When do you have to stop for a school bus in GA? A new law cracks down on violators
In Georgia, passing a stopped school bus is not only illegal but can put children’s lives in danger, especially in high-traffic areas. Beyond that, it can be big trouble for drivers who don’t know the rules.
Recent tragedies have brought the laws under closer scrutiny and the changes to the law have made the consequences even more stringent.
Here’s what drivers in the Peach State need to know:
“Addy’s Law” raises the stakes
As of July 1, 2024, Georgia implemented “Addy’s Law,” named after 8-year-old Adalynn Pierce, who tragically lost her life in a school bus-related incident. Her mother, Ashley Pierce, with the help of Sen. Rick Williams, lobbied to change legislation that would protect children in the future.
This new legislation:
Elevates unlawfully passing a school bus from a misdemeanor to a high and aggravated misdemeanor
Imposes a minimum fine of $1,000
Can result in up to 12 months in jail for violators
When You Must Stop
There may have been some misunderstanding of the law about when other drivers must stop and yield to the busses. The new law is pretty specific.
Drivers traveling in both directions are required to stop for busses with an activated visual signal such as flashing lights and/or stop signs in the following scenarios:
On two-lane roads
On two-lane roads with a center turning lane
On four-lane roads without a median separation
On roadways of four or more lanes with a center turning lane
The Exception
The only situation where drivers may not need to stop is on divided highways with four or more lanes and a median separation between the vehicle and the bus.
In this case, only vehicles traveling in the same direction as the bus must stop.
Enforcement and Safety Measures
Many districts have implemented bus-mounted cameras to capture violations, which ensure compliance and increase student safety. Some districts are also required to prioritize bus routes to avoid having students cross roads with speed limits over 40 mph.
Penalties, under Addy’s Law could include:
Violations classified as a high and aggravated misdemeanor
A minimum fine of $1,000 but there are graduating penalties for repeat offenders
Up to 12 months in jail
Additional consequences:
6 points added to the driver’s license
Possible license suspension at judge’s discretion
Potential community service and defensive driving school requirement
Georgia’s $1,000 minimum is tied with Utah’s as the highest fine in the nation. These strict laws aim to protect children and improve safety in school zones, and the tragic death of Addy Pierce is evidence of this.
Always exercise caution in the vicinity of a school bus and be prepared to stop when approaching a bus with activated lights and a deployed stop sign.
This story was originally published November 20, 2024 at 1:42 PM.
