With school underway, the Chatham-Kent Police Service is reminding motorists of the rules of the road due to increased bus traffic.
When driving on a road without a median, drivers traveling in both directions must stop for a stopped school bus with its upper red lights flashing.
When approaching the bus from the front, drivers must stop at a safe distance to allow children to get on or off the bus and cross the road.
Drivers must remain stopped until the red lights stop flashing or the bus begins to move.
When driving on a road with a median, traffic coming from the opposite direction is not required to stop.
Drivers can be charged if they pass a stopped school bus with its upper red lights flashing.
The fine for a first offense ranges from $400 to $2,000 and includes six demerit points.
Each following offense results in a fine from $1,000 to $4,000, six demerit points, and possible jail time of up to six months.
Vehicle owners can also be charged if their vehicle illegally passes a stopped school bus, even if they were not driving.
