§ 27-51-1004 — Passing when stopped prohibited

(a) When a school bus stops and displays its alternating red warning lights for the purpose of loading or unloading passengers, every operator of a motor vehicle or motorcycle meeting or overtaking the school bus from any direction shall bring the motor vehicle or motorcycle to a complete stop not less than thirty feet (30') before reaching the school bus. (b) The operator of the motor vehicle or motorcycle shall not start up or attempt to pass in any direction until the school bus has finished receiving or discharging its passengers and is in motion again. (c) A violation of this section includes the failure of the operator of a motor vehicle or motorcycle to comply with subsection (a) or subsection (b) of this section while operating the motor vehicle or motorcycle upon: (1) A public road, street, or highway; (2) Private or public property open to the general public; or (3) A private or public road, driveway, or parking lot belonging to a kindergarten through grade twelve (K-12) private or public school. (d) If the operator of a motor vehicle or motorcycle fails to comply with subsection (a) or subsection (b) of this section while demonstrating a reckless disregard for the safety of the passengers of the school bus, the operator upon conviction is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.

Legislative History

Amended by Act 2021, No. 264,§ 2, eff. 7/28/2021. Amended by Act 2019, No. 166,§ 2A, eff. 7/24/2019. Acts 1953, No. 356, § 1; 1957, No. 322, § 1; 1985, No. 1083, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 75-658; Acts 1989, No. 243, § 1; 2005, No. 2128, § 5.