Texas School Bus Laws

Back to school is right around the corner for Texas. As we enter the school year, drivers will once again be sharing the roads with school buses and increased child pedestrian traffic.

In preparation for the upcoming school year, let’s review what Texas law says about sharing the road with school buses and the potential consequences you could face if these rules are broken.

When Do I Have to Stop for a School Bus in Texas?

Texas takes school bus safety very seriously. The following scenarios will help make things clear:

Yellow Flashing Lights on a School Bus

If a school bus is flashing yellow lights, you do not necessarily have to stop. Yellow lights are an indicator that a school bus is preparing to stop and unload students. If you see flashing yellow lights, you should prepare to stop and reduce your speed. Trying to overtake the school bus at this point could result in you passing when it has begun to flash red lights, which is illegal.

Red Flashing Lights on a School Bus

If a school bus is flashing red lights and/or the stop sign is extended, all traffic is required to stop in all directions. This is an indicator that the school bus has stopped and is unloading children. Passing a school bus that is stopped in this manner is illegal and can result in serious penalties.

Traffic may continue in all directions once the school bus has turned off the lights, the stop sign is no longer extending, the bus has resumed motion, and the driver has signaled for you to proceed.

If traffic is divided by a grassy median, a wall, or a concrete median, you can continue to drive on the opposite road to the school bus.

Other Considerations

School buses are required by law to stop at all railroad crossings when transporting children. This can lead to some confusion if other drivers are unaware that there is a railroad crossing ahead, as the school bus will stop in the middle of the road.

School zone signs and lights must be followed. Fines for speeding and accidents will increase in school zones. You should be prepared to stop for child pedestrians while in a school zone, regardless of whether a school bus is present.

Penalties for Violating School Bus Laws

Over one million children take the bus to school across Texas. If you pass a stopped school bus on either side, penalties can range from:

• Fines between $500 and $1,250 (First Conviction)
• Fines between $1,000 and $2,000 and license suspension (Second Conviction)
• Fines no greater than $4,000 and up to 1 year jail time (Accident Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, First Conviction)

If you have a prior conviction of serious bodily injury while passing a school bus, the second conviction will increase to a felony charge. You will face up to 10 years of jail time and fines not exceeding $10,000.

What to Do If You’re In a School Bus Accident

Even the most well-trained drivers make mistakes. If you are in an accident with a school bus, follow these steps:

• Check for Injuries — Check yourself, your passengers, and bus occupants for injuries. Immediately seek medical attention if anyone is hurt.
• Call 9-1-1 — Always report a school bus accident. Do not leave the scene of the accident until authorities give you permission to do so.
• Document the Scene — Take photos of the scene and any visible injuries. Take note of any cameras that may have caught the incident.
• Exchange Information — Exchange your name, contact information, and insurance with the bus driver. Get the contact information of any witnesses.
• Call Shaw

School bus accident claims are complicated and require professional legal help. As soon as you are able, call Shaw at 800-862-1260 for legal advice on your claim.

Injured in a School Bus Accident in Texas? Call Shaw.

71% of the deaths in school-bus-related accidents were occupants of other vehicles between 2013 and 2022.

If you were hurt or lost a loved one in a school bus accident in Texas, you may be entitled to compensation for things like:

• Ambulance Costs,
• ER Treatment,
• Surgeries,
• Ongoing Medical Care,
• Lost Work/Benefits,
• Pain and Suffering,
• Property Damage, 
• Trauma/PTSD,
• Wrongful Death,
• And More.

We’ll help you find out if your case qualifies for free.

Call Shaw for your Texas school bus accident at 800-862-1260 to schedule for free case evaluation with one of our attorneys. No fees, no obligations, just stellar legal advice.

We look forward to serving you.

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¹NSC School Bus Injury Facts

²Texas School Bus Laws (TDI)