DMVZoneBlogIn New York you stop for a school bus even on a divided highway, and you move over for any vehicle stopped on the shoulder. Fines, points and stop-arm cameras explained.
When a school bus stops with red lights flashing, every driver in New York must stop at least 20 feet away, from either direction, even on a divided highway. Since March 27, 2024, you must also move over or slow down for any vehicle stopped on the side of the road, not just emergency vehicles.
New York is stricter than many neighbors here. In New Jersey, traffic on the far side of a divided highway may pass a stopped school bus slowly. In New York it may not. If you learned to drive somewhere else, this is the rule to relearn.
| Conviction | Fine | Jail possible |
|---|---|---|
| First | $250-$400 | Up to 30 days |
| Second within 3 years | $600-$750 | Up to 180 days |
| Third or more within 3 years | $750-$1,500 | Up to 180 days |
For violations on or after February 16, 2026, passing a stopped school bus carries 8 points, up from 5. Many districts also have stop-arm cameras, which mail the vehicle owner a separate ticket: $250 for a first violation, $275 for a second within 18 months, and $300 after that.
On the Thruway, interstates and other roads with two or more lanes in your direction, move over a lane when you see any vehicle stopped on the shoulder. If you cannot move over safely, slow down. Since 2024 that includes ordinary passenger cars with a flat tire, not only police, tow trucks and road crews.
On two-lane roads the law does not require a lane change, but slowing down and giving room to a garbage truck or a car with its hood up is still the safe move.
You are on the opposite side of a divided highway from a New York school bus with red lights flashing. What do you do?
Answer: C. In New York, drivers must stop for a school bus with flashing red lights regardless of the direction of approach, including on divided highways.
How far from a stopped school bus must you stop in New York?
Answer: B. Stop at least 20 feet from the bus.
Since 2024, the New York move over law applies to:
Answer: C. The 2024 expansion covers all vehicles stopped on the shoulder, including passenger cars.
The registered owner of the vehicle, even if someone else was driving. It is separate from a ticket written by a police officer.
No. Camera tickets go to the owner as fines. A police-issued ticket for passing a bus carries 8 points.
It applies on roads with at least two lanes in your direction, such as the Thruway and interstates.
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 New York 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.
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