MOREHEAD, Ky. — If you've always believed you didn't have to stop for a school bus on the opposite side of a four-lane highway, it's time to learn the new rules.
A Kentucky law that took effect July 15 significantly changes when motorists must stop for school and church buses displaying flashing red lights and an extended stop arm. The biggest change affects four-lane roads, where many drivers have previously assumed they could continue driving.
The Biggest Change: Four-Lane Roads
Under the updated law, traffic traveling in both directions must now stop for a stopped school or church bus on most four-lane roads.
The only exceptions are when the opposing lanes are separated by:
A raised physical barrier (such as a concrete median or guardrail), or
An unpaved median separating the directions of travel.
One important point that could catch drivers off guard:
A center turn lane is not considered a median.
That means if you're driving on a typical five-lane roadway with two travel lanes in each direction and a center turn lane, traffic in both directions must stop when a school bus has its stop arm extended and red lights flashing.
For many Kentucky drivers, this is a major change from what they've practiced for years.
Cameras Can Lead to Fines
The law also expands the use of school bus stop-arm cameras, which are designed to capture vehicles that illegally pass stopped buses.
Violators caught through the camera system face:
$300 civil penalty for a first offense.
$500 civil penalty for additional violations committed within three years.
Vehicle Owners May Be Held Responsible
Another provision drivers should know is that the registered owner of the vehicle may receive the citation if authorities cannot determine who was driving at the time of the violation.
If camera footage clearly captures the vehicle but does not identify the driver, the owner may still be held responsible unless they can demonstrate that someone else was operating the vehicle.
Why the Law Changed
State officials say the update is intended to remove confusion surrounding school buses on larger roadways and improve safety for children getting on and off buses.
With schools preparing to resume classes across Kentucky, law enforcement agencies are reminding motorists that the law is already in effect and violations can result in significant penalties.
Remember These Rules
Stop in both directions on most four-lane roads when a school or church bus has flashing red lights and its stop arm extended.
Do not assume a center turn lane means you can keep driving. It does not qualify as a median under the law.
You may proceed only if the opposite lanes are separated by a raised barrier or an unpaved median.
School bus cameras can issue civil penalties, and vehicle owners may be held responsible if the driver cannot be identified.
As students begin returning to school in the coming weeks, drivers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the new requirements to help keep children safe—and avoid an expensive citation.
