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the general rules
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the school bus rules

school zones
city buses with children
disabled buses
hazardous weather
railroad crossings

crossing guards
interesting facts
school bus equipment

criminal offenses

School Zones.

We have all seen school zones and their special speed limits. A "School Crossing Zone" is defined as "a reduced speed zone designated on a street by a local authority to facilitate safe crossing of the street by children going to or leaving a public or private elementary or secondary school during the time the reduced speed limit applies".

IT IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE TO SPEED IN A SCHOOL ZONE.

According to the website of the City of Austin, as of February 9, 2000, the fines for speeding in a school zone in Austin are as follows:

Up to 10 miles mph over the speed limit: $150

15 mph over the speed limit: $190

20 mph over the speed limit: $210

25 mph over the speed limit: $230

30 mph over the speed limit: $250

City Buses Transporting School Children.

In many Texas communities, a city or metro transit authority bus carries school children. You may see buses with the following signs:

CAUTION

Children...

These buses do not fall under the legal definition of a "school bus", because they typically do not transport more than 15 passengers, which is one of the requirements for a bus to be classified as a "school bus" under Texas law.

So, there is no legal requirement to stop when you approach one of these buses that has stopped to load or unload passengers. But you should still proceed with extreme caution. There may be children on board, and your caution could save a life!

Disabled School Buses.

Like all vehicles, school buses sometimes break down on the road. Please keep this in mind if you see a disabled school bus on a roadway or shoulder. School buses that break down are required to post Triangular Warning Devices. Although you are not required to stop when approaching a disabled school bus, please slow down and be very cautious when you pass the bus. Children may be unloading to transfer into substitute vehicles, and may attempt to cross the road. At that time, they would be at great risk, and need your thoughtfulness to protect them.

Hazardous Weather Conditions.

School buses are often equipped with special lights for use in hazardous weather conditions. A school district may supply school buses with rooftop warning lamps that work very much like strobes lights. These lights may be used only in hazardous weather conditions when the bus is stopped to load or unload school children.

Railroad Crossings.

School buses stop for ALL railroad crossings! A school bus operator is required by law to stop at railroad crossings, even if there are no trains in sight. The driver is required to listen and to look in both directions before proceeding through the crossing.

If you are behind a school bus and you are approaching a railroad crossing, be prepared to stop when the school bus stops. Do not tailgate.