“There seems to be a lot of confusion amongst drivers about when to stop for school bus flashing lights which creates a serious danger to children,” said Sergeant Mark Buschena, Bismarck Police Department. “Bismarck Public Schools are now busing school children within the City of Bismarck which has increased the number of school buses on the roadways,” said Buschena. The rules are clear.
According to state law, when a school bus is stopped on the roadway displaying its flashing red lights or the stop sign on the control arm, the driver of a vehicle meeting or overtaking from either direction shall stop before reaching the school bus. You may not proceed until the school bus resumes motion, you’re signaled by the school bus driver to proceed, or the flashing red lights are turned off. Yellow or amber caution lights may be activated first to notify drivers to get ready to stop before the red flashing light or stop sign on the control arm is displayed. The fee for violating this ordinance is fifty dollars and six points. Please help keep our children safe.