Watch Out: School Bus Traffic Laws Carry Hefty Fines

With school beginning next week on Aug. 7, Acworth Police Department officials are reminding motorists to be mindful of school busses that will be on the roadways again.

Motorists are required to adhere to the laws, which include stopping for the busses.

"When a bus begins to slow and activates its caution lights, please begin to slow down and come to a complete stop," officials said in a Facebook post. "Illegally passing a school bus is one of the most serious driving offenses that comes with a hefty fine and SIX points on your license....These busses have cameras to help deter people from violating this very important law.

Drivers who pass a school bus could face up to a $1,000 fine, and if he or she is younger than 21, a mandatory license suspension.

Georgia laws on stopping for schools buses, according to the Stop Arm Project, include:

1. Two-lane roadway: When school bus stops for passengers, ALL traffic from both directions must stop.
2. Two-lane roadway with a center turning lane: When school bus stops for passengers, ALL traffic from both directions must stop. 
3. Four-lane roadway without a median separation: When school bus stops for passengers, ALL traffic from both directions must stop.
4. Roadway of four lanes or more with a center turning lane: When school bus stops for passengers, ALL traffic from both directions must stop.
5. Divided highway of four lanes or more with a median separation: When school bus stops for passengers, only traffic following the bus must stop.

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