With the 2025-2026 school year set to begin Monday, August 11, for Duval County and districts across Florida, the Florida Department of Transportation is reminding drivers to brush up on school bus safety laws. In a recent Facebook post, FDOT urged motorists to know when they’re legally required to stop for school buses — a move aimed at keeping both students and drivers safe as the new year kicks off.
According to FDOT, aside from risking the lives of children and students, the violation of these traffic rules could result in a $200 to $400 fine. Here’s what you should know as we enter school season to keep everyone safe.
Do I need to stop behind a school bus on a divided roadway?
It all depends on which side of the road you’re on. If you’re driving on a highway divided by a median, vehicles traveling in the opposite direction of a stopped school bus are not required to stop, but should still proceed with caution. However, drivers heading in the same direction as the bus must come to a complete stop, as illustrated in the graphic below.
Divided Road Way
Do I need to stop for a school bus on a multi-lane paved road?
Yes, on multi-lane paved roads, all vehicles — regardless of direction or lane — are required to come to a complete stop when a school bus is stopped.
Multilane School Bus FDOT
Do I need to stop behind a school bus on a two-lane road?
Yes. Vehicles traveling in both directions on a two-lane road must come to a complete stop.
Two Lane Road FDOT School Buses
What is the penalty for not stopping when a school bus stops?
The penalty for illegally passing a stopped school bus while displaying a stop sign is $200. Illegally passing on the side where children enter/exit could cost you a $400 fine.
When does school start in Florida for the 2025-2026 school year?
Here’s a roundup of when Florida schools will resume in 2025:
How many days are kids in school in Florida?
Florida law specifies that for a public kindergarten student to be considered a full-time student, he or she must receive a minimum of 720 net hours of instruction or four hours per day, based on 180 school days, according to the Florida Department of Education.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Know when to stop for a Florida school bus — or risk a $400 fine
