December 13, 2018
By: Dwayne Page
The Smithville Police Department is asking for your help to ensure the safety of the children when entering and exiting the school bus.
Multiple concerns have been expressed to the local law enforcement, bus transportation department, and school administrators about vehicles driving recklessly or passing school buses when bus lights are flashing. We have found there are two types of drivers who pass buses: those who intentionally pass a bus illegally and those who are oblivious of the school bus. State law makes no distinction.
According to state law, it is a Class A misdemeanor and is punishable by a fine of not less than $250 nor more than $1,000. A conviction of passing a stopped school bus will also result in eight points being attached to the offender’s license, with only 12 points necessary to result in a license suspension. Chief Mark Collins stated, “If you are stopped for violating this law, under no circumstances will there be a warning issued. The operator of the vehicle will receive a citation.”
Under Tennessee law, drivers are required to stop when red school bus lights are flashing, even if they’re traveling in the opposite direction regardless of two or four lanes.
Yellow lights: A bus is preparing to stop. It is illegal to pass a school bus from behind when yellow lights are flashing. When approaching a school bus traveling in the opposite direction, a driver must slow the vehicle to 20 miles per hour or less when yellow lights are seen.
Red lights: Every driver must stop. When the red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended, this indicates that the bus has stopped and that children are now getting on or off the bus. Motorists must stop their cars and wait until the red flashing lights are turned off, the stop arm is withdrawn, and the bus begins moving before they start driving again. When a school bus is stopped at an intersection to load and unload children, drivers from all directions are required to stop until the bus resumes motion.
The Smithville Police Department will be increasing their patrol in the morning and afternoons but we are asking you to help us protect DeKalb County’s greatest commodity.