WFHB Bloomington Community Radio
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A new Indiana state law taking effect today increases penalties for violating school bus stop-arm laws.
The new law raises the misdemeanor charge for passing a school bus when the stop arm is extended from class B to class A-, and increases the fine from $1000 to $5000. The law allows courts to suspend the license of a driver who violates school bus stop-arm laws for up to 90 days. A repeat offender may have their license suspended for a year.
Indiana Legislators passed the law following a tragic accident in Fulton County where three young children were killed while crossing a street to board a school bus.
The law also adds new requirements for school buses. Buses must now have black reflective tape on both the front and rear bumpers, and on the sides. Buses must also use daytime running lights. Bus drivers must use extended arm-signal devices and flashing lights whenever they stop to pick up or drop off students.
