05/08/2026
As students prepare to return to school, the Boone County Sheriff's Office is reminding motorists to become familiar with Kentucky's new school bus stopping law before the school year begins.
Effective July 15, Kentucky law requires drivers traveling in both directions to stop for a school bus displaying its flashing red lights and extended stop arm unless the opposing lanes are separated by a physical barrier. A center turn lane is not considered a physical barrier.
Drivers must stop:
• When traveling behind a stopped school bus.
• When approaching a stopped school bus from the opposite direction on any roadway without a physical barrier separating traffic.
Drivers may continue only when opposing traffic is separated by a physical barrier, such as:
• A concrete barrier or wall
• A raised median
• A grass median
• Flexible delineators (yellow paddles) or other physical dividers
This means drivers must stop on many five-lane roads with a center-turn lane, such as Pleasant Valley Road and US 42. Keep in mind that some roads have physical barriers in some sections and not in others. Where motorists must stop depends on whether a physical barrier separates opposing traffic where the school bus is loading or unloading.
Passing a stopped school bus is dangerous and illegal. A first offense carries a $300 fine, while a second offense within three years carries a $500 fine. Violators also face six points on their license.
With school buses returning to Boone County roadways in the coming weeks, motorists are reminded to stay alert, watch for children near bus stops and know when they are required to stop. Taking a few extra seconds could save a child’s life.
