School Bus Safety
When traveling in a school zone, drivers must obey the posted 20 m.p.h. reduced speed limit during school hours while school children are present. On one-way streets, all vehicles must stop when the red lights are flashing and the stop sign is extended. On two-lane roads, drivers traveling in both directions must stop when the red lights are flashing and the stop sign is extended. On four-lane roads, where traffic moves in two directions, drivers traveling in the same direction as the school bus must stop when the red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended. Drivers going in the opposite direction of the school bus are not required to stop because students are not permitted to cross four-lane roads after discharging from the school bus. Drivers should also be aware that school buses stop at all railroad crossings. Residential areas have 25 m.p.h. speed limit, unless otherwise posted.
If convicted of passing a stopped school bus in Illinois, you will lose your driving privileges for three months. If you receive two convictions within five years, your driving privileges will be suspended for one year. In addition to the suspensions, violators will be fined $150.00 for the first offense and $500.00 for the second or subsequent conviction.