Michigan Drivers Could Face $500 Fine Passing a School Bus

Every August, Michigan drivers relearn a simple lesson: when the yellow bus starts flashing its lights, you stop. Period.

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With students heading back to class, the Michigan State Police (MSP) are reminding drivers what the school bus lights mean and how expensive impatience can get.

When Michigan Drivers Must Stop for a School Bus

yellow and red bus illustration

Let's make this as simple as possible: If a school bus is stopped in Michigan with its red lights flashing, approaching drivers from either direction must stop at least 20 feet away. You stay there until the bus starts moving again or the flashing signal stops.

There is one major exception. If you're traveling in the opposite direction on a roadway separated by a raised median, physical barrier, or another divider that prevents vehicles from crossing, you generally do not have to stop.

Yellow flashing lights mean the bus is preparing to stop. MSP advises drivers to slow down and prepare to stop rather than trying to squeeze past before the flashing lights turn red.

Passing a Michigan School Bus Can Get Expensive

yellow school bus with yellow school bus

Passing a school bus with flashing red lights can result in a civil fine of $100 to $500. A judge can also order up to 100 hours of community service at the school. Michigan law also allows stop-arm camera footage to be used as evidence of a violation, meaning the bus you blow by may have receipts even when a police officer isn't sitting nearby.

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So, as school mornings return across Michigan, leave home earlier, watch for buses, and remember the kids getting on and off them are not traffic cones with backpacks.