Frequent Questions - Transportation Laws Governing Pupil Transportation


Q: What is the school bus stop law?

A: Explanation of Stop Laws

 
1. When the bus is stopped in the right-hand lane of traffic on an undivided

highway, to load or unload pupils, all traffic must stop.

 
2. When the bus is stopped off the main traveled portion of the highway,

traffic is not required to stop. It is illegal to use the bus safety lights

when stopped off the main traveled portion of the highway. Bus must

be either completely in or completely out of the traffic lane.

 
3. When the bus is stopped in the right-hand lane of traffic on a highway

divided by a barrier or unpaved median strip, only traffic going the

same direction as the bus must stop. Approaching traffic may proceed.

 

SCHOOL BUS STOP LAW

ORS 811.155 Failure to stop for bus safety lights; penalty.

 
(1) A driver commits the offense of failure to stop for bus safety lights if

the driver meets or overtakes from either direction any vehicle that is

stopped on a roadway and that is operating red bus safety lights

described under ORS 816.260 and the driver does not:

 
(a) Stop before reaching the vehicle; and

(b) Remain standing until the bus safety lights are no longer operating.

 
(2) The following apply to the offense described in this section:

 
(a) The offense described in this section does not apply if the vehicle

operating the bus safety lights is not permitted under ORS

816.350 and 816.360 to operate red bus safety lights.

(b) A driver need not comply with this section if the vehicle operating

red bus safety lights is stopped on a different roadway.

 
(3) The offense described in this section, failure to stop for bus safety

lights, is a Class A traffic infraction.


Q: What are the rules governing pupils riding school buses?

A: RULES GOVERNING PUPILS RIDING SCHOOL BUSES OAR 581-053-0010

 
(1) Pupils being transported are under authority of the bus driver.

 
(2) Fighting, wrestling, or boisterous activity is prohibited on the bus.

 
(3) Pupils shall use the emergency door only in case of emergency.

 
(4) Pupils shall be on time for the bus both morning and evening.

 
(5) Pupils shall not bring firearms, weapons, or other potentially hazardous

material on the bus.

(6) Pupils shall not bring animals, except approved assistance guide

animals on the bus.
 

(7) Pupils shall remain seated while the bus is in motion.
 

(8) Pupils may be assigned seats by the bus driver.
 

(9) When necessary to cross the road, pupils shall cross in front of the bus

or as instructed by the bus driver.
 

(10) Pupils shall not extend their hands, arms, or heads through bus

windows.


(11) Pupils shall have written permission to leave the bus other than at

home or school.
 

(12) Pupils shall converse in normal tones; loud or vulgar language is

prohibited.
 

(13) Pupils shall not open or close windows without permission of the bus

driver.

 
(14) Pupils shall keep the bus clean and refrain from damaging it.

 
(15) Pupils shall be courteous to the driver, to fellow pupils, and passersby.

 
(16) Pupils who refuse to obey promptly the directions of the driver or

refuse to obey regulations may forfeit their privilege to ride on the

buses.

 
(17) Rules Governing Pupils Riding School Buses must be kept posted in a

conspicuous place in all school buses.