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Red Light Law
Provisions of recently enacted legislation, AB 1573, Strom-Martin, Chapter 647, effective October 11,1999, changed the way school bus drivers use the flashing amber warning and flashing red signal light/stop signal arm system on the bus.
Additionally, this legislation changed some conditions under which motorists must stop for school buses that display the flashing red signal lights and stop signal arm.
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These changes are:
Except where pupils who need to cross the highway or private road upon which
the school bus is stopped, flashing red signal lights and stop signal arm are not required to be activated by the school bus driver at the following locations:
(1) School bus loading zones on or adjacent to school grounds or during an activity trip, if the school bus is lawfully parked.
(2) Where the school bus is disabled due to mechanical breakdown.
(3) Where pupils require assistance to board or leave the school bus.
(4) Where the roadway surface on which the bus is stopped is partially or completely covered by snow or ice and requiring traffic to stop would pose a safety hazard.
(5) On a state highway with a posted speed limit of 55 miles per hour or higher where the school bus is completely off the main portion of the highway.
(6) Any location determined by a school district, with the approval of the Department of the California Highway Patrol, to present a traffic or safety hazard.
If you have questions regarding this change in law you may contact the districts state certified instructor at (805) 641-5000 ext. 1325 or the local office of the Department of the California Highway Patrol.
