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Driver guide · Michigan City Ford · Michigan City, IN
Indiana School Bus Law: When You Must Stop
Passing a stopped school bus is one of the most serious mistakes a driver can make in Indiana. Here is what the Indiana BMV Driver's Manual and the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute say about the warning lights, when you must stop, the divided-highway exception, the penalties and how to drive near bus stops, for drivers in and around Michigan City.
Red lights + stop armyou must stop (BMV)
Same direction onlystop on a road divided by a barrier or unimproved median (BMV)
Level 5 felonypossible if passing a stop arm results in death (BMV)
About 70 timesmore likely to get to school safely by bus than by car (ICJI)
The short answer
In Indiana you must stop when you approach a school bus with its red lights flashing and stop arm extended, from either direction on an undivided road. On a highway divided by a barrier or unimproved median, only traffic going the same direction as the bus must stop. Wait until the red lights stop, the stop arm is withdrawn and the bus starts moving.
Amber vs. red school bus lights
School buses are equipped with both amber and red flashing lights, the BMV manual says. What each one means:
| What you see | What it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Amber (yellow) flashing lights | The bus is slowing and is going to stop to load or unload children. | Slow down and prepare to stop. |
| Red flashing lights and extended stop arm | The bus has stopped and children are getting on or off. | Stop and wait. |
| Red lights off, stop arm withdrawn, bus moving | Loading or unloading is finished. | You may start driving again. |
From the Indiana Driver's Manual, Chapter 7 (Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles), and the ICJI Traffic Safety Division, "School Bus Safety," read October 29, 2026.
When you must stop for a school bus
The Indiana BMV Driver's Manual says you must stop when you approach a school bus with flashing red lights activated and stop arm extended. The Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI) adds that it is against the law for motorists to pass a bus that has stopped with its red lights flashing and stop arm extended, and that this applies to all roads, with one exception.
The exception: if you are driving on a roadway divided by a barrier or unimproved median, the manual says you are required to stop only if you are traveling in the same direction as the school bus. The ICJI's examples of a dividing barrier are a cable barrier, a concrete wall or a grassy median. The ICJI also says passing a stopped bus is illegal regardless of the direction of approach.
From the Indiana Driver's Manual, Chapter 7, and ICJI, "School Bus Safety," read October 29, 2026. This page is a summary, not legal advice.
Penalties for passing a stopped school bus
The BMV manual lists these penalties for disregarding a school bus stop arm:
| Outcome | Possible charge |
|---|---|
| Disregarding a stop arm | Class A misdemeanor |
| The offense results in bodily injury | Level 6 felony |
| The offense results in death | Level 5 felony |
From the Indiana Driver's Manual, Chapter 7, read October 29, 2026. Courts decide charges and sentences; this is not legal advice.
Driving near school bus stops
The biggest threat to children who ride a bus is not the ride but approaching or leaving the bus, the BMV manual says. Tips from the BMV and the ICJI:
Watch the bus stop
Watch for children playing or congregating near bus stops.
Expect a dash
Children arriving late for the bus may dart into the street without looking for traffic.
Be ready at the yellow lights
Be prepared to stop when yellow flashing lights appear on the bus.
Back out slowly
When backing out of a driveway or leaving a garage, watch for children walking or bicycling to school.
Slow down in school zones
In neighborhoods with school zones, slow down and watch for children walking in the street, especially where there are no sidewalks.
From the Indiana Driver's Manual, Chapter 7, and ICJI, "School Bus Safety," read October 29, 2026.
School buses at railroad crossings
School buses stop at railroad crossings. The BMV manual notes that rear-end collisions involving school buses stopped at railroad crossings have increased in recent years. Leave room behind a bus and be ready to stop near the tracks.
From the Indiana Driver's Manual, Chapter 7, read October 29, 2026.
Stop-arm enforcement in Indiana
ICJI launched the Stop Arm Violation Enforcement (SAVE) program in 2019. In funded years it has awarded grants to law enforcement agencies for high-visibility patrols targeting stop-arm violations, speeding and reckless driving around school buses and school zones when children are present. Follow-up investigations using on-board dash camera footage from school buses are also an eligible activity. The program is funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
From ICJI, "SAVE Program" and "School Bus Safety," read October 29, 2026.
Ready for the school run: service at Michigan City Ford
The Works® at Michigan City Ford includes a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, and a filter, belts and hoses check. Book it any time you want a general checkup.
Schedule service online and see our service specials first. Michigan City Ford is at 3930 Franklin St. in Michigan City. Get directions.
Michigan City Ford service hours
| Days | Hours |
|---|---|
| Mon-Fri | 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. |
| Sat | 8 a.m.-3 p.m. |
| Sun | closed |
From Michigan City Ford's website, October 29, 2026. Holiday hours can differ.
Indiana school bus law FAQ
Do you have to stop for a school bus in Indiana?
Yes, when its red lights are flashing and its stop arm is extended. The Indiana BMV Driver's Manual says you must stop when you approach a school bus with flashing red lights activated and stop arm extended.
Do I have to stop for a school bus on a divided highway in Indiana?
Only if you are traveling in the same direction as the bus. The BMV manual says that on a roadway divided by a barrier or unimproved median, you must stop only if you are traveling in the same direction as the school bus. The Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI) gives a cable barrier, concrete wall or grassy median as examples.
What do the yellow lights on a school bus mean?
Amber or yellow flashing lights warn that the bus is slowing and is going to stop to load or unload children. The ICJI says motorists should slow down and prepare to stop.
When can I drive again after stopping for a school bus?
The ICJI says to wait until the red lights stop flashing, the extended stop arm is withdrawn, and the bus begins moving before you start driving again.
What is the penalty for passing a stopped school bus in Indiana?
The BMV manual says disregarding a school bus stop arm can result in a Class A misdemeanor, a Level 6 felony if the offense results in bodily injury, or a Level 5 felony if the offense results in death.
Do school buses stop at railroad crossings?
Yes. The BMV manual says school buses stop at railroad crossings and that rear-end collisions involving school buses stopped at railroad crossings have increased in recent years. Leave room and be ready to stop behind a bus.
What does The Works at Michigan City Ford include?
The Works® at Michigan City Ford includes a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, and a filter, belts and hoses check.
Schedule a checkup
Book The Works, which includes a brake inspection, tire rotation and pressure check and Multi-Point Inspection, at Michigan City Ford.
Sources
School bus rules and penalties are from the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles Driver's Manual and the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute, read October 29, 2026. Laws change; this page is a plain-language summary, not legal advice. Service details, address and hours are from Michigan City Ford's own website, checked the same day. Photo is illustrative.
- Indiana Driver's Manual, Chapter 7: Safe Vehicle Operation (school buses), Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, read October 29, 2026
- School Bus Safety (for drivers and parents), Indiana Criminal Justice Institute, read October 29, 2026
- Stop Arm Violation Enforcement (SAVE) Program, Indiana Criminal Justice Institute, read October 29, 2026
- General service: The Works, Michigan City Ford, October 29, 2026
- Address and service hours (structured data), Michigan City Ford, October 29, 2026