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Police remind drivers to stop for school buses

It's the law and it saves lives
SchoolBusStopOut
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NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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COUNTY of WELLINGTON - Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) would like to remind motorist that it is mandatory for drivers to stop for school buses that are actively dropping off or picking up children. The penalty for not stopping for a school bus with its red lights flashing starts at $400 and six demerit points. The vehicle owner could also be charged for the offence.

On roads without a median (a barrier between the two opposing lanes of traffic):

  • drivers travelling in both directions must stop for a stopped school bus with its upper red lights flashing
  • when you approach the bus from the front, stop at a safe distance to let children get on or off the bus and cross the road
  • don't move forward until the red lights have stopped flashing or the bus begins to move

On roads with a median, opposing traffic is not required to stop.

You can report a vehicle that doesn't stop properly for a school bus to police immediately by calling 911 or 1-888-310-1122. You can also go to the nearest police station and file a complaint. The police will ask you:

  • The date and time of the incident.
  • The vehicle's make, model, colour and licence number.
  • Who was driving?
  • Was the bus a "chrome yellow" school bus with the words "School Bus" at both the front and rear of the bus?
  • Was it a small or a large school bus?
  • Was the school bus stopped?
  • Were the upper red lights of the school bus flashing while it was stopped?
  • Were there passengers boarding or leaving the school bus?
  • Did the vehicle pass the school bus from behind or was it coming toward the bus in the opposite lane?

This information and more is available from the Ministry of Transportation's website at mto.gov.on.ca

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