What Is The Rule For Overtaking School Buses?

School buses carry children to and from school, and ensuring their safety is a top priority. One of the most important rules to protect children is how drivers should behave when approaching and overtaking school buses. The law is strict about overtaking school buses, especially when they have their stop signs extended or their flashing lights on. These rules help minimize the risk of accidents involving children who may be crossing the road or getting off the bus.

Rule For Overtaking School Buses

Mandatory Stop When School Bus Stops:

According to the Motor Vehicles Act, when a school bus has its stop sign extended or flashing red lights on, all vehicles must stop immediately, no matter whether they are approaching the bus from behind or from the opposite direction. This rule applies to all roads, whether in urban or rural areas.

Overtaking Restrictions:

In the Same Direction:

If you are behind a school bus and it stops to pick up or drop off children, you are not allowed to overtake the bus until the stop sign and flashing lights are turned off.

Opposite Direction:

If the school bus is stationary with its stop sign extended and lights flashing, vehicles coming from the opposite direction must also stop. This rule is strictly enforced to ensure that children can safely cross the road or board the bus.

Penalties for Violating the Rule:

If a driver overtakes a school bus that has its stop sign extended or lights flashing, they can face penalties under Section 177 of the Motor Vehicles Act for violating traffic rules. This can result in a fine of ₹1,000, and in some cases, the penalty may be higher, depending on the severity of the violation.

Additionally, if the violation leads to an accident, the driver may face more severe charges, including reckless driving or causing harm to a child.

When to Proceed After Stopping:

Vehicles are allowed to proceed only when the flashing lights are turned off and the stop sign is retracted. Drivers must wait until the bus begins moving again or the bus driver signals that it is safe to proceed.

School Zones and Special Areas:

In school zones, where children are frequently crossing roads, additional caution is required. Some cities have designated school zone signs indicating areas where speed limits are reduced during school hours, and overtaking school buses in these areas is strictly prohibited.

Safety and Legal Implications

Child Safety:

The primary purpose of these rules is to protect children who may be crossing the street or walking near the bus. Children are often excited, distracted, and may not be aware of traffic dangers, making it crucial to stop for school buses.

Reducing Accident Risks:

School buses are specially equipped with flashing lights and stop signs to make drivers aware of the need to stop. By enforcing these rules, authorities aim to reduce the risk of accidents involving children, which can be fatal or cause serious injuries.

Vehicle Insurance and Legal Liability:

If a driver violates this rule and causes an accident, their vehicle insurance may not cover the damages, as the driver would be deemed at fault for disregarding traffic safety laws. Legal liability can also lead to criminal charges, especially if harm or injury is caused.

Example

In a recent incident in Pune, a driver attempted to overtake a school bus that had stopped to drop off children. The bus had its stop sign extended, and the flashing lights were on. The driver, ignoring the rule, overtook the bus. Unfortunately, a child ran across the road at that moment and was hit by the overtaking vehicle. The driver was fined ₹1,000 for violating traffic rules, and the case was further investigated for reckless driving due to the accident.