As we look forward to the start of the 2023 -2024 school year in Harford County, we hope that school bus safety is foremost in all motorists’ minds. One of the questions we hear most often concerns stopping for a school bus that is loading or unloading students under various roadway configurations. Here is guidance from the Maryland Fire Chiefs Association…..
” Maryland Law requires ALL vehicles to stop for school buses with flashing red lights activated and stop-signs extended.
Annotated Code of Maryland §21-706….
(a) If a school vehicle has stopped on a roadway and is operating the alternately flashing red lights specified in § 22-228 of this article, the driver of any other vehicle meeting or overtaking the school vehicle shall stop at least 20 feet from the rear of the school vehicle, if approaching the school vehicle from its rear, or at least 20 feet from the front of the school vehicle, if approaching the school vehicle from its front.
(b) If a school vehicle has stopped on a roadway and is operating the alternately flashing red lights specified in § 22-228 of this article, the driver of any other vehicle meeting or overtaking the
school vehicle may not proceed until the school vehicle resumes motion or the alternately flashing red lights are deactivated.
(c) This section does not apply to the driver of a vehicle on a divided highway, if the school vehicle is on a different roadway.”
Please see the diagram below for further guidance. A divided highway is defined as having a dirt, grass, or barrier median.
Let’s keep our community’s students safe!!!!
