As students head back to school across Middle Tennessee, more than 8,600 school buses hit the roads statewide each day. Whether you’re on a rural road, city street, or multi-lane highway, knowing when to stop for a school bus is one of the most important things you can do to protect young lives—and avoid serious penalties.
If it’s been a while since you reviewed the rules, now’s the perfect time for a refresher.
Tennessee’s School Bus Stop Laws—Explained
The law in Tennessee is straightforward: drivers must stop for a school bus when it is picking up or dropping off children, but how that applies depends on the type of road you’re on.
Use this graphic to help you remember:
Here’s what it means:
- Two-lane road (no median):🛑 All traffic in both directions must stop.
- Multi-lane road with a center turn lane or no divider:🛑 All traffic in both directions must stop.
- Divided highway (with unpaved median or physical barrier):⛔ Only traffic behind the bus must stop.✅ Traffic traveling in the opposite direction should proceed with caution.
That means on roads with a raised median, grass strip, or concrete divider, drivers heading toward the bus don’t need to stop—but they should always stay alert for kids crossing unexpectedly.
Why This Matters: The Risk Is Real
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), school buses are one of the safest ways for children to travel—but getting on or off the bus is the most dangerous time. Most serious injuries or deaths happen when children are struck by passing vehicles that fail to stop.
In Tennessee, drivers who illegally pass a school bus can face:
- A Class A misdemeanor
- A fine of $250–$1,000
- Possible license suspension
- Increased insurance rates
And more importantly—those few seconds of impatience could cost a life.
Tips for Sharing the Road with School Buses
- Slow down when you see a school bus ahead.
- Stay alert—children may run across the street unexpectedly.
- Never try to pass a stopped bus from either direction (unless it’s a divided highway as explained above).
- Watch for flashing lights and extended stop arms. Yellow means prepare to stop. Red means stop.
- Give the bus space—don’t tailgate, and remember buses make wide turns.
- Be patient. Bus stops only take a few moments, and kids’ lives are worth the wait.
When in Doubt, Stop
If you’re not sure whether you need to stop, it’s always safer to err on the side of caution. It’s better to wait a few extra seconds than to risk a child’s life—or your license.
Parents: Talk to Your Kids Too
Even if you’re not behind the wheel, you can help by reminding your children to:
- Stay on the sidewalk or edge of the road until the bus comes to a complete stop.
- Look both ways before crossing the street—even if the stop arm is out.
- Walk, don’t run, when getting on or off the bus.
- Stay visible: never walk behind the bus.
Start the School Year Safely
School buses are back on the road, and that means we all have a role to play. Whether you’re a driver, parent, or student—let’s work together to keep Tennessee’s roads safe this school year.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a school zone or bus-related accident, Stillman & Friedland is here to help. Call us at 615-244-2111 or reach out through our online contact form.
Because we care,
Stillman & Friedland
