Warning: This Driving Offense Could Get You 5 Points

As kids head back to school, it's a good time to remind everyone to be cautious when driving near school buses and bus stops.

Knowing the laws about stopping for school buses can prevent dangerous situations.  It can also prevent you from getting serious penalties, including 5 points on your license.

According to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission...

"A motorist must stop for a school bus with flashing red lights. State law requires a motorist to stop at least 25 feet away if he/she is traveling on a two-lane road or on a multi-lane highway where lanes are only separated by lines, or on a privately maintained road. When traveling on a dual-lane highway, a motorist should slow to 10 mph if on the other side of a safety island or raised median. School buses are equipped with yellow (or amber) and red flashing lights. The yellow (or amber) lights go on before the bus stops and the red lights go on when the bus has stopped. However, a motorist should not depend on these lights, if driving behind a school bus. They could be malfunctioning."

NJ.gov says that "for the first offense, drivers who violate the law related to passing stopped school buses face fines not less than $100, 15 days in jail, or 15 days of community service or both."  And "for a subsequent offense, drivers...fines of not less than $250 and 15 days in jail."  On top of that, your auto insurance will most likely increase.