RCMP remind British Columbians to stop for school buses with red flashing lights as Spring Break ends

BRITISH COLUMBIA — The RCMP are reminding everyone to be vigilant while driving through residential areas as school’s resume classes.

Spring break is over and school is back in session. Drivers must to stop for school buses with red flashing lights.

So far this school year (September – to the end of March), West Shore RCMP have investigated 28 incidents where a motorist has driven past a school bus while the red lights are flashing.

Section 149 of the Motor Vehicle Act makes it illegal to pass a bus in either direction when the red lights are flashing.

There is a $368 fine and 3 penalty points associated to this offence.

Red flashing lights are deployed when the bus is stopped and students are boarding/deboarding the school bus.

You never know when a child will unexpectedly run to, or from a bus, or walk in front of the bus to cross the street.

If traffic is not stopped in both directions this could be dangerous and increase the chances of a student being struck by a vehicle.