Minnesota and Florida Renew Warnings on When Drivers Must Stop for School Buses

Overview

• State agencies and local media issued back-to-school reminders on Monday that spelled out when motorists must stop for school buses to keep children safe.
• Minnesota’s 2025 law now requires drivers to stop for a bus displaying flashing red lights whether or not the stop arm is extended, with motorists required to halt at least 20 feet away.
• Minnesota drivers who violate the stopping rule face a $500 fine and can face criminal charges for risky passes such as passing on the right or when a child is outside the bus.
• Florida guidance reminds drivers to stop for buses with flashing red lights and an extended stop arm but notes an exception for divided highways with a raised median or at least five feet of unpaved separation; penalties include license points, a mandatory driver-improvement course on conviction, and minimum fines starting at $265 or $465 for passing the side where children enter or exit.
• Officials urged hands-free driving, slower speeds near schools, and student safety steps such as standing back from the curb and waiting for the driver’s signal, and several states are pairing education with enforcement tools like bus cameras to reduce repeat violations.