Passing a stopped school bus with its stop arm activated will become a crime in Indiana on January 1. The State Legislature has moved Stop Arm violation from being a minor infraction to a misdemeanor.
The Knox County Sheriff’s Department has recently announced it will be watching for Stop Arm violators, especially in the North Knox area.
So these reminders:
Two-Lane Roadways
If a school bus stops on a two lane road and the red flashing lights are activated and the stop arm is extended, all motorists MUST stop.
Multi-Lane Roadways with NO Barrier between Lanes
When a school bus stops on a multi-lane roadway without a barrier and the red flashing lights are activated and the stop arm is extended, all motorists MUST stop.
Multi-Lane Roadway with a Grassy and/or Concrete Barrier
When a school bus stops and the red flashing lights are activated and the stop arm is extended, only vehicles behind the bus MUST stop. Vehicles that are approaching from the opposite side are NOT required to stop.
Here is a helpful diagram from the Indiana State Police
And remember: Stop arm rules also apply at railroad crossings, as well as when students are being picked up and dropped off.
