In Illinois, the law for Approaching, Overtaking, and Passing a School Bus is included in the Illinois Vehicle Code under 625 ILCS 5/11-1414. The law requires a driver to stop before meeting or overtaking (from either direction) a school bus stopped for the purpose of loading or unloading pupils. The stop is required if the school bus is displaying the visual signals specified in the code (i.e. flashing lights, stop signal arm extended, etc.) and the driver should not proceed until the visuals signals cease, the school bus resumes motion, or the school bus driver signals the vehicle to proceed. The law does not require a driver to stop on a four-lane highway when traveling on the opposite two lanes from the school bus.

The Illinois Secretary of State will suspend the driver’s license of anyone convicted of the violating this law for a period of three months. In addition, the court will impose a minimum $150 fine for a first offense. A second or subsequent conviction of this offense within five years of the first conviction will result in a one-year driver’s license suspension and a minimum mandatory $500 fine.

The Law Offices of Davis & LaScola represent clients charged with unlawfully passing a school bus and a wide variety of other traffic-related offenses throughout the Chicagoland area. Contact our defense attorneys today to discuss your case.