Area public schools start back up on Monday, and that means school buses will be out on the roadways picking up and dropping off children.
A new law that goes into effect next Thursday, August 28, sets harsher penalties for illegally passing school buses.
Any driver that's convicted of failing to stop for a school bus with its stop arm out and red lights flashing will be assessed 5 points on their license.
Those convicted of their first offense will receive a 90-day court-ordered driver's license suspension or a length determined by the court and a fine of between $500 and $1,000.
Those who are convicted of a second offense within five years will have their driver's license suspended for 90 days and be fined between $1,000 and $2,000.
Those with three or more offenses within five years will receive a 180-day driver's license suspension and a fine of between $1,500 and $3,000.
Drivers in both directions on a two-lane road with or without a middle turn lane must stop for a bus with its stop arm out. On a four-lane road with a turning lane between and on a four-lane divided highway with a median, only drivers following behind the bus in the same direction must stop.
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