DMVZoneBlogPassing a stopped school bus in Pennsylvania means a $250 fine, 5 points and a 60-day suspension. Not moving over for a stopped vehicle can cost up to $2,000. The rules in plain terms.
Stop at least 10 feet from a school bus with red lights flashing and its stop arm out, from every direction, unless the bus is on the other side of a highway with a divider. For emergency scenes and disabled vehicles with hazards, flares or triangles, move over a lane or slow down well below the limit.
Both laws punish the same habit: keeping your speed when something ahead is stopped. A school bus ticket takes your license for two months. A third move over violation takes it for 90 days.
A painted center line or a turning lane is not a divider. Only a physical barrier or a median separates the two sides.
When you come up on an emergency response area, a stopped police car, tow truck, PennDOT crew, or a disabled vehicle showing hazard lights, flares or a triangle, move into a lane that is not next to it. If you cannot, slow down well below the posted limit and pass with care.
| Offense | Fine | Other |
|---|---|---|
| First | $250-$500 | |
| Second | $500-$1,000 | |
| Third or more | $1,000-$2,000 | 90-day suspension |
How far from a stopped school bus must you stop in Pennsylvania?
Answer: B. Pennsylvania requires stopping at least 10 feet from the bus.
A school bus is stopped on the other side of a four-lane road with only a painted center line. Do you stop?
Answer: A. Only a highway clearly separated by a divider is an exception. A painted line is not a divider.
A car is stopped on the shoulder with flares out. What does the Pennsylvania move over law require?
Answer: B. Disabled vehicles with hazards, flares or triangles are covered.
A conviction carries a 60-day suspension along with the $250 fine and 5 points.
Amber means prepare to stop. You must stop once the red lights flash and the arm is out.
Many districts use stop-arm cameras. Those violations go to the vehicle owner.
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 Pennsylvania 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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