North Carolina authorities issue school bus safety warnings

As the 2026–2027 school year begins in North Carolina, the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has issued warnings regarding school bus safety laws. Drivers are reminded of mandatory stop requirements to protect students during the high-traffic back-to-school period.

Under state law, motorists must stop in various scenarios depending on road design. On two-lane roads or four-lane roads without a central divider, traffic in both directions must come to a complete stop. On divided highways or roads with a central turn lane, only traffic traveling in the same direction as the bus is required to stop.

Violating these laws is classified as a Class 1 misdemeanor. Penalties include minimum fines of $500, the assessment of 5 to 8 points on driver licenses, and potential increases in insurance rates. In areas equipped with bus cameras, civil fines range from $400 to $1,000. If an infraction results in injury or death, charges can escalate to a felony, carrying fines up to $2,500 and immediate license revocation.