Schools across Maryland are gearing up for the 2025-2026 academic year, with start dates varying by county as families prepare for routines that include safe transportation. In Southern Maryland, Charles County Public Schools welcome students back August 25, while Calvert County begins August 26 and St. Mary’s County starts earliest on August 20. These openings signal heightened traffic around buses, prompting a review of Maryland school bus laws to prevent accidents and ensure compliance.
Under Maryland school bus laws, drivers must stop at least 20 feet from a school bus when its red lights flash and stop arm extends, regardless of approach direction on undivided roads. This applies to all vehicles meeting or overtaking the bus, with no passing allowed until the lights stop flashing, the arm retracts and the bus moves. On divided highways separated by a physical median like grass, dirt or a barrier, vehicles traveling in the opposite direction may proceed but must slow and exercise caution, as children could cross unexpectedly. Maryland school bus laws prohibit passing from behind or the front when signals activate, and violations can result in fines up to $570 and three points on a driver’s license, enforced through patrols and automated cameras in some areas.
These Maryland school bus laws stem from Transportation Article Section 21-706, which mandates stopping on roadways without medians and careful proceeding on those with them. In practice, this means on two-lane roads or multi-lane undivided highways, all traffic halts; on divided roads, only same-direction vehicles stop fully. Exceptions do not apply if the divider is just painted lines or a turn lane—stopping is required then. Maryland school bus laws emphasize that the rules protect children, who may dart into traffic, and data from the Maryland State Department of Education shows thousands of illegal passes annually, underscoring enforcement needs.
Beyond Maryland school bus laws, safety extends to tips for drivers, parents and students. Drivers should watch for yellow flashing lights signaling an impending stop, reducing speed early and scanning for children. Avoid distractions like phones, maintain extra distance in school zones and remember that buses make wide turns. For students, arrive at stops five minutes early, stand at least three giant steps from the curb and wait for the driver’s signal before crossing. Never retrieve dropped items without telling the driver, and always cross in front where visible. Parents can reinforce these by walking routes with kids and discussing dangers like the 10-foot “danger zone” around buses where drivers have blind spots.
In Southern Maryland, where rural roads and highways mix, these Maryland school bus laws take on added importance. Charles County’s 27,000 students, Calvert’s 15,000 and St. Mary’s 18,000 rely on buses traversing areas like Route 5 and Route 235, where visibility can vary. Local authorities, including the Maryland State Police, ramp up patrols during openings, citing hundreds for violations each year. Automated camera programs in counties like Montgomery have expanded to Southern areas, issuing warnings first before fines to promote compliance.
Maryland school bus laws align with national standards but include state-specific enforcement, such as the requirement for buses to stop fully before entering roadways and drivers to yield right-of-way. The Maryland Department of Transportation reports school buses as the safest student transport, with fatalities rare but often tied to illegal passing. As the year begins, initiatives like back-to-school supply drives in Calvert and Charles counties complement safety messages, fostering community awareness.
Enforcement of Maryland school bus laws involves coordination between local police and school districts, with programs like the Maryland Center for School Safety providing resources for training. In St. Mary’s, for instance, bus routes cover expansive rural areas, making adherence critical to avoid delays or incidents. Violations not only endanger lives but can lead to license suspension for repeat offenders, per state motor vehicle administration guidelines.
As Southern Maryland residents navigate these openings, remembering Maryland school bus laws helps maintain safe commutes. With schools emphasizing hybrid learning options post-pandemic, bus usage remains steady, highlighting the ongoing need for vigilance.