Stopped School Buses: The Rule Every Ontario Driver Must Know

When a school bus has its overhead red lights flashing and its stop arm out, Ontario's Highway Traffic Act requires drivers coming from either direction to stop. The only exception is a road divided by a median, where only traffic behind the bus must stop.

When you must stop

• On roads with no median: traffic in both directions stops.
• On roads with a median: only traffic behind the bus must stop, but drive carefully past.
• Stay stopped until the bus moves or the red lights stop flashing.

The penalties

• A first conviction carries a fine of $400 to $2,000 and 6 demerit points.
• Penalties are higher for later offences, and can include jail.
• The vehicle's owner can also be charged, even if they weren't driving.

Got a ticket?

• Don't just pay it: a conviction can raise your insurance and, for novice drivers, lead to a suspension.
• Request disclosure, such as the officer's notes or any camera evidence, before deciding what to do.
• A paralegal can review the evidence and represent you in traffic court.

Sources

• Highway Traffic Act
• Ontario: driving and roads

Read next: Move Over: Slowing Down for Emergency Vehicles and Tow Trucks

General Ontario legal information, not legal advice for your matter, and reading it does not create a retainer. Sources checked 15 October 2026: check the current law, forms and dates before you act.

Photos from Pexels: A school bus on a suburban street · A country road in Rockwood, Ontario in the fall.

This article is general information for people in Ontario, not legal advice. Rules, forms and deadlines change, and every situation is different. Check the current rule or speak to a licensed legal professional before you act.