**SOUTH PORCUPINE OPP NEWS RELEASE**

The Matheson Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) would like to remind motorists about the importance of stopping for school buses. 

 

Motorists should know the following rules regarding school buses:

 

When driving on a road without a median

  •  Drivers traveling in both directions must stop for a stopped school bus with its upper red lights flashing
  • When you approach the bus from the front, stop at a safe distance to let children get on or off the bus and cross the road
  • Don’t move forward until the red lights have stopped flashing or the bus begins to move

When driving on a road with a median

  • Traffic coming from the opposite direction is not required to stop.

 

Under the Highway Traffic Act (HTA), drivers can be charged for failing stop for a bus with its upper red flashing lights.  The fines include:

  •  First offence: $400 to $2,000 fine and six demerit points
  • Each following offence: $1,000 to $4,000 fine, six demerit points and possible incarceration

 

If you witness a vehicle failing to stop for a school bus call police immediately. As motorists you have the responsibility to adhere to the rules of the road. Please STOP for flashing lights on school buses.

Filed under: Local News