Understanding Ontario school bus laws is always beneficial for new drivers. There can be serious legal consequences when children find it tough to stop inside a bus and move unpredictably around buses during frequent stops. There are specific rules set by Ontario’s Ministry of Transportation covering lights of school buses, divided roads and stopping distances and arms. Knowing Ontario school bus rules for drivers can help you respond correctly and safely whether you recently received your licence or are simply unfamiliar with the rules.
Understanding Ontario School Bus Amber Lights
The drivers in the beginning stage should know the difference between red lights and Ontario school bus amber lights. The display of flashing amber lights in a school bus means that it is preparing to stop for dropping off or picking up passengers. It’s time to slow down and prepare yourself to stop. Once you see amber lights, don’t attempt to accelerate past the bus.
For instance, try to reduce your speed and be ready to stop if you are following a school bus and its amber lights start flashing.
When to Stop for a School Bus in Ontario?
When a school bus is stopped with its overhead red lights flashing and/or its stop arm activated, the most important Ontario school bus stopping rules are applied.
Traffic approaching the bus must stop from both directions on a road without a median. one must stop at least 20 meters away if you’re behind the bus. Drivers should also let the children cross the roads by approaching from the opposite direction.
New drivers should also follow the 20 metre school bus rule in Ontario. Leave the required distance and remain stopped. Never pull right up behind the bus.
Ontario School Bus Median Road Rules
One of the most common sources of confusion on the roads involves the roads with a median. It’s a central strip of land that separates the flow of traffic in opposite directions.
If the road you’re on is split by a median and you’re driving in the same direction as the school bus, you’re the one who needs to stop when the bus stops and its red lights start flashing or stop arm comes out. But drivers coming the other way on the other side of the median dont have to bother stopping.
Take a situation like a school bus stopped on the opposite side of a divided highway. If the median in your lane is physical and a clear obstacle, you generally dont need to stop. But if you are travelling behind the bus going in the same direction, you are still required to stop.
When Can You Proceed Safely?
Just stopping for the bus is not enough, you also need to know when its finally okay to get going after that.
When you stop for a school bus, remain stopped until the bus itself actually moves, the flashing red lights on the roof of the bus stop and the stop arm retracts. Don’t move just because you think the kids have finished crossing and hang around a bit
One of the key school bus safety rules in Ontario is to wait for the bus signals to tell you when the stop has officially ended.
Fines for Passing a School Bus in Ontario
Passing a school bus in Ontario while the red lights are flashing or the stop arm is out can take you in a lot of trouble.
For a first time offence, drivers can be looking at a fine of $400 to $2,000 plus 6 demerit points. If you get caught a 2nd time within 5 years, the fine goes up to $1,000 to $4,000 and you can even face up to 6 months in jail. And even though, the driver may have been the one who broke the rules, the registered owner of the vehicle has to worry about getting penalties too. Thanks to camera enforcement.
The hefty fines for passing a school bus in Ontario are a clear sign of just how seriously the authorities view this safety risk.
Common Mistakes by New Drivers
Have a look at mistakes by drivers that can be avoided around school buses.
- Distraction by phones or passengers.
- Considering rules apply only during school hours.
- Moving before the red light sign appears.
- Assuming just cars behind the bus.
- Stopping very close to the bus.
- Confusing amber lights to continue at normal speed.
Practical Tips for New Drivers
Reduce distractions and scan ahead for school buses when driving near schools or residential areas. Don’t keep buses too close and keep watching children who cross the road unexpectedly.
Let’s help new drivers to understand these Ontario Highway Traffic Act school bus rules.Build more confidence in you behind the wheel and avoid serious mistakes.
