Minnesota school bus laws require stopping except on divided roads

In Minnesota, drivers are legally required to stop for school buses with flashing red lights and extended stop arms. According to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (MDPS), vehicles approaching from both directions on two-lane and multi-lane roads must stop at least 20 feet away.

There is one specific exception to this rule: drivers on a divided highway with a physical median between them and the school bus are not required to stop for oncoming traffic with flashing lights.

Violating school bus laws in the state can result in a $500 fine. Many buses utilize cameras to record violations for law enforcement. Drivers may also face criminal charges for passing on the right, passing while a child is outside the bus, or if the action results in injury or death.