Arkansas School Bus Safety Laws

School buses are one of the safest modes of transportation for students in Arkansas, but only when drivers adhere strictly to state laws designed to protect children entering and exiting the bus. Understanding and following these laws is critical for ensuring student safety and avoiding serious legal consequences.

When to Stop for a School Bus

Under Arkansas law (Ark. Code § 27-51-1004), all drivers must stop when a school bus is stopped and displaying its flashing red lights and stop sign. This requirement applies to traffic approaching from both directions on undivided roadways.

You must stop:

• On all two-lane roads, regardless of direction.
• On multi-lane roads when there is no median or physical barrier separating opposing lanes.

You do not have to stop if:

• You are traveling in the opposite direction on a divided highway with a median or barrier between lanes.

Remain stopped until:

• The red lights stop flashing.
• The stop sign is retracted.
• The bus begins moving again.

Penalties for Violating School Bus Laws

Failing to stop for a school bus in Arkansas is a serious offense. Penalties can include:

• A fine of $250 to $1,000 for the first offense.
• Up to 90 days in jail for repeat offenses.
• License suspension or revocation in extreme cases.

Courts may also order community service or driver education courses as part of sentencing. If a violation results in injury or death, felony charges and imprisonment are possible.

These strict penalties are in place to deter dangerous driving and protect children from harm. For more on traffic law violations, see our guide on Arkansas Traffic Laws Overview.

School Bus Stop Arm Camera Law

In 2021, Arkansas passed legislation (Act 549) allowing school districts to install stop-arm cameras on buses. These cameras capture images and videos of vehicles that illegally pass a stopped school bus. Law enforcement can use this footage to issue citations, even if the officer is not present during the incident.

Violators caught on camera face the same penalties as those pulled over in person.

Driver Tips for School Bus Zones

• Slow down when approaching a school bus or designated school zone.
• Stay alert for children who may dart across the street unexpectedly.
• Never pass a bus from behind when it's stopped.
• Be cautious in school loading zones, especially in neighborhoods and rural areas.

Understanding related traffic rules is also essential for maintaining safety. Check out our pages on Arkansas Stop Sign and Yield Rules and Passing Laws and No-Passing Zones in Arkansas.

School Bus Driver Responsibilities

School bus drivers in Arkansas must adhere to strict safety protocols:

• Use flashing lights and the stop sign correctly.
• Conduct pre-trip inspections of the vehicle.
• Ensure all children are seated before moving.
• Maintain discipline and safety inside the bus.

Districts are also encouraged to provide training on emergency evacuation and traffic awareness. These standards complement broader child safety laws such as those detailed in Arkansas Child Car Seat Laws.

Reporting Violations

If you witness a school bus safety violation, you can report it to local law enforcement or the school district. Try to provide:

• The vehicle's license plate number
• Time and location of the incident
• Description of the vehicle and driver

These reports help authorities investigate and enforce school bus safety regulations.

For related information on protecting vulnerable road users, see Arkansas Pedestrian Right-of-Way Rules.