In Pennsylvania, it is a traffic offense when overtaking a school bus. It is against the law to not stop as you approach a school bus with their red signals flashing. This traffic offense is known as meeting or overtaking school bus. Meeting or overtaking a school bus is one of the most serious traffic offenses in Pennsylvania. DUI basics A person commits meeting or overtaking a school bus if the person is a driver of a vehicle meeting or overtaking any school bus stopped on a highway or trafficway fails to stop at least ten feet before reaching the school bus when the red signal lights on the school bus are flashing and the side stop signal arms are activated. The driver of a vehicle approaching an intersection at which a school bus is stopped shall stop his vehicle at the intersection until the flashing red signal lights are no longer actuated. In addition, the driver shall not proceed until the school children who may have alighted from the school bus have reached a place of safety. The driver of a vehicle must stop when approaching an intersection in which a school bus is stopped until the school bus has turned off its flashing red signals. If the flashing lights are amber and not red, the driver may cautiously proceed and be prepared to stop.
The operator of the school bus who observes a violation may prepare a signed, written report which indicates that a violation has occurred. The report shall include information pertaining to the identity of the alleged violator, the license number and color of vehicle involved in the violation, interference with custody the time and approximate location where the violation occurred, and identification of the vehicle as an automobile, station wagon, motor truck, motor bus, motorcycle, or other type of vehicle. Within 48 hours, the operator of the bus must deliver a copy of the report to a police officer who has policing power in the area where the violation occurred. If the police officer believes that the report establishes a sufficient basis for the issuance of a citation, the officer shall file a citation. If you commit this offense of meeting or overtaking a school bus, you are committing a summary offense. Upon conviction, you will be sentenced to pay a fine of $250. If you have been charged with meeting or overtaking school bus, it is important to meet with a criminal defense attorney regarding your case. With the help of a criminal defense attorney, your case will receive the best possible outcome.