When Do You Have to Stop for a Texas School Bus?

Key Takeaway:
In Texas, drivers must stop when a school bus has flashing red lights and its stop arm extended—or face steep fines, license suspension, and even possible jail time.

Back-to-school season means more buses on the road, carrying children to and from class. To keep them safe, Texas enforces strict school bus laws, and the most important of these is the Stop Arm Rule.

The Stop Arm Rule Explained

When a bus activates its red flashing lights and extends the stop arm, all vehicles approaching from either direction must stop—unless the lanes are divided by a physical barrier, like a median. This rule exists to protect children as they cross the street to get on or off the bus.

Violating the Stop Arm Rule can carry serious penalties: fines of up to $1,250 for a first offense, driver’s license suspension, and, in some cases, even jail time if injuries occur. Beyond the legal consequences, failing to stop can put a child’s life at risk in a matter of seconds.

For drivers, the signals to remember are simple:

• Yellow flashing lights — The bus is preparing to stop; slow down and be ready.

• Red flashing lights with the stop arm extended — Children are loading or unloading; stop and wait until the lights stop and the arm retracts.

Every parent wants peace of mind that their child will make it safely to and from school. Following the Stop Arm Rule is one of the simplest and most effective ways for Texas drivers to help make that happen.

School Bus Accident Injury? Call Shaw.

If your child has been injured in a school bus accident anywhere in Texas, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Emergency Treatment

• Medical Bills

• Pain and Suffering

• Lost Wages

• And More

Call Shaw today at 800-862-1260 to schedule a free case evaluation with an experienced child injury attorney in San Antonio. No fees. No pressure. Just expert legal advice when you need it most.

We look forward to serving you.