DOTHAN, Ala. (WDNews) – As school buses begin rolling through neighborhoods again, Alabama drivers are being reminded it’s not just courteous—it’s the law—to stop for a school bus under specific road conditions.
According to traffic safety laws in Alabama, all vehicles must stop when a school bus is picking up or dropping off students if there is no physical median separating the lanes. That includes:
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Two-lane roads
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Four-lane roads without a median
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Roads with a center turning lane
In these situations, traffic in both directions must stop when a school bus extends its stop arm and flashes red lights.
However, on divided highways with a median or physical barrier, only vehicles traveling behind the school bus are required to stop. Oncoming traffic in the opposite lanes may continue driving with caution.
Law enforcement officials stress that failing to stop can not only lead to steep fines, but it could put a child’s life in danger.
Drivers are urged to slow down in school zones, watch for children crossing unexpectedly, and obey all school bus signals.
For a breakdown of the rules and visual examples, visit the Alabama Department of Public Safety’s website.
