During back-to-school season, drivers are often reminded to share the road with school buses. These large yellow vehicles are impossible to miss. But the children entering and exiting the bus? Not so much.
Texas has a real problem with school-bus-related car crashes. In 2022, the Lone Star State had seven school bus-related deaths—the second-highest rate in the country. These tragedies may help to explain why Texas has some of the strictest traffic laws about passing school buses. It's illegal, and the punishment is harsh.
Here's why you should never pass a school bus in Texas — or anywhere else.
It's Dangerous to Pass a School Bus
Because most school-aged kids are much shorter than adults, they're hard to see behind the big yellow bus, parked cars, and vehicles driving in the other lanes. Reduced visibility is the main concern.
For example, a driver heading toward the bus might decide no children are crossing the road simply because they don't see them. Or a driver stopped behind the school bus could pull into the left lane to pass, not seeing there are children crossing the road up ahead.
Both scenarios can end in disaster. So why do drivers still take the risk? In short, because they're in a hurry. No one likes stop-and-go traffic, but some drivers compromise safety just to get where they're going a little more quickly.
These aren't just hypotheticals. In 2023, there were 2,523 crashes involving a Texas school bus. In these accidents, 11 people were killed, and 63 were seriously injured. Even more concerning, these numbers have increased over the previous year.
It's Against the Law to Pass a School Bus in Texas
Given the significant danger, Texas has a law about passing school buses. Formally known as Transportation Code Section 545.066, the school bus law is designed to protect children and punish drivers who willfully put them at risk on their way to school.
The law says drivers must come to a full stop when a school bus has its lights on or its stop sign extended. They can only resume driving after one of the following occurs:
The bus starts moving
The visual signals are turned off
The school bus driver manually signals the driver to proceed
Remember, all drivers on an undivided road must follow the law. It doesn't matter what direction you're driving or how many lanes are between you and the school bus — you still need to stop!
The rules are slightly different on a divided highway. If you're traveling on a separate roadway (across the divide), you don't need to stop for a school bus.
The Penalties for Passing a School Bus Are Steep
Passing a school bus in Texas is a misdemeanor, but that doesn't mean it's minor. Drivers caught passing a school bus have to pay hefty fines:
First offense: Anywhere from $500 to $1,250.
Second (and subsequent) offenses: Between $1,000 and $2,000.
Even worse, drivers can't fight the ticket they get for passing a school bus.
The court can also suspend the license of any driver caught passing a school bus more than once, with suspensions lasting up to six months. Drivers who cause bodily injury to others are also charged with a class A misdemeanor, which carries penalties of up to one year in jail if the driver has a previous conviction.
How to Share the Road with School Buses
The next time you see a school bus, stay alert. Always follow safety precautions around school buses:
Be prepared to stop
Watch out for children
Don't lose your patience
Don't get distracted by your phone
Stay Safe in Texas with Defensive Driving
It's your job as a responsible driver to keep other drivers and pedestrians safe, but that's not always easy. An online defensive driving course can teach you to handle all kinds of dangers on the road — including ones that pop up in school zones. And the best part? You could even get an insurance discount for completing the course.
Updated 10/25/2024
