School Buses Are Hitting The Mother Lode Roadways and So Is The CHP

Published Aug 18, 2026 9:54 am

Sonora, CA – As the new school year begins for many students in the Mother Lode, the CHP reminds motorists to watch out for school buses on the roadways. Local school’s start dates are listed here.

CHP officials ask drivers to slow down and stay alert around school buses and school zones. One key rule to highlight is that when a school bus stops with its lights flashing red, you must stop and wait until the lights stop flashing and it’s safe to proceed.

“The CHP will deploy additional officers out this week specifically looking for violators who choose to put students and bus drivers in danger by not stopping for the flashing red lights on the school bus. We will also be enforcing the 25-mile-per-hour school zone speed limit,” stated CHP officials.

In California, passing a stopped school bus with flashing red lights (California Vehicle Code Section 22454) carries total penalty and fee amounts starting around $695 for a first-time offense, with maximum potential fines reaching up to $1,000.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave these additional tips for drivers:

• Yellow flashing lights indicate the bus is preparing to stop to load or unload children. You should slow down and prepare to stop your vehicle.
• Red flashing lights and extended stop arms indicate the bus has stopped and children are getting on or off. You must stop your car and wait until the red lights stop flashing, the extended stop arm is withdrawn, and the bus begins moving before you can start driving again.
• Even when lights aren’t flashing, watch for children, particularly in the morning or mid-afternoon, around school arrival and dismissal times. Be alert as you back out of a driveway or drive through a neighborhood, school zone or bus stop.

The administration also provided these rules for students at the bus stop:

• Keep a safe distance: Stand at least 10 feet or 5 giant steps away from the curb while waiting.
• Wait for the signal: Never approach the bus until it comes to a complete stop, and the driver signals you to board.
• Cross safely: Always look left-right-left for cars before crossing the street after getting off the bus.