OPP remind you that the school year has begun for many students. Drivers are reminded that failing to stop when meeting or overtaking a school bus is dangerous and could have dire consequences.
Motorists should be attentive and prepared to stop for school buses from Monday to Friday between the hours of 6a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
When driving on a road without a median:
- drivers travelling in both directions must stop for a stopped school bus with its upper red lights flashing
- when you approach the bus from the front, stop at a safe distance to let children get on or off the bus and cross the road
- when following a school bus, stop 20 meters behind the bus
- don't move forward until the red lights have stopped flashing or the bus begins to move
Drivers and vehicle owners will be charged if their vehicle illegally passes a stopped school bus. Fines range from $400 to $2000 plus six demerit points for a first offence and from $1000 to $4000, six demerit points and possible jail time up to six months for each subsequent offence.
For further information visit: http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/
