When Do I Stop For A School Bus In Louisiana?

It can be very confusing.  For many years, the law was one way, and now Louisiana law has changed when it comes to when you DO and DON'T have to stop for a school bus when the lights are flashing along with their stop signs being out.

So what is the answer?  It's actually pretty simple now.

Triple A's Digest of Motor Laws makes if very easy to understand:

"Vehicles must stop upon meeting, from either direction, a school bus that is stopped for loading or unloading children and displays or has recently displayed a stop signal arm. This rule does not apply if the bus is on the opposite roadway of a divided highway."

So, if you see the bus has flashing lights along with stop signs you must stop whether you are approaching the bus or your driving behind it unless you are on a four lane road that has some sort of divider in the middle of it.

What kind of divider?  Trooper Brooks David says that could be a median, boulevard, turning lane, etc.

There are also some other things to keep in mind when you encounter a bus travelling down the roadway.  Click here for more information.

Please, as always, drive safely and look out for our kids! They are our most precious resource!