What Are the Consequences If You Fail to Stop for a School Bus With Flashing Red Lights?

In Buffalo and across New York State, failing to stop for a school bus with flashing red lights is more than a traffic violation. It is a serious offense that endangers children and carries real legal consequences. Many drivers eventually ask, what are the consequences if you fail to stop for a school bus with flashing red lights? These can include steep fines, points on your license, suspension of driving privileges, and even criminal charges. Beyond the law, the greater concern is the safety of children. At O’Brien & Ford, we have helped families affected by these incidents and understand how one careless moment can change lives forever.

Essential Rules for Drivers When Approaching a School Bus

New York traffic laws are clear when it comes to school buses. Regardless of their direction, all drivers must stop when a school bus flashes its red lights. This rule applies in residential neighborhoods, highways, and undivided multi-lane roads.

Chapter 11 of the New York State Driver’s Manual highlights that drivers must share the road with children, who are among the most vulnerable users. The area around a school bus is considered one of the most dangerous pedestrian zones. You must remain stopped until the red lights are off or the bus begins to move again.

Failing to follow these rules can have a ripple effect, leading not only to fines and license penalties but potentially to serious injury or death if a child is struck.

What Happens If You Don’t Stop for a School Bus with Flashing Red Lights?

Drivers who fail to stop for a school bus in New York can face serious legal and financial consequences. These may include:

• A fine between $250 and $400 for a first offense
• Five points on your driving record
• Fines of $600 or more for repeat violations within three years
• License suspension for multiple offenses or if an injury occurs
• Jail time up to 180 days for more serious cases
• Higher insurance premiums due to points and violations
• Potential criminal charges for reckless endangerment or injury

The legal and financial risks are serious, but the emotional toll of a school bus incident can last much longer.

Steps to Take When You Encounter a School Bus with Flashing Red Lights

To protect yourself and those around you, always follow these steps:

• Slow down immediately when you see yellow flashing lights on a school bus
• Stop completely once the red lights begin flashing and the stop arm is extended
• Remain stopped until the bus starts moving or the lights stop flashing
• Watch carefully for children walking or crossing the street from all directions
• Avoid distractions such as cell phones that can delay your response time

Drivers who stay alert and follow these steps help keep children safe and avoid legal trouble.

Why Stopping for School Buses with Flashing Red Lights Is Crucial

Stopping for school buses is required by law and essential for child safety. Every year, children are injured or killed in preventable incidents caused by drivers who ignore school bus signals.

Children may act impulsively. They could drop a backpack and run into the street without looking. They may cross from behind the bus, where they are hard to see. As a driver, you have the power to prevent these tragedies by doing one simple thing: stop.

Safe Driving Tips Around School Buses

The National Safety Council provides helpful reminders for keeping kids safe and reducing your risk as a driver:

• Allow extra distance between your vehicle and a school bus
• Never pass a stopped school bus from behind or from either direction on an undivided road
• Always stop when the bus displays flashing red or yellow lights and extends its stop arm
• Keep a 10-foot safety buffer around the bus at all times
• Stay vigilant, especially in early mornings or afternoons when children are most likely to be walking

These tips are more than just best practices. They are your responsibility as a driver.

Contact a Car Accident Lawyer to Protect Your Rights After a School Bus-Related Crash

Bus-related crashes often create complex legal issues. Whether you are a driver accused of failing to stop for a school bus with flashing red lights or a parent of an injured child, you should not handle it alone. At O’Brien & Ford, we represent clients in Buffalo impacted by school bus and motor vehicle accidents. We understand how overwhelming these situations can feel and will fight to protect your rights and pursue the justice you deserve.

Call 716-222-2222 or visit us online for a free consultation.

Chris O’Brien

Chris O’Brien is a nationally recognized personal injury attorney with over 30 years of experience fighting for accident victims in Western New York. A founding partner at O’Brien & Ford, he has helped recover millions for clients and built a reputation as a top trial lawyer and educator. Chris is a Diplomate of the National College of Advocacy, a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, and was named one of Western New York’s Top Ten Lawyers by Buffalo Business First. He lives in Amherst with his family and their Bernedoodle, Moose.

Years of experience: 33 years
Practice areas: Personal Injury Law, Car Accidents
Location: Buffalo, New York