School Buses

If red lights are flashing on the school bus, Rhode Island requires that motorists approaching from either direction come to a full stop and remain stopped until the bus’s red lights no longer flash. This requirement applies not only on public highways but also on private roads and in parking lots. A fine between $250 to $500 and/or suspension of your driver’s license for a period up to thirty (30) days will be imposed for the first violation of this law. Penalties increase for subsequent violations. Motorists do not have to stop for the flashing red lights of the school bus when the bus is opposite your vehicle on a divided highway. A divided highway is any roadway with a Jersey barrier, guardrail, grass or cement median, trees, water, etc. between the lanes of travel in opposite directions.

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