What are the laws about passing a stopped school bus?

In Washington State, it is illegal to pass a stopped school bus with its red flashing lights on and its stop arm extended. According to the Washington State Automobile Law, drivers are required to remain stopped while the school bus is loading or unloading passengers, no matter which side of the road they’re on. This applies to all vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, and bicycles. It doesn’t matter if the driver is traveling in the same direction as the bus or in the opposite direction. In Washington, motorists must be at least 20 feet behind the school bus before they can pass. Cars approaching from the opposite direction on a two-way street have to stop and wait for the school bus to pass before they can proceed. On a divided highway with a median or barrier, traffic on the opposite side of the street may keep moving, but they are still required to slow down and be prepared to stop. Violating this law is a serious matter in Washington State and can result in the driver receiving a ticket and possibly having their license suspended. Fines for passing a stopped school bus can range from $150 to $800, depending on the severity of the offense and if there were any passengers in the bus at the time. The best way to avoid being fined or having your license suspended is to always obey traffic laws when it comes to school buses.

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What are the laws about passing a stopped school bus?

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