Red Lights Flashing On School Bus, Drivers Must Stop

Ulster County - The driver could not believe he got a ticket for passing a stopped school bus on the opening day of school yesterday. But Ulster County sheriff's Deputy has a way of convincing people.

You are not supposed to make any kind of movement when the red lights on a bus are flashing, the deputy said.

Early yesterday the sheriff's Deputy was trailing a couple of buses. Other Ulster County deputies did the same. The idea, is to raise awareness of the law now that schools are back in session. We will keep it up for awhile, they said.

The law is simple: If you are approaching a school bus and its yellow lights are flashing, the driver should prepare to stop. If its red lights are flashing, drivers must stop.
The law covers a lot of ground. It applies when the stopped bus is on the other side of a divided highway, on multiple lane highways or in a parking lot. It even covers buses stopped on school grounds. The only exception: If a bus driver or police officer signals that the driver may pass the bus.
Ulster County District Attorney said his office recommends jail time if someone is convicted of a blatant offense. That is in addition to the minimum fine of $250. That's because of the obvious significance of passing a school bus.