School bus travel is very safe in Ontario. Injuries and fatalities, which are very rare, happen more often outside the school bus as students are boarding and leaving the bus or crossing the street.
It’s important for motorists, parents, caregivers and students to know how to keep children safe when they are on and around school buses.
When driving on a road without a median
Drivers travelling in both directions must stop for a stopped school bus with its upper red lights flashing. Some buses will also have a ‘stop’ sign arm with flashing red lights as well.
When you approach the bus, stop at a safe distance to let children get on or off the bus and cross the road.
Do not move forward until the red lights have stopped flashing or the bus begins to move.
Fines
Drivers can be charged if they pass a stopped school bus with its upper red lights flashing:
First offence: $400 to $2,000 and six demerit points.
Each following offence: $1,000 to $4,000, six demerit points and possible jail time (up to six months).
Vehicle owners can be charged if their vehicle illegally passes a stopped school bus, even if they weren’t driving.
Reporting drivers who don’t stop
You can report a vehicle that doesn’t stop properly for a school bus to police immediately by calling 911.
You can also go to the nearest police station and file a complaint. The police will ask you numerous questions about the vehicle, including: date and time of incident; vehicle’s make, model, colour and licence number and who was driving.
There will also be questions about the school bus: was it a small or large school bus; was it stopped and were the red lights of the school bus flashing; were there passengers boarding or leaving the school bus and did the vehicle pass the school bus from behind or was it coming toward the bus in the opposite lane?
Other details can also help, such as witness accounts or photographs.
