It’s officially back-to-school season, which means that school buses will be a daily affair again. While safety guidelines regarding sharing the road with buses are the same throughout the U.S., laws about stopping for school buses vary by state.

As a Kansas City Personal Injury Law Firm, we feel it is important for drivers to know the difference between these laws in Missouri and Kansas. Let’s dive in, shall we?

 

Safety First 

Before we start talking about the law, let’s go through the basics of roadway safety when driving near buses.

  • Maintain a following distance of at least 10-20 feet, or three car lengths between yourself and a school bus.
  • Avoid bus drivers’ blindspots including directly below and in front of the side flat mirrors, and directly behind the back bumper.
  • Try to avoid driving within danger zones, which are located anywhere within a ten foot radius of the bus.
  • When driving in school zones, always follow the speed limit, use defensive driving techniques, and keep an eye out for children who may not be paying attention.
  • Always be prepared to stop at crosswalks, even if you don’t see anyone waiting to cross yet. Last-minute crossers may run through without looking.
  • Exercise caution in school zones even when school is not in session. Students may be present for sporting events, after school clubs, tutoring, or other activities.

 

Bus Stops 

When a bus is stopped or about to stop, the vehicle will signal other cars.

  • The hazard lights are on the bottom half of school buses. If you see these lights flashing, the bus has stopped to let children aboard, but children won’t be crossing the street to get on.
  • When lights are flashing near the top of a school bus, it means that the vehicle is slowing to a stop. This is typically signaled about 200-500 feet before the bus completely stops.
  • Flashing red lights, which are usually accompanied by an extending stop sign or mechanical arm, mean that the bus is stopped to let children on or off.

 

Kansas vs. Missouri

 On all two-lane roads in Missouri, drivers are legally obligated to stop for school buses when “stop” signals are extended. Drivers can resume moving once the signal is retracted and the bus has begun moving forward. On roads with four lanes or more, drivers driving in the opposite direction of the bus can pass, but must do so with caution. Drivers do not have to stop when a bus is in a loading zone.

The majority of school bus related laws in Kansas are the same as Missouri, with one exception.

Traffic moving in the opposite direction of a stopped school bus must stop, even on four-lane roads if there is no medium separating lanes in Missouri.

The consequences for violating state laws regarding driving near school buses also vary. If the risk of causing an accident or harming a child isn’t enough, we hope knowing the legal ramifications in Missouri and Kansas will be.

 

Missouri

  • Class A misdemeanor.
  • Fine up to $1,000.
  • Up to 1 year of imprisonment.
  • For a first offense, up to a 90 day license suspension.
  • For a second or subsequent offense, up to a 120 day license suspension.

 

Kansas

  • If the violation is caught by traffic cameras, the fine is $250.
  • If the violation is issued as a citation from the police, the fine can be anywhere between $315 and $1,000 depending on whether or not it was a first offense.

Keep our children safe this school year and abide by all traffic laws and safety guidelines.

If you or a loved one have been injured in an accident caused by another driver’s negligence, or have a personal injury case involving state lines, contact our Kansas City Law Firm to schedule your initial consultation. There, you’ll get free legal advice from a compassionate and experienced personal injury lawyer near you.