05/01/2026
NEW MINNESOTA LAW: YOU MUST STOP WHEN SCHOOL BUS RED LIGHTS FLASH 🚨
MINNESOTA —
There’s a major update to school bus safety laws that every driver needs to know — and it closes a loophole that caused confusion for years.
Under the updated law, drivers are now required to stop immediately when a school bus’s red lights begin flashing.
It no longer matters if the stop arm is fully extended.
That means if you see red lights flashing — you stop. Period.
Here’s what drivers are required to do:
• Stop at least 20 feet away from the bus
• Remain stopped until the red lights stop flashing AND the stop arm is fully retracted
This applies to traffic in both directions unless there is a physical barrier separating the roadway.
Drivers should also be aware:
• Flashing yellow/amber lights mean slow down and prepare to stop
• Passing a stopped school bus can result in criminal charges, especially if a child is put at risk
This change was made to protect children and eliminate any hesitation or confusion for drivers.
Bottom line — if the red lights are flashing, you stop. No exceptions.
