06/05/2026
During our last talk about traffic, we received a comment about what to do when a school bus is stopped, so let’s talk about that.
School buses are always among us, winter, spring, summer, and fall. As summer approaches, we need to think about Ice cream trucks, too. We’re not really sure where the Ice cream trucks go in the winter, but they will be back soon, so let’s be prepared.
New Jersey school bus laws (principally N.J.S.A. 39:4-128.1 and 39:4-128)
This law mandates that drivers in all directions must stop at least 25 feet away from a stopped school bus with its flashing red lights activated and stop arm extended. Traffic must remain stopped until the red lights are turned off and all children have reached a safe place.
When You Must Stop
Two-lane and undivided multi-lane roads: Traffic in both directions must stop at least 25 feet away from the bus.
Divided highways: Only vehicles traveling behind or alongside the bus in the same direction must stop. Vehicles on the opposite side of a physical median or safety island can proceed with caution.
The 10 MPH Exception (Same-Side Curbside Pickups)
Vehicles are permitted to pass a parked school bus without stopping if the bus is parked at the curb on the same side of the street to receive/discharge students directly from a school, summer camp, or for individuals with developmental disabilities. However, the driver must pass at a slow, safe speed not exceeding 10 mph
Driving Rules for Ice Cream Trucks (N.J.S.A. 39:4-128.4)
Mandatory Stop: If an ice cream truck is stopped and has its flashing red lights activated and stop signal arm extended, drivers approaching from either direction must come to a complete stop.
The 15 MPH Rule: After coming to a complete stop, you may proceed past the truck at a reasonable and prudent speed, but you cannot exceed 15 mph.
Yield to Pedestrians: You must yield the right-of-way to any children or adults crossing the roadway to or from the truck.
Divided Highways: If you are traveling on the opposite side of a dual highway separated by a safety island or physical traffic barrier, you are not required to stop.
