HF3436

Purpose

This legislation updates vehicle stopping rules around school buses to enhance student safety. It clarifies when drivers must stop and how far they must stay away from a bus that is loading or unloading children.

Main Provisions

• When a school bus is stopped on a street/highway or other location with signs under section 169.443 subdivision 2 paragraph b, and the bus is displaying an extended stop-signal arm and flashing red lights, the driver of an approaching vehicle must stop at least 20 feet away from the bus. The driver may not move until the school bus stop-signal arm is retracted and the red lights are no longer flashing.
• If the bus displays prewarning flashing amber lights, the approaching vehicle is informed that the red lights are about to be shown and that continued movement must stop; in this case, vehicular traffic must not encroach within 20 feet of the bus.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Codifies a 20-foot stopping distance for vehicles approaching a school bus when red lights are flashing and the extended stop-signal arm is active.
• Clarifies the purpose and effect of prewarning amber lights, signaling that drivers should prepare to stop as red lights are about to be activated.
• Amends Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 169.444 subdivision 1 to reflect these requirements.

Practical Impact

• Increases safety for children boarding or alighting from buses by establishing a clear, mandatory stopping distance.
• Provides explicit guidance to drivers about when to stop (red lights with extended arm) and how to respond to amber prewarning lights.

Relevant Terms - school bus - extended stop-signal arm - flashing red lights - flashing amber lights (prewarning lights) - 20 feet - stop - retracted - signs under section 169.443 subdivision 2 paragraph b - vehicle approaching