North Carolina’s law requires: that drivers approaching the bus must stop and not attempt to pass it while the mechanical stop signal is extended or the red lights are flashing. In the case of divided highways where there’s a median or center turning lane, only traffic following the bus must stop.
What is the penalty for passing a stopped school bus in NC?
Passing a stopped school bus is in violation of G.S. 20-217(a), a Class 1 misdemeanor with a minimum fine of $500. Court appearance is mandatory and the fine cannot be paid and resolved by mail. Five driver’s license points are given to the driver; eight points if driving a commercial motor vehicle.
When can you pass a stopped school bus in NC?
Under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-217, the following motorists are allowed to pass a school bus that is displaying its stop arm or flashing red lights: On divided four-lane roadways with a median separation, motorists traveling in the opposite direction from the school bus are not required to stop.
How many points do you get for passing a stopped school bus in NC?
Passing a stopped school bus results in 4 insurance points. According to the NC Department of Insurance a conviction of passing a stopped school bus will increase your insurance rates by approximately 80%.
Do you have to stop for a school bus on the opposite side of the road?
You must stop for a school bus that is stopped with its red lights flashing whether it is on your side of the road, the opposite side of the road, or at an intersection you are approaching. You are not required to stop if the bus is traveling towards you and a median or other physical barrier separates the roadway.
Do school buses have cameras in NC?
In 2017, North Carolina enacted a new school bus camera law that allows violators to be ticketed. Many school buses are now equipped with exterior cameras that take footage of drivers illegally passing stopped buses.
What happens if you go around a school bus?
Class A misdemeanor with a fine of up to $1,000 and imprisonment for up to 1 year. For first offense, suspension of license for up to 90 days. For second or subsequent offenses, suspension of license for up to 120 days. Must stop at least 30 feet away from a school bus.
Can you pass a moving school bus in NC?
Under state law, when a school bus displays its mechanical stop signal or flashing red lights, vehicles in both directions must stop and not attempt to pass the bus until the sign is withdrawn, the lights are off, and the bus has started to move. … In that case, only traffic following the bus must stop.
How many points can you have on your license in NC?
An individual’s license may be suspended if they accumulate as many as 12 points within a three-year period. Eight points within three years following the reinstatement of a license can result in an additional suspension.
Which violation carries the most points against your license?
Excessive speeding is one of the fastest ways (pun intended) to gain points on your record. In fact, excessive speeding is the only traffic violation that can single-handedly result in a driver responsibility assessment fee (at 6 points and above) or license suspension (at 11 points).
What is the maximum speed limit for a school bus in North Carolina?
occupied by one or more child passengers over the highways or public vehicular areas of North Carolina at a greater rate of speed than 55 miles per hour. On school grounds, the maximum speed limit is 10 miles per hour.
What’s the top speed of a school bus?
State law generally limits school buses to a maximum speed of 50 mph on divided, limited access roads (highways) and to 40 mph on other roads. Before the legislature adopted the law in 1967, school buses were limited by regulation to 40 mph on all state highways.
Is it illegal to overtake a bus?
It is prohibited to overtake or pass a school bus that is approaching a stopping point, indicated by flashing hazard lights. The police are empowered to confiscate the number plates of illegally parked vehicles throughout the country.
When you come to a four way stop who has the right away?
Almost every driver has had this experience: You arrive at a four-way stop at the same time another car arrives at the stop from a different direction, and a moment of confusion ensues for each driver as they ask themselves, “who has the right of way at a four way stop?” The correct answer is: Drivers should yield to …
When you approach a school bus with flashing lights?
You must stop for stopped school buses with flashing red lights and an extended stop sign when you approach from any direction on a highway, private road, or school driveway. Stop and remain stopped until all persons are clear and the bus moves again.