§ 31-20-12. Stopping for school bus required — Penalty for violation.
(a) The driver of a vehicle upon a street, highway, private way, private or public parking area upon meeting or overtaking from any direction any bus marked as “school bus” whenever the bus is being operated in accordance with § 31-20-11 and on which there is in operation flashing red lights, shall stop the vehicle before reaching the bus. The driver shall not proceed until the bus resumes motion or until the flashing lights are no longer actuated. No driver of any motor vehicle, except emergency vehicles on official business, shall travel in the same lane of traffic behind a school bus at a distance of less than fifty feet (50′). A person convicted of a violation of this section shall be punished by a fine not to exceed three hundred dollars ($300) and/or suspension of driving license for a period not to exceed thirty (30) days for the first offense, and a mandatory fine of not less than three hundred dollars ($300) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500) and/or revocation of driving license for a period of one year for each subsequent offense.
(b) A peace officer may issue a summons based on the statement or testimony of a school bus driver or monitor or other private citizen provided that the statement or testimony provides the peace officer with sufficient probable cause that a violation under this section was committed. Any conviction under this section may be punished in accordance with subsection (a) of this section.
History of Section.P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 31, § 7; G.L. 1956, § 31-20-12; P.L. 1965, ch. 96, § 1; P.L. 1968, ch. 40, § 1; P.L. 1969, ch. 51, § 1; P.L. 1979, ch. 188, § 1; P.L. 1980, ch. 267, § 1; P.L. 1983, ch. 91, § 1; P.L. 1984, ch. 114, § 1; P.L. 1986, ch. 401, § 1; P.L. 1987, ch. 133, § 1; P.L. 2000, ch. 359, § 1; P.L. 2000, ch. 510, § 1.
Structure Rhode Island General Laws
Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles
Chapter 31-20 - Special Stops Required
Section 31-20-1. - When railroad crossing stops required of all vehicles.
Section 31-20-2. - Driving through railroad gate or barrier.
Section 31-20-3. - Stop signs at dangerous railroad crossings.
Section 31-20-4. - Vehicles required to stop at all railroads — Exceptions.
Section 31-20-5. - Moving of heavy equipment over railroad crossings.
Section 31-20-6. - Designation of through highways — Erection of stop and yield signs.
Section 31-20-7. - Specifications for stop signs.
Section 31-20-8. - Placement of stop signs.
Section 31-20-9. - Obedience to stop signs.
Section 31-20-10. - Vehicles emerging from alleys, driveways, and buildings.
Section 31-20-10.1, 31-20-10.2. - [Reserved.]
Section 31-20-10.3. - School bus stops — Routes.
Section 31-20-10.4. - Exemption from discharge requirements of § 31-20-10.3.
Section 31-20-11. - Marking of school buses — Penalty for violation.
Section 31-20-11.1. - Signaling of stops for school buses.
Section 31-20-12. - Stopping for school bus required — Penalty for violation.
Section 31-20-12.1. - Repealed.
Section 31-20-13. - School buses stopped on divided highway or in loading zone.
Section 31-20-15. - Posting of bridle path signs.
Section 31-20-16. - Stops at bridle path crossings.
Section 31-20-17. - Stopping for crossing guards and school bus monitors required.
Section 31-20-17.1. - Private complaint — Stopping for crossing guard/bus monitor required.