Ask A Trooper

Sgt. Jesse Grabow

Question: I read your last article about school buses and flashing lights. Can you do a reminder on passing a school bus?

  Answer: It is illegal to pass a school bus when its red lights are flashing and its stop arm is extended. If you are driving on a divided roadway, you do not need to stop for a school bus with red lights flashing if it is on the opposite side of the divider. A law enforcement officer with probable cause to believe you have violated this law may arrest you within four hours of the violation.

  When your vehicle is used to violate the school bus stop arm law, you are guilty of a petty misdemeanor if you own or lease the vehicle. However, if you can prove that another person was driving the vehicle at the time, the driver will be charged with the violation.

  When you apply for a driver’s license, you must certify, by signing the application, that you understand the requirement to stop for a school bus and are aware of the penalties for violating this law.

  A portion of state statutes were used with permission from the Office of the Revisor of Statutes. If you have any questions concerning traffic related laws or issues in Minnesota, send your questions to Trp. Jesse Grabow – Minnesota State Patrol at 1000 Highway 10 West, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501-2205.  (You can follow him on Twitter @MSPPIO_NW or reach him at, jesse.grabow@state.mn.us).