SEBASTIAN COUNTY, Ark. — The Sebastian County Sheriff's Office (SCSO) is cracking down on drivers not following the rules when it comes to stopping for school buses.
Since the beginning of the school year, SCSO has increased law enforcement in school areas to focus on school bus traffic safety.
SCSO posted a photo on what to do if you're driving near or behind a school bus.
Bus Stop Rules
When a school bus stops, you will see a stop sign on the side. Here's what you should do:
- On a regular two-lane street, both sides must stop
- On a four-lane street with the center lane in between, both sides must stop.
- If there's an unpaved portion or barrier in between, drivers going the same direction as the bus must still stop. Drivers on the oncoming side, can continue driving.
The SCSO said there is no excuse and no tolerance for breaking these rules and no warnings are given for this violation.
SCSO said those who break any of these rules could face fines of up to $1000, up to 90 days in jail, or up to 400 hours of community service. Those with a suspended driver's license can face up to a year in jail.
"If you pass a school a school bus in Sebastian County, a court date will be in your future," SBSO said.