October 24, 2023 – Mariposa County School officials remind drivers that NOT stopping for school buses is not only dangerous, but against the law. Help keep our children safe and obey the law.

Our MCUSD bus drivers have been witnessing a lot of red-light runners in Mariposa County lately. If you see a school bus stopped with red lights flashing and the STOP sign out remember it is a law that you must stop! If you run the reds the Transportation Department will forward your vehicles make, model, and license plate number to the California Highway Patrol with the intention of doing everything we can to ensure the safety of our students, drivers, and other motorists.

What is the law on stopping for a school bus in California?

According to CVC Section 22454(a), all drivers must stop when a school bus displays its flashing red lights and has its stop signal arm extended. This applies to vehicles traveling in the same direction as the bus, as well as those approaching from the opposite direction on a two-lane road. Under CVC 22454, California law requires you to remain stopped as long as the red lights on the school bus are flashing. If you fail to stop, you may be fined up to $1,000 and your driving privilege could be suspended for 1 year.

Source: Mariposa County Schools