State public safety officials urge drivers to review school bus stop laws as classes resume
August 2, 2026
With students across South Carolina heading back to classrooms, the South Carolina Department of Public Safety is reminding motorists to brush up on state law governing when drivers must stop for a stopped school bus.
In a message posted July 30, the agency asked drivers a simple question: Do you know when to stop for a school bus in South Carolina? Even motorists confident in their answer, the department said, should take a moment to refresh their knowledge so they know what is expected of them.
Passing a stopped school bus is against the law in South Carolina, and violations carry a fine and points against the driver’s license.
Two-lane roads
The department defines a two-lane road as a highway or private road with one traffic lane traveling in each direction. Roads with two lanes separated by a median also fall into this category.On a two-lane road, all traffic in both directions must stop when a school bus activates its red flashing lights and must remain stopped until those lights are turned off. Drivers traveling in the same direction as the bus also may not pass or overtake it once the amber lights begin flashing.Once the lights stop flashing and the stop arm is no longer extended, drivers should proceed slowly and continue watching for children.
Multi-lane roads
A multi-lane road has four or more lanes, with at least two lanes traveling in the same direction. On those roads, only drivers traveling in the same direction as the bus are required to stop while the bus is stopped, preparing to stop with amber and red lights flashing, or displaying its stop arm.Drivers approaching from the opposite direction on a multi-lane road may proceed with caution. Bus routes on those roads are designed so students do not have to cross a multi-lane roadway.
Passenger loading zones
Motorists are not required to stop when a bus is in a passenger loading zone that sits completely off the main travel lanes and where pedestrians are not permitted to cross the road. Even then, the department urges drivers to stay alert for children and proceed with caution.
Additional reminders for motorists
The department also encourages drivers to slow down whenever a school bus or children are present, to watch for students walking in areas without sidewalks, and to be alert for children running late who may dart into the street without looking. Drivers backing out of driveways or garages should watch for students walking or biking to school.
The start of the school year raises the risk of transportation-related injuries for children because morning and afternoon traffic increases and many drivers change their routines. Most crashes involving young children happen between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., and most occur near the child’s own home or street.
School bus safety takes everyone working together every day to keep children safe, the department said in its post.
The full state law can be found in South Carolina Code of Laws Section 56-5-2770. More information, including safety videos and activity sheets for children, is available at scdps.sc.gov/schoolbus.
