School Bus Stop Law

The Burlington Police Department is committed to protecting life and property within the City of Burlington by maintaining the safe movement of vehicles on City streets. The department seeks to accomplish this through education, enforcement, and by providing emergency assistance to motorists. In efforts to support our commitment to the community, the Burlington Police Department wishes to remind motorists that the 2019-20 traditional school year for Alamance -Burlington Schools has commenced.

high five 2The department is urging motorists not to drive distracted and to be mindful of school-aged youth near the roadways at bus stops or on sidewalks. Let's protect our students and slow down, leave earlier to avoid congested roadways, be respectful of other motorists, especially school buses. Buses will be prevalent on roadways during the peak traffic times both before and after school; so know the law as it pertains to the passing of school buses. You can view this helpful School Bus Stop Law Diagram to better understand what to do when you see a stopped school bus.

For Parents of Students Who Walk/ Bike to School:

  • Walk with your child to school the first few days. You should ensure the way is safe. Take time to teach your child how to avoid or navigate any problem areas
  • Consider meeting with other parents and teaming your child up with other children and having them walk together.

For Students who Walk/ Bike to School:

  • When crossing a street, make sure to look both ways. Do not cross until there are no cars coming. Never assume a car will stop for you. If you cannot see the road for a long way in both directions, pick another spot to cross.
  • Do your best to use intersections with crosswalks and obey your crossing guards
  • As you walk near a road, do not let your electronic device distract you. 
  • If there is a sidewalk - USE IT. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and stay as far off the road as you can.
  • If you ride a bike - always wear a helmet.
  • If you bike - you must obey the rules of the road - stop at lights and stop signs.
  • If you bike and you must cross a street, walk your bike across at an intersection
  • Wear bright and/or reflective clothing

For All Drivers:

  • Do not pass a stopped school bus with the stop arm displayed and lit.
  • Yield to pedestrians who are in a crosswalk. NC law requires it.
  • Do not speed - ever! PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO SCHOOL ZONE SPEED LIMITS!
  • If a vehicle is stopped, do not pass it. Expect that they may be stopped for pedestrians.
  • Avoid distractions while driving such as putting on makeup, eating, or using electronic devices while operating a vehicle.
  • If near a school, bus stop, or playground - slow down because it is likely pedestrians will be there.

For Teen Drivers:

  • Do not speed - ever. PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO SCHOOL ZONE SPEED LIMITS!
  • Avoid distractions like playing your music loud or using electronic devices.
  • Remember cell phone use while driving is illegal for anyone under 18 years of age.
  • If you are a provisional license holder, you cannot have more than one passenger in your car at a time.