Commercial vehicles: School bus safety
New law change: flashing red lights mean stop
Know the law. Protect our kids.
In March 2026, Minnesota law changed to require drivers to stop at least 20 feet away from a school bus whenever the red lights are flashing. The stop arm does not need to be fully extended. This new requirement aims to remove confusion and clarify expectations for every driver on the road.
What changed
In the past, some drivers waited until the stop arm was fully extended before stopping.
That is no longer the case.
Now, the rule is simple:
When a school bus’s red lights begin flashing, you must stop — no exceptions — at least 20 feet away from the bus.
- This applies whether the stop arm is extended or not.
- This applies when approaching from behind the bus.
- This applies to oncoming traffic on undivided roads.
This change removes guesswork and helps protect students as they enter or exit the bus.
Stop for school buses: It's the law!
Information for drivers
School buses give drivers advance warning before stopping. Drivers should slow down, pay attention and anticipate school children and buses, especially in neighborhoods and school zones. The best way to be aware of your surroundings at all times is to put the distractions away.
Flashing yellow lights
- The bus is preparing to stop.
- Slow down and be ready to stop.
Flashing red lights
- Students are entering or exiting the bus.
- Drivers must stop at least 20 feet from a school bus. Motorists traveling in the opposite direction on a divided roadway are not required to stop.
Why it matters
Children are unpredictable. They can suddenly cross into traffic without warning or move into areas where drivers can't see.
Drivers cannot always see every part of the road, especially around a stopped school bus.
Know the difference: stopping for schools buses on divided and undivided roads
Undivided roadways
- Traffic in both directions must stop at least 20 feet away.
Divided roadways
- Only traffic behind the bus must stop at least 20 feet.
- Motorists are not required to stop for a bus if the bus is on the opposite side of a separated roadway (median, etc.) — but they should remain alert for children.
Information for parents and students
- When getting off a bus, look to be sure no cars are passing on the shoulder.
- Wait for the bus driver to signal that it's safe and cross in front of the bus where the driver can see you.
- Always look both ways before crossing a street.
- When crossing the street to get on the bus or to go home, make eye contact with drivers before proceeding.
- Parents and caregivers should reinforce safe habits and remain alert during pickup and drop-off times.
Penalties and enforcement
- Drivers who violate the law can face a $500 fine.
- Drivers can face more severe criminal charges for passing a school bus on the right, passing when a child is outside the bus, or injuring or killing a child.
- Law enforcement agencies across Minnesota actively enforce this law.
- In addition, thousands of school buses are equipped with stop-arm cameras that capture violations and help hold drivers accountable.
School district staff or school bus contractor staff can report school bus stop-arm violations using the stop-arm violation report form.
Stop-arm violation citations by year
| 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,075 | 1,176 | 512 | 773 | 1,012 | 1,864 | 2,105 | 2,063 | 10,580 |
Annual stop-arm survey
Each year, bus drivers across the state participate in a one-day, stop-arm survey. During this time, bus drivers note the number of drivers they see and how many violate the stop-arm law.
| Year | Number of school bus drivers who participated | Number of violations school bus drivers observed |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3209 | 364 |
| 2025 | 3,472 | 514 |
| 2024 | 2,875 | 476 |
| 2023 | 3,142 | 527 |
| 2022 | 4,359 | 1,003 |
| 2019 | 2,376 | 625 |
| 2018 | 2,802 | 583 |
| 2017 | 3,659 | 703 |
| 2016 | 2,623 | 529 |
Teaching aids
The Office of Pupil Transportation provides educational materials that teachers, school bus drivers, parents and others can use to teach others about school bus safety.
School bus aware: The way to success
Learn the school bus safety essentials with the School Bus Aware brochure. Share this brochure with your students and parents so everyone understands the fundamentals of riding the bus safely. Download the brochure or order printed copies.
Be ready to ride
Drivers and students share the responsibility of making the trip to and from school safely. Please watch and share this brief video describing how you can Be Ready to Ride.