Share the Road with School Buses
Share the Road with School Buses
Every day, North Kingstown school buses transport thousands of students safely to and from school. One of the greatest dangers students face is motorists who illegally pass a stopped school bus.
Knowing and obeying Rhode Island's school bus stop laws helps keep every child safe.
When Must You Stop?
Motorists are required by law to stop whenever a school bus is stopped to load or unload students and has its red warning lights flashing and stop arm extended.
Undivided Roads
On an undivided roadway, all motorists traveling in both directions must stop, including vehicles traveling in a center turn lane.
Drivers must remain stopped until:
All students are safely clear of the roadway.
The bus retracts its stop arm.
The red warning lights are turned off.
The bus begins moving.
Divided Highways
On a divided highway or roadway separated by a physical barrier or unpaved median:
Vehicles traveling in the same direction as the school bus must stop.
Vehicles traveling on the opposite side of the divided roadway are generally not required to stop.
At Intersections
Drivers approaching a stopped school bus from any direction must remain stopped until students are safely clear and the bus resumes travel.
If Warning Equipment Malfunctions
Motorists are still required to stop for a school bus that is loading or unloading students, even if the bus's warning equipment is not functioning properly.
Help Keep Our Students Safe
Please remember:
Never pass a stopped school bus displaying its flashing red lights and stop arm.
Slow down in school zones and residential neighborhoods.
Watch carefully for children approaching or crossing the roadway.
Children can be unpredictable—always expect the unexpected.
Every stop matters.
Every child matters.
Together, we can help ensure every North Kingstown student arrives at school and returns home safely.