Can I go around a school bus with yellow flashing lights? Here's what Wisconsin law says
The school year has begun for schools in the Milwaukee area, and with that comes to return of many big yellow buses on the roads.
While many people will stop for school buses flashing their red warning lights, some do not. For those unclear on the laws around Wisconsin's school bus laws, here's what you need to know.
When do you need to stop for a school bus in Wisconsin?
According to Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT), drivers must stop 20 feet from any school bus that has stopped and is flashing red warning lights on a street or highway. This applies to vehicles approaching from behind the school bus and vehicles in opposing lanes. The only exception is for opposing lanes if the highway is divided with a center median.
No vehicles may proceed until the bus resumes motion and has turned off the red warning lights. Also, even if a extended stop arm is not extended, it not to legal to pass a bus that's red lights are flashing.
In some urban areas, buses will flash yellow lights. This means vehicles may pass cautiously.
Do people on bicycles or scooters need to stop for school buses in Wisconsin?
Yes. According to Wisconsin statutes, bicyclists, scooter users and other "electric personal assistive mobility device" users must comply with the same laws of the road as vehicles. This means they must stop and wait when a school bus is stopped with its red flashers on.
What is the fine for illegally passing a stopped school bus?
A fine can be anywhere from $30 and $300 depending on the severity of the offense or the number of subsequent offenses, according to the Wisconsin DOT.
Do bus laws only apply to grade school buses ?
No. In Wisconsin, a school bus is considered any motor vehicle carrying 10 or more passengers to addition to the operator, or a motor vehicle with legally required school bus marking (glossy school bus yellow trimmed in black. The vehicle's purpose must be transporting:
Pupils to or from a public school or a private school or pupils to or from a technical college when required.
Pupils to or from curricular or extracurricular activities.
Pupils to or from religious instruction on days when school is in session.
Children with disabilities to or from an educational program approved by the department of public instruction.
Disabled persons or elderly persons in connection with any transportation assistance program for elderly or disabled persons on a yellow school bus with black trim.
Drew Dawson can be reached at ddawson@jrn.com or 262-289-1324.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: School bus laws in Wisconsin; when should drivers pass, stop for buses
