Starting August 16th there's a new school bus warning light regulation that goes into effect. The goal is to encourage drivers to not pass school buses and keep kids safe.
A vehicle approaching a school bus with an 8-light warning system should keep the following in mind:
Amber warning lights are a cautionary message that the bus is coming to a stop and will soon be activating its RED warning lights. Traffic is allowed to bypass the school bus with care.
Red warning lights mean drivers must stop at least 20 feet from the bus and remain stopped until the bus resumes motion or the driver extinguishes the flashing red warning lights.
Failure to do so will result in a minimum fine of $326.50 and four points. This law does not apply to vehicles driving in the opposite direction on a divided highway but does apply if no barrier is present on multi-lane street or highway.
Even if an officer isn’t nearby the bus driver can report your license plate number to police and you will still be ticketed.
Get more information on school bus laws from the Wisconsin DOT here.
