Stop Arm Violation Information from JPD

Students from Dubois County are preparing to head back to school for the 2024-2025 school year, which means you will be seeing school buses on our roads. The Jasper Police Department, Dubois County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Greater Jasper Consolidated School Corporation want to remind everyone of the importance of being vigilant for stopped school buses while they are picking up and dropping off students on roadways. This is why you must stop for school buses, and don’t attempt to pass. It is the law! 

Illegal School Bus Passing 

Illegal school bus passing poses a significant threat to children and others on the road. It is illegal in Indiana for you to pass a stopped school bus while the stop-arm is extended, and the red lights are flashing. This could result in a citation for an infraction or a misdemeanor criminal charge. 

Understanding School Bus Lights  
 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 You must stop your vehicle and wait until the red lights stop flashing, the extended stop-arm is withdrawn, and the bus begins moving before you can start driving again. 

When to Stop for a School Bus 

Two-Lane Roadways If a school bus stops on a two-lane road and the red flashing lights are activated and the stop arm is extended, all motorists MUST stop. 

Multi-Lane Roadways with NO Barrier between Lanes 

When a school bus stops on a multi-lane roadway without a barrier and the red flashing lights are activated and the stop arm is extended, all motorists MUST stop. 

Multi-Lane Roadway with a Grassy and/or Concrete Barrier 

When a school bus stops and the red flashing lights are activated and the stop arm is extended, only vehicles behind the bus MUST stop. Vehicles that are approaching from the opposite side are NOT required to stop.