Is your child too young to ride the school bus alone? Here’s what GA law says

If your young children ride the school bus in Georgia, you should know what state law says about safety.

Although Georgia does not have a statewide minimum age law specifically stating how young is “too young” to ride the school bus, the Department of Family and Children Services offers some guidelines for the riders and for drivers who encounter the busses on their routes

Rules for GA riders and their grownups

Local school districts typically allow students in pre-kindergarten and above to ride the bus, but depending on the age of the children, there are stipulations.

• Most districts require an adult to meet children ages 8 and younger at their stop or they will be returned to school for their safety.
• Students ages 8 and under are never to be left alone at the bus stop
• Adults must be visible and ready at the stop at least five minutes before bus arrival.

Safer stops and routes

The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) outlines protocol for riders waiting for and loading onto the bus.

• Walk to a location at least 10 feet in front of the right corner of the bumper, but still remaining away from the front of the school bus.
• When crossing the street, students must stop and look in all directions, making sure the roadway is clear and is safe.
• Cross far enough in front of the school bus to be in view of the driver.
• Look for traffic in both directions, making sure the roadway is clear.

Addy’s Law makes it safer for students to ride the bus

Georgia’s Addy’s Law took effect since July 2024 and requires all vehicles to stop for school buses with the stop arm extended flashing the red lights. Cars must stop for bus loading and unloading no matter which side of the road is in use.

Penalties for unlawfully passing a stopped school bus are now stricter:

• Fines up to $1,000
• Six points on your licensePossible jail time. 

Repeat offenders can see their violations reported to insurance and the courts and many school districts now use stop-arm cameras, even if police are not on the scene.

Parents should teach children to always listen to the bus driver, cross in front of the bus when signaled, and never go back for a dropped item without telling the driver.

Only students, school district employees, or those pre-authorized by the district may ride the bus.

If you have any concerns about the bus routes in your area, you can call your local school district.