Overtaking and passing a school vehicle in Maryland carries 2 or 3 points (depending on the section you are charged with) and a hefty fine. We’ve all been behind a bus when we’re late to work or in a big rush. Trust me, I’ve been there. The issue here is often whether or not the driver waited long enough to proceed. The statute is below, but here’s what you need to know:
1. Stay at least tweny feet in front or behind the bus
2. Do not proceed until the flashing lights have stopped OR the bus resumes motion.
3. You are only required to stop if the bus actually has required flashing lights.
The language of the statute is the following:
§ 21-706. Overtaking and passing school vehicle.
(a) Driver to stop on meeting or overtaking stopped school vehicle – In general.- If a school vehicle has stopped on a roadway and is operating the alternately flashing red lights specified in § 22-228 of this article, the driver of any other vehicle meeting or overtaking the school vehicle shall stop at least 20 feet from the rear of the school vehicle, if approaching the school vehicle from its rear, or at least 20 feet from the front of the school vehicle, if approaching the school vehicle from its front.
(b) Driver to stop on meeting or overtaking stopped school vehicle – When vehicles may proceed.- If a school vehicle has stopped on a roadway and is operating the alternately flashing red lights specified in § 22-228 of this article, the driver of any other vehicle meeting or overtaking the school vehicle may not proceed until the school vehicle resumes motion or the alternately flashing red lights are deactivated.
(c) Exceptions.- This section does not apply to the driver of a vehicle on a divided highway, if the school vehicle is on a different roadway.
Need help with a Maryland traffic ticket? Call me at 301-563-9575 or 1-877-566-2408. I’m an experienced Maryland traffic lawyer who handles every type of traffic case in Maryland. Call me for a free consultation, I’d be happy to hear from you.
