In our busy lives, it's easy to get in a hurry when heading to and from work. When we encounter a school bus loading or unloading kids or a school zone where the speed limit is 20 mph, we can become frustrated. Ultimately, we have to remember Ohio school zone and school bus passing laws are made for the safety and security of our kids.
Please slow down to 20 mph in school zones during restricted times, and remember residential speed limits, regardless of time, are 25 mph.
Are you confused about when drivers should stop for school buses? Refer to this helpful Ohio School Bus Traffic Laws diagram, or continue reading for more information.
According to Ohio Law, it depends on the number of lanes. On a two-lane street, drivers approaching a stopped school bus from either direction must stop at least ten feet away from the front or back of the bus until it resumes motion or until given a signal from the bus driver to proceed.
If a road is divided into four or more lanes, a driver approaching a stopped school bus from the opposite direction does not need to stop. Only drivers on the same side of the roadway need to stop. On a four lane road, Ohio law also requires students to be picked up and dropped off on the same side as their residence.
Failure to comply with Ohio school bus laws could mean a fine of up to 500 dollars and a driver's license suspension. ORC 4511.75
For more information, review the West Chester Police Department Back-to-School Traffic Safety reminders.
Connect with West Chester Police at www.WestChesterOH.org/Police.