HARRISBURG – State officials released the results of Operation Safe Stop, an annual initiative aimed at enhancing school bus safety for PA students. During 2024’s Operation Safe Stop, participating school districts and law enforcement agencies witnessed 131 violations of the law, down from 177 reported last year. The School Bus Stopping Law requires motorists approaching a school bus with its red lights flashing and stop arm activated to stop at least 10 feet from the bus. Motorists approaching from all directions are required to stop. However, motorists who encounter a school bus stopping on the opposite side of a divided highway are not required to stop when lanes of the highway are clearly separated by a divider, such as a concrete barrier or grassy median. Disobeying PA’s law results in a $250 fine plus a $35 surcharge, five points on your driver record, and a 60-day suspension of driving privileges. The fine increases to $300 if caught by a stop arm camera.
