The stop arm on a school bus is more than just a piece of equipment-it's a critical safety signal. When the red lights flash and the stop arm extends, it means children are either boarding or exiting the school bus. Unfortunately, many drivers do not know this rule and have been illegally passing our school buses, putting students at risk. Remember to stop, wait, and watch for children when the stop arm is extended.
Due to a problem of people not stopping for school buses, the Nixa community will see an increase in police coverage to help protect our students. If you don't stop for a school bus, plan to be pulled over. Thank you to the Nixa Police Department and the Nixa Public Schools School Police for keeping our students safe.
Red flashing lights and extended stop arms indicate the bus has stopped and children are getting on or off. When operating on a two-lane road, regardless of the direction, drivers must stop their vehicle and wait until the lights stop flashing, the extended stop arm is withdrawn, and the bus begins moving before they can start driving again.
Illegally passing a school bus in Missouri could result in a 90-day driver’s license suspension for the first offense or minimum 120-day driver’s license suspension for the second and subsequent offense. Penalties are heightened if a child is struck, injured, or killed.
