Buses are back on the roads.
The Upper Ottawa Valley OPP is conducting a focused patrol targeting drivers who disobey traffic laws when it comes to bus safety.
A zero tolerance approach will be taken.
Drivers who encounter a stopped school bus that has its safety lights and equipment activated must stop before reaching the bus and shall not proceed until the bus moves or the safety lights and equipment have been deactivated.
This applies whether you are meeting or following a school bus, and includes multi-lane roads.
The only exception is when driving on a road with a median – traffic coming from the opposite direction is not required to stop.
Vehicle owners can be charged if their vehicle illegally passes a stopped school bus, even if they weren’t driving.
The fine for failing to stop for a school bus is $400 to $2,000 and 6 demerit points for the first offence.
Subsequent offences carry a fine between $1,000 and $4,000, six demerit points and possible jail time (up to six months).
Parents of students who will be walking or cycling to school are encouraged to speak with their children about the rules of the road that apply to them.
