§ 31-20-12 - Stopping for school bus required – Penalty for violation.
SECTION 31-20-12
§ 31-20-12 Stopping for school busrequired – Penalty for violation. – (a) The driver of a vehicle upon a street, highway, private way, private orpublic parking area upon meeting or overtaking from any direction any busmarked as "school bus" whenever the bus is being operated in accordance with§ 31-20-11 and on which there is in operation flashing red lights, shallstop the vehicle before reaching the bus. The driver shall not proceed untilthe bus resumes motion or until the flashing lights are no longer actuated. Nodriver of any motor vehicle, except emergency vehicles on official business,shall travel in the same lane of traffic behind a school bus at a distance ofless than fifty feet (50'). A person convicted of a violation of this sectionshall be punished by a fine not to exceed three hundred dollars ($300) and/orsuspension of driving license for a period not to exceed thirty (30) days forthe first offense, and a mandatory fine of not less than three hundred dollars($300) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500) and/or revocation of drivinglicense for a period of one year for each subsequent offense.
(b) A peace officer may issue a summons based on thestatement or testimony of a school bus driver or monitor or other privatecitizen provided that the statement or testimony provides the peace officerwith sufficient probable cause that a violation under this section wascommitted. Any conviction under this section may be punished in accordance withsubsection (a) of this section.