School buses and Slow Down, Move Over in California
Passing a California school bus with flashing red lights is $150 to $250 the first time, up to $1,000 the second, and a one-year suspension for a third within three years. Since 2026, move over applies to any car with hazards on.
DZ DMVZone editorial · November 12, 2026 · 5 min read
Quick answer
In California you must stop for a school bus with flashing red lights from either direction, unless it is on the other side of a divided highway or a road with two or more lanes each way. A first violation is a $150 to $250 base fine and 1 point. Since January 1, 2026, AB 390 also requires you to move over or slow down for any stopped car showing hazard lights, cones or flares.
1st school bus ticket
$150 to $250 base
2nd ticket
$500 to $1,000 base
3rd within 3 years
1-year suspension
Move over update
AB 390, Jan 1, 2026
Both rules are on the California knowledge test, and both catch experienced drivers off guard. Here is exactly when you have to stop or move over.
When to stop for a school bus
Stop
Behind the bus, in your lane
Coming toward the bus on a two-lane road
Until the red lights stop flashing and the stop arm folds in
You may continue
On the other side of a divided highway
On the other side of a road with two or more lanes in each direction
Yellow lights
The bus is about to stop
Slow down and be ready to stop
Conviction
Base fine
Other
First
$150 to $250
1 point
Second
$500 to $1,000
1 point
Third within 3 years of two others
Set by the court
DMV suspends your license for 1 year
Slow Down, Move Over
As you approach a stopped emergency vehicle, tow truck, Caltrans vehicle, or since 2026, any vehicle with hazard lights, cones or flares, move out of the lane next to it.
If you cannot change lanes safely, slow to a safe and reasonable speed.
Watch for people standing near the vehicle or walking along the shoulder.
Good to know
Caltrans says nearly one-third of drivers do not know move over laws exist. Assume the person by a stopped car is about to step out, and give them the whole lane.
Check yourself3 questions
You are driving the opposite way past a school bus flashing red on a road with two lanes each way. Do you stop?
Answer: B. Drivers on the other side of a road with two or more lanes each way do not have to stop.
What happens on a third school bus conviction within three years?
Answer: C. The DMV suspends the license for one year.
Since 2026, which vehicle did California add to the move over law?
Answer: B. AB 390 added any stationary vehicle showing hazard lights or warning devices.
Quick answers
How many points is passing a school bus in California?
One point, which counts toward the 4-6-8 limits for a DMV suspension.
Is there a fixed speed when I cannot move over?
California's law asks you to slow to a speed that is safe and reasonable. It does not set a number.
Does move over apply on city streets?
It applies on highways, and good practice is to give the same room on any road.
Sources
Checked against these pages on November 12, 2026. Laws change, so open the source before you rely on a number.
Rules and fees change. Always confirm the details with the official California DMV or motor vehicle agency before you act. DMVZone practice questions are written to teach the rules and are not copies of the real test.
