Do school-bus stop rules differ by state?

Yes. Must you stop for a stopped school bus on this state's roads? Crosstatelaws maps all 50 states for travelers who are physically in that state — not for what a state requires of its own plates or licenses.

Does school-bus stop apply if my vehicle is registered in another state?

Operate-here rules (speed, helmets, possession, inspections you must stop for) follow the state you are in. Registration-state rules such as a front license plate do not. Read the layer notes on the map.

Where can I see a school-bus stop map?

Open the Crosstatelaws interactive map with this layer soloed: https://crosstatelaws.com/?solo=school_bus

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School-bus stop laws by state

People search “School-bus stop by state”, “School-bus stop laws by state”, and “School bus map” when a road trip, boat, bike, or load is about to cross a line. This page is the 50-state index for school-bus stop. Colors and quotes are written for someone in that state today, not for what that state demands of its own registered vehicles.

Open the School bus difference map

How states differ

Must you stop for a stopped school bus on this state's roads?.

Stop-arm cameras and/or stop required even on some divided roads
Stop both ways on undivided; opposite side of a divided highway usually may go

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All 50 states

One-line traveler summary for each state. Open the map for the quoted rule and footnotes.

Alabama (AL): Alabama (Ala. Code § 32-5A-154): stop both ways on undivided roads; opposite side of a physically divided highway may proceed. no statewide stop-arm camera program on this card. Fine: First conviction $150–$300 (Ala. Code § 32-5A-154).
Alaska (AK): Alaska (Alaska Stat. § 28.35.145): stop both ways on undivided roads; opposite side of a divided highway may proceed. no statewide stop-arm camera program on this card. Fine: Up to $2,000 and up to 90 days (Alaska Stat. § 28.35.145).
Arizona (AZ): Arizona (A.R.S. § 28-857): stop both ways on undivided roads; opposite side of a divided highway may proceed. no statewide stop-arm camera program on this card. Fine: First conviction at least $250 (A.R.S. § 28-857).
Arkansas (AR): Arkansas (Ark. Code § 27-51-1003): stop both ways on undivided roads; opposite side of a divided highway may proceed. no statewide stop-arm camera program on this card. Fine: First conviction $500–$2,500, up to 90 days, and a license suspension of 21 days to 1 year (Ark. Code § 27-51-1001).
California (CA): California (Cal. Veh. Code § 22454): stop both ways on undivided roads; opposite side of a divided highway may proceed (Veh. Code § 22454). stop-arm cameras authorized in participating districts. Fine: first conviction $150–$250 (Cal. Veh. Code § 22454).
Colorado (CO): Colorado (C.R.S. § 42-4-1903): stop both ways on undivided roads; opposite side of a divided highway may proceed. no statewide stop-arm camera program on this card. Fine: First conviction $150–$300, and a possible 10–90 days (C.R.S. § 42-4-1903).
Connecticut (CT): Connecticut: stop at least 10 feet from a school bus showing flashing red lights (§ 14-279). First offense $450; a later offense is $500–$1,000, up to 30 days, or both. A third conviction suspends the license for 6 months (P.A. 26-95, § 14-111(b), eff. Oct. 1, 2026).
Delaware (DE): Delaware (21 Del. C. § 4166): stop both ways on undivided roads; opposite side of a divided highway may proceed. no statewide stop-arm camera program on this card. Fine: First conviction $115–$230, a possible 30–60 days, and a license suspension of 1 month to 1 year (21 Del. C. § 4166).
Florida (FL): Florida (Fla. Stat. § 316.172): stop both ways on undivided roads; opposite side of a divided highway may proceed (Fla. Stat. § 316.172). stop-arm cameras authorized; owner-liability civil citation. Fine: at least $200 plus a $65 penalty (Fla. Stat. § 318.18(5)).
Georgia (GA): Georgia (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-163): stop both ways on undivided roads; opposite side of a divided highway may proceed. stop-arm cameras authorized. Fine: first conviction minimum $1,000 and 6 points (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-163).
Hawaii (HI): Hawaii (Haw. Rev. Stat. § 291C-95): stop both ways on undivided roads; opposite side of a divided highway may proceed. no statewide stop-arm camera program on this card. Fine: Up to $500, or up to $1,000 on a state highway (Haw. Rev. Stat. § 291C-95).
Idaho (ID): Idaho (Idaho Code § 49-1422): stop both ways on undivided roads; opposite side of a divided highway may proceed. no statewide stop-arm camera program on this card. Fine: First offense $300 (Idaho Code § 49-1422).
Illinois (IL): Illinois (625 ILCS 5/11-1414): stop both ways on undivided roads; opposite direction on a physically divided highway may proceed (625 ILCS 5/11-1414). stop-arm cameras authorized (625 ILCS 5/11-208.9); owner-liability civil citation. Fine: first conviction $300, and a 3-month license suspension (625 ILCS 5/11-1414).
Indiana (IN): Indiana (Ind. Code § 9-21-12-1): stop both ways on undivided roads; opposite side of a divided highway may proceed. no statewide stop-arm camera program on this card. Fine: Up to $10,000, and a license suspension of up to 90 days (Ind. Code § 9-21-12-1).
Iowa (IA): Iowa (Iowa Code § 321.372): stop both ways on undivided roads; opposite side of a divided highway may proceed. no statewide stop-arm camera program on this card. Fine: First conviction $345–$930, up to 30 days, and a possible 30-day license suspension (Iowa Code § 321.372).
Kansas (KS): Kansas (Kan. Stat. § 8-1556): stop both ways on undivided roads; opposite side of a divided highway may proceed. no statewide stop-arm camera program on this card. Fine: First conviction $315 (Kan. Stat. § 8-2118 / § 8-1556).
Kentucky (KY): Kentucky (KRS § 189.370): stop both ways on undivided roads; opposite side of a divided highway may proceed. no statewide stop-arm camera program on this card. Fine: First conviction $100–$200, and a possible 30–60 days (KRS § 189.370).
Louisiana (LA): Louisiana (La. R.S. 32:80): stop both ways on undivided roads; opposite side of a divided highway may proceed. no statewide stop-arm camera program on this card. Fine: First conviction $100–$500, up to 6 months, and a 30-day license suspension (La. R.S. 32:80).
Maine (ME): Maine (29-A M.R.S. § 2301): stop both ways on undivided roads; opposite side of a divided highway may proceed. no statewide stop-arm camera program on this card. Fine: At least $250 (29-A M.R.S. § 2308).
Maryland (MD): Maryland (Md. Code, Transp. § 21-706): stop both ways on undivided roads; opposite side of a divided highway may proceed. stop-arm cameras authorized; owner-liability. Fine: officer stop up to $1,000 (Md. Code, Transp. § 21-706). Camera citations are a separate civil amount.
Massachusetts (MA): Massachusetts (Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 90, § 14): stop both ways on undivided roads; opposite side of a divided highway may proceed. no statewide stop-arm camera program on this card. Fine: First conviction at least $250 (Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 90, § 14).
Michigan (MI): Michigan (MCL 257.682): stop both ways on undivided roads; opposite side of a divided highway may proceed. no statewide stop-arm camera program on this card. Fine: $100–$500 (MCL 257.682).
Minnesota (MN): Minnesota (Minn. Stat. § 169.444): stop both ways on undivided roads; opposite side of a divided highway may proceed. no statewide stop-arm camera program on this card. Fine: At least $500, and up to 90 days (Minn. Stat. § 169.444).
Mississippi (MS): Mississippi (Miss. Code § 63-3-615): stop both ways on undivided roads; opposite side of a divided highway may proceed. no statewide stop-arm camera program on this card. Fine: First conviction $350–$750, and up to 1 year (Miss. Code § 63-3-615).
Missouri (MO): Missouri (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 304.050): stop both ways on undivided roads; opposite side of a divided highway may proceed. no statewide stop-arm camera program on this card. Fine: Up to $2,000, up to 1 year, and a possible 90-day license suspension (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 304.050).
Montana (MT): Montana (Mont. Code § 61-8-351): stop both ways on undivided roads; opposite side of a divided highway may proceed. no statewide stop-arm camera program on this card. Fine: First conviction $500–$1,000 (Mont. Code Ann. § 61-8-351).
Nebraska (NE): Nebraska (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 60-6,175): stop both ways on undivided roads; opposite side of a divided highway may proceed. no statewide stop-arm camera program on this card. Fine: $500 (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 60-6,175).
Nevada (NV): Nevada (NRS 484B.353): stop both ways on undivided roads; opposite side of a divided highway may proceed. no statewide stop-arm camera program on this card. Fine: First conviction $250–$500 (NRS 484B.353).
New Hampshire (NH): New Hampshire (N.H. Rev. Stat. § 265:54): stop both ways on undivided roads; opposite side of a divided highway may proceed. no statewide stop-arm camera program on this card. Fine: First conviction $150 plus the penalty assessment (RSA 265:54).
New Jersey (NJ): New Jersey (N.J.S.A. 39:4-128.1): stop both ways on undivided roads; opposite side of a divided highway may proceed. stop-arm cameras authorized; owner-liability. Fine: first-offense $100 minimum range.
New Mexico (NM): New Mexico (N.M. Stat. § 66-7-347): stop both ways on undivided roads; opposite side of a divided highway may proceed. no statewide stop-arm camera program on this card. Fine: Up to $300, a $100 penalty assessment, and up to 90 days (N.M. Stat. § 66-7-347).
New York (NY): New York (N.Y. Veh. & Traf. Law § 1174): stop both ways on undivided roads; opposite side of a divided highway may proceed (VAT § 1174). stop-arm cameras widespread; owner-liability. Fine: first-offense $250–$400 civil/criminal range.
North Carolina (NC): North Carolina (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-217): stop both ways on undivided roads; opposite side of a divided highway may proceed. stop-arm cameras authorized. Fine: At least $500 (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-217).
North Dakota (ND): North Dakota (N.D. Cent. Code § 39-10-46): stop both ways on undivided roads; opposite side of a divided highway may proceed. no statewide stop-arm camera program on this card. Fine: $250 (N.D. Cent. Code § 39-10-46).
Ohio (OH): Ohio (Ohio Rev. Code § 4511.75): stop both ways on undivided roads; opposite side of a divided highway may proceed. stop-arm cameras authorized; owner-liability. Fine: Up to $500, and a license suspension of up to 1 year (Ohio Rev. Code § 4511.75).
Oklahoma (OK): Oklahoma (47 O.S. § 11-705): stop both ways on undivided roads; opposite side of a divided highway may proceed. no statewide stop-arm camera program on this card. Fine: At least $100 plus a $100 special assessment, and a license suspension of up to 1 year (47 O.S. § 11-705).
Oregon (OR): Oregon (Or. Rev. Stat. § 811.155): stop both ways on undivided roads; opposite side of a divided highway may proceed. no statewide stop-arm camera program on this card. Fine: Up to $2,000 (Or. Rev. Stat. § 811.155).
Pennsylvania (PA): Pennsylvania (75 Pa.C.S. § 3345): stop both ways on undivided roads; opposite side of a divided highway may proceed. stop-arm cameras authorized; owner-liability. Fine: $250 plus a $35 surcharge, and a 60-day license suspension (75 Pa.C.S. § 3345).
Rhode Island (RI): Rhode Island (R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-20-12): stop both ways on undivided roads; opposite side of a divided highway may proceed. no statewide stop-arm camera program on this card. Fine: First conviction up to $300, and a possible license suspension of up to 30 days (R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-20-12).
South Carolina (SC): South Carolina (S.C. Code § 56-5-2770): stop both ways on undivided roads; opposite side of a divided highway may proceed. no statewide stop-arm camera program on this card. Fine: First conviction at least $500, and a possible 30 days or at least 10 days of community service (S.C. Code § 56-5-2770).
South Dakota (SD): South Dakota (S.D. Codified Laws § 32-32-6): stop both ways on undivided roads; opposite side of a divided highway may proceed. no statewide stop-arm camera program on this card. Fine: Up to $500 and up to 30 days (S.D. Codified Laws § 32-32-6).
Tennessee (TN): Tennessee (Tenn. Code § 55-8-151): stop both ways on undivided roads; opposite side of a divided highway may proceed. no statewide stop-arm camera program on this card. Fine: First conviction $250–$1,000 (Tenn. Code § 55-8-151).
Texas (TX): Texas (Tex. Transp. Code § 545.066): stop both ways on undivided roads; opposite side of a divided highway may proceed. stop-arm cameras authorized; owner-liability. Fine: first-offense $500–$1,250.
Utah (UT): Utah (Utah Code § 41-6a-1302): stop both ways on undivided roads; opposite side of a divided highway may proceed. no statewide stop-arm camera program on this card. Fine: First conviction at least $1,000, plus 10 hours of compensatory service (Utah Code § 41-6a-1302).
Vermont (VT): Vermont (23 V.S.A. § 1075): stop both ways on undivided roads; opposite side of a divided highway may proceed. no statewide stop-arm camera program on this card. Fine: Up to $1,000 (23 V.S.A. § 1075).
Virginia (VA): Virginia (Va. Code § 46.2-859): stop both ways on undivided roads; opposite side of a divided highway may proceed. stop-arm cameras authorized; owner-liability. Fine: first-offense $250 range.
Washington (WA): Washington (RCW 46.61.370): stop both ways on undivided roads; opposite side of a divided highway may proceed. no statewide stop-arm camera program on this card. Fine: Up to $500 (RCW 46.61.370).
West Virginia (WV): West Virginia (W. Va. Code § 17C-12-7): stop both ways on undivided roads; opposite side of a divided highway may proceed. no statewide stop-arm camera program on this card. Fine: First conviction $500–$1,000, up to 6 months, and a required 60-day license suspension (W. Va. Code § 17C-12-7).
Wisconsin (WI): Wisconsin (Wis. Stat. § 346.48): stop both ways on undivided roads; opposite side of a divided highway may proceed. no statewide stop-arm camera program on this card. Fine: $500–$1,000 (Wis. Stat. § 346.48).
Wyoming (WY): Wyoming (Wyo. Stat. § 31-5-507): stop both ways on undivided roads; opposite side of a divided highway may proceed. no statewide stop-arm camera program on this card. Fine: First conviction $195–$745 (Wyo. Stat. § 31-5-507).

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