NBPS remind motorists failing to stop for a school bus face a $2,000 fine

North Bay Police Service

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As students begin preparation for going back to school, the North Bay Police Service reminds drivers about the consequences of poor driving

Drivers - must stop for school buses.

Whether on a city street, highway or county road, and regardless of the speed limit and the number of lanes, motorists travelling in both directions must stop when approaching a stopped school bus with its upper red lights flashing. A flashing stop arm will swing out while passengers are boarding or leaving the bus. (The only exception: on highways separated by a median, traffic coming from the opposite direction is not required to stop). Once all passengers have boarded, the STOP arm will fold away. Drivers should not start moving until the red lights have stopped flashing and the bus begins to move.

PENALTIES FOR NOT STOPPING

First offence: $400 to $2,000 and six demerit points;

Each subsequent offence: $1,000 to $4,000, six demerit points and possible jail time up to six months.

School Zones and Speeding:
A school zone sign is five-sided and has a fluorescent yellow/green background with black symbols. Drivers should prepare for an approaching school zone by slowing down. School Zones require drivers to have extra caution while watching for children.

Everyone must obey the maximum speed limit posted on signs along the road, but always drive at a speed that will let you stop safely. This means driving below the maximum speed in bad weather conditions (wet, icy or slippery roads) or when you are feeling fatigued.

Fine Amounts for Speeding Tickets:

1-19 km/h - The amount of km over X $2.50 = fine;
20-29 km/h - The amount of km over X $3.75 = fine;
30-49 km/h - The amount of km over X $6.00 = fine;
50 km/h+ (speeding) - The amount of km over X $9.75 X $1.25 = fine;
50+km/hr - (Stunt Driving / Racing) fine amount can range from $2,000 - $10,000.

The women and men of the North Bay Police Service wish to encourage you to drive as if every child on the street were your own.

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