Will I get a ticket for going around a stopped school bus? What CA law says

Children across California are gearing up for the start of the 2026-27 school year.

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While families prepare for the first day of classes, it’s important for California drivers to know the laws when it comes to driving around children, including speeding through school zones.

Will you get a ticket for passing a stopped school bus with its flashing lights on?

Here’s what California drivers need to know:

Do I have to stop behind a stopped school bus in California?

School buses typically activate their yellow warning lights before stopping to pick up or drop off students, according to the California Department of Motor Vehicles.

Once the bus stops, red lights will flash and a stop sign will swing out.

When a school bus stops to load or unload students and its red warning lights are flashing and stop sign is extended, drivers are required to stop.

Buses will also stop before crossing train tracks.

According to California’s Vehicle Code, drivers must stop when a school bus is loading or unloading passengers and its red lights are flashing and stop signal is extended.

“Remain stopped while the red lights are flashing,” the California Driver’s Handbook says.

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Do cars in both directions have to stop for a school bus?

On a two-way road, including a road with a center turn lane, vehicles traveling in both directions must stop for a school bus with its red lights flashing.

All drivers “must stop from either direction until the children are safely across the street and the lights stop flashing,” according to the California Department of Motor Vehicles.

On a four-lane road, drivers traveling in the same direction as the bus must stop. Drivers traveling in the opposite direction generally do not have to stop.

However, drivers should still proceed with caution when around children, the California Highway Patrol previously told The Sacramento Bee.

Can I get a ticket for passing a stopped school bus with its lights on?

Passing a stopped school bus while its red lights are flashing can result in a .

Once court fees and penalty assessments are added, the total cost of the , according to the Judicial Council’s Uniform Bail and Penalty Schedule.

The California Vehicle Code also allows a school bus driver who witnesses a violation to report it to law enforcement within 24 hours.