When not to stop for a school bus
ST. LOUIS — This Missouri law regarding circumstances where motorists are not required to stop for a school bus gives three specific situations. Effective on January 1, 2022, this law offers clarity on when stopping for a school bus is not mandated.
When a school bus extends its red “STOP” arm to for student pickup or drop-off, other motorists must pause until the process is complete. According to statute 304.050, drivers are obligated to stop for school buses in certain scenarios, but there are exceptions to this rule.
However, exceptions to this rule exist under specific circumstances:
If you’re driving on a road with separate lanes, you don’t have to stop for a school bus on a different road or going the opposite way on a four-lane highway, or if it’s stopped in a loading zone of a highway where pedestrians can’t cross.
Other items listen in the 304.050 law are:
Motorists encountering a stationary school bus with flashing lights for student embarkation or disembarkation must stop until the bus resumes movement or the driver signals to proceed.
School buses are prohibited from picking up or dropping off students on highways with four or more lanes unless visibility and safety conditions permit.
Post-drop-off, school buses remain stationary until at least three other vehicles pass, ensuring safe resumption of travel.
In instances of rule violation without clear identification of the driver, vehicle owners bear responsibility unless proven otherwise.
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