UNDATED (WTAQ) – The Wisconsin Department of Transportation is alerting drivers that schools buses will have more lights to warn them they are about to stop.
As of Tuesday, all buses manufactured in 2005 or later will be required in Wisconsin to have a set of amber-colored lights. They will flash when the bus is about to stop; when the bus has come to a stop to pick up or drop off students, the bus’s red lights will flash as usual.
“Flashing amber lights are a signal that the school bus is preparing to stop, so drivers need to slow down, pay attention and proceed carefully. Drivers are allowed to pass a moving bus with flashing amber lights, but they should do so cautiously,” Lt. Karl Mittelstadt of the Wisconsin State Patrol said in a statement. “However, once the bus displays flashing red warning lights, drivers both in front of and behind the bus must stop at least 20 feet from the bus and remain stopped until the red lights are turned off or the bus resumes travel. Drivers must stop even if the red stop-sign arm on the side of the bus is not extended.”
Drivers who don’t stop at least 20 feet from school buses with red lights flashing face fines of at least $326.50 and 4 demerit points taken off their licenses.
