HPD Chief reminds drivers of a new law requiring them to stop for school buses

Public school students in Christian County return to school on Wednesday, and Hopkinsville Police Chief Jason Newby spotlighted a recently passed law requiring motorists to stop when a school bus is picking up or dropping off students.

Newby shared that House Bill 7 requires motorists driving in both directions on a road to stop when a school bus is stopped with its flashing red lights and stop arm activated.

The only time cars traveling in the opposite lane from a stopped bus do not need to stop is when the lanes are separated by an elevated barrier or an unpaved median. Under the new law, Newby says school systems are allowed to equip buses with cameras to monitor driver behavior.

Drivers caught breaking the law will receive a fine of $300 and for a repeat offense they will receive a fine of $500.