JUST THE FACTS

The Owatonna Police Department would like to remind drivers to obey school bus stop arms during this school year.  Let's all do our part to ensure our students are safe during their journeys to and from school.

Stop for School Buses:  It's the Law!

• State law requires all vehicles to stop for school buses when the bus driver activates the flashing lights and has the stop arm fully extended.
• Drivers who violate the law face a $500 fine.
• Drivers can face criminal charges for passing a school bus on the right, passing when a child is outside the bus, or injuring or killing a child. 

Motorists:

• On undivided roads, motorists traveling both directions must stop at least 20 feet from a school bus that is displaying red flashing lights and an extended stop arm.
• Traffic traveling the opposite direction on a divided roadway with a separating median, such as a cement wall or boulevard, is not required to stop.
• Motorists should slow down, pay attention and anticipate school children and buses, especially in neighborhoods and school zones.