highway or private road need not stop. A multi lane road here has four or more traffic lanes, at least two in each direction.
A first offense is a misdemeanor carrying a fine of at least $500 or up to thirty days, and may be tried in magistrate's court. A second or later offense carries a fine of $2,000 to $5,000 or thirty to sixty days.
Where passing a stopped bus causes great bodily injury or death to a pedestrian, it is a felony with higher fines and terms and a license suspension for the term plus one year. A bus may carry a video recorder showing vehicles passing it. Whether a particular stop was required is a question for a licensed South Carolina attorney.
Sources for this section (2)
- S.C. Code 56-5-2770 — Meeting, overtaking and passing school bus
- S.C. Code 56-5-2780 — Penalties for unlawfully passing a stopped school bus
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed South Carolina attorney.