Skip to content 
Essential Guidelines for Driving Around School Buses in Oakland, California
The back-to-school season ushers in a busy period as schools across Oakland resume in-person classes. After a significant hiatus of remote learning, it’s crucial for parents and drivers alike to brush up on the rules of the road, particularly when it comes to safety around school buses. These large, iconic yellow vehicles adhere to specific regulations designed to ensure the safety of children during their commutes to and from school.
With increased traffic from school buses and students frequenting the roads again, understanding and following safety regulations is more crucial than ever. As a reminder, safety is the utmost priority for everyone involved. According to data from the National Safety Council (NSC), 109 individuals lost their lives in school bus-related accidents in 2019 alone. This statistic underscores the importance of vigilance while driving near school buses.
In this article, we will share valuable rules for driving around school buses and essential safety tips tailored for both parents and students. By incorporating these practices, we can collectively minimize risks during the school year.
Key Rules for Stopping for a School Bus
When you encounter a school bus with red flashing lights, the law mandates that you must stop. Drivers are required to maintain a distance of at least 20 feet behind the bus until the lights cease flashing. Only then may you proceed with your journey. School buses often feature stop-arms that extend to alert drivers to the presence of children crossing the road.
In circumstances where a school bus is stationed on the opposite side of a highway that has two or more lanes in each direction, stopping may not be necessary. However, always remain conscientious to adhere to pertinent regulations.
If you see yellow flashing lights on a school bus, it serves as a warning to slow down and prepare to come to a stop. Accordingly, you should do just that.
Consequences of Passing a School Bus
In California, the penalties for passing a stopped school bus are severe, including a potential fine of up to $1,000 and/or a suspension of your driver’s license for one year. Such penalties can have significant repercussions, affecting your daily commute, job performance, and overall lifestyle. The loss of driving rights can complicate simple tasks such as commuting to work or taking your children to school.
More gravely, if you violate this law and cause injury or death, you could face serious charges, including reckless endangerment or vehicular manslaughter.
For instance, should you drive under the influence while passing a school bus and subsequently cause a fatal accident, you could be subjected to up to six years in state prison. Conversely, simply texting and driving while committing the same offense could result in one year in county jail. Each case is unique, and penalties reflect various factors, including prior offenses and the specific circumstances surrounding the incident.
Impact on Your Driving Record for Passing a School Bus
If found guilty of passing a stopped school bus, you will generally receive one point added to your driving record. Accumulating too many points within specified periods results in more severe penalties. Be cautious as these accumulating points can lead to license suspension. The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) outlines that accumulating the following points can have significant repercussions:
- 4 points in 12 months
- 6 points in 24 months
- 8 points in 36 months
Speed Regulations in School Zones
For drivers in Oakland, California, the laws regarding speed limits in school zones are clear. When you are within 500 to 1,000 feet of a school while children are outside or crossing, the speed limit is reduced to 25 mph unless otherwise specified. In some zones, particularly those without fencing, the limit may drop to as low as 15 mph.
Failure to adhere to these speed limits could result in fines and points against your driving record. To evade potential legal consequences, always remain alert and drive cautiously in school zones.
Safety Tips for Parents and Guardians
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) offers practical advice for parents to help ensure children arrive safely at school. Taking these steps seriously can significantly contribute to your child’s safety.
Parents should ensure that children arrive at the bus stop at least five minutes ahead of schedule. Always show your child where it is safe to wait—at least six feet from the curb—and remind them not to run around or engage in risky behavior while waiting for the bus.
Before your child boards the bus, emphasize the importance of waiting until the bus has come to a complete stop and the door has opened, giving the driver a signal that it is safe to enter. Advise them to utilize handrails while boarding to prevent falls.
Instruct your children to maintain a distance of at least ten feet from the bus when crossing in front and remind them to make eye contact with the driver before proceeding. Emphasize the danger of walking behind a bus and encourage them to inform the driver if they need to retrieve an item such as a backpack or a ball.
The Importance of Complying with Traffic Laws
Whenever you drive near school buses or in school zones, it becomes incredibly important to stay alert and conduct yourself in accordance with traffic laws. For those in Oakland, adhering strictly to these regulations not only protects our children but also helps maintain the strength of our community.
If you’ve received a traffic ticket related to a school bus or school zone violation, we recommend seeking professional legal advice promptly. The Law Offices of Nabiel C. Ahmed, located in Oakland, California, are dedicated to serving Criminal Defense cases and can provide the skilled legal guidance you need.
Contact us today to discuss your situation and explore your options. You can reach us at (510) 576-5544 for tailored legal representation and support.
Listen on Spotify
