New School Bus Law Designed to Keep Students Safer

A new law signed last Friday by Governor Brian Kemp should help keep school children safer who ride the bus.

Kemp signed Senate Bill 25 into law Friday that clarifies when motorists must stop for school buses.

Last year, Georgia Lawmakers passed a bill that inadvertently made it legal for motorists in an oncoming lane to pass a school bus.

House Bill 978 removed the requirement for motorists in the oncoming lane to stop for school buses if there was yellow middle turning lane, commonly known as a suicide lane, in between.

SB 25 removed that statue and now requires undoes that by requiring oncoming vehicles to stop unless there is a “grass median, unpaved area, or physical barrier.”

Senate Bill 25 takes effect immediately.

Toccoa Police Chief Jimmy Mize said this school year he’s had no instances of motorists trying to pass a school bus either from behind or from the oncoming lane.

Mize however, warns motorists they need to be aware of school buses and the law.

Jimmy Mize trt: 21 oc: and moving

The only exception to the law is a four-lane, divided highway.

In that case, oncoming traffic does not have to stop.