News release: September 6, 2022
Keep our kids safe – Stop for school buses It’s the law
Brampton, ON. (September 6, 2022) – As a new school year gets underway, the Region of Peel is reminding drivers to watch for school buses and be ready to stop when the upper lights are flashing whether you’re behind the bus or approaching it from the front.
Stopping for school buses is the law. Drivers who don't follow the provincial bus safety laws are subject to fines. First offence penalties can be up to $2000 and six demerit points.
Most school bus injuries happen as students are boarding or leaving the bus or crossing the street. Follow the guidelines listed below to help protect the safety of our children.
When driving on roads without a median, which is a permanent divide that separates each direction of traffic:
- Vehicles in both directions must stop when a school bus stops.
- As it slows down, the bus will activate its stop arm and flashing amber lights then flashing red lights to signal stopping.
- If you’re driving behind the bus, stop at least 20 m (65 ft.) away.
- If the school bus is facing you, stop at a safe distance to let students get on and off the bus and cross the road.
Wait for the red lights to stop flashing, the stop arm to fold away, and the bus to begin moving before continuing your drive.
If there is a median between lanes that separate traffic direction:
- Stop at least 20 m (65 ft.) away if you’re driving in the same direction as the school bus.
- You do not need to stop if you’re driving on the other side of the median in the opposite direction of the school bus.
As part of the Vision Zero approach to reducing and ultimately eliminating fatal and injury collisions on Peel roads, the Region continues to work with local municipalities and partners like Peel Regional Police and Ontario Provincial Police to reinforce road safety rules and protect all pedestrians, cyclists and drivers travelling on our roadways.
For more information visit: School bus safety | ontario.ca
An easy way to increase safety in our community is to be extra cautious when driving in school zones and around school buses. As regular traffic resumes on our roadways following the quieter summer months, it’s good practice to be reminded and take note of our responsibilities as a driver. We want all children to have a successful school year, without injury. We thank you for being aware and always stopping for school buses.
Commissioner Kealy Dedman, Public Works, Region of Peel
Media contact
Gloria Leonardis
Communications Specialist
Region of Peel
About Peel Region
In 2024, Peel Region marks its 50th anniversary. Peel Region works with residents and partners to create a healthy, safe, and connected Community for Life for approximately 1.5 million people and over 200,000 businesses in Brampton, Mississauga and Caledon. Peel's services touch the lives of residents every day. For more information explore peelregion.ca and follow us on X @regionofpeel and Instagram @peelregion.ca.
On December 13, 2023, the Ontario government announced that Peel Region will not be dissolved, and that Bill 112 legislation will be updated to reflect service delivery in Peel. Services for residents and businesses will continue without interruption. For updates and more information, visit Peel's transition page.
