How far back do I have to stop for a school bus in Louisiana?

At least 30 feet from a school bus that is stopped and not in motion. You must stay there until the bus starts moving again or stops displaying its visual warning signals.

When do I NOT have to stop for a school bus?

You generally do not have to stop if you are traveling the opposite direction on a divided highway separated by a barrier, median, or ditch, or if the bus is loading in a zone off the roadway where pedestrians cannot cross. On a road with a center turning lane and two lanes each way, only traffic going the same direction as the bus must stop.

What is the penalty for not stopping?

Penalties scale with harm. With no injury, the fine runs $100 to $500 with possible jail up to six months and license suspension. If the violation causes death, the fine runs $1,000 to $5,000, suspension up to 360 days, and up to twelve months in jail.

Louisiana School Bus Stop Law for Drivers

Last reviewed: June 5, 2026 Morris & Dewett Injury Lawyers

Louisiana places the duty on adult drivers to keep the area around school buses safe, because children crossing to or from a bus may not be watching traffic. The school bus stop law is found in Louisiana Revised Statutes Title 32, Section 80.

When You Must Stop

When a school bus stops to load or unload children, you must stop — whether you are following the bus or meeting it from the other direction. Stop no less than 30 feet away and remain there until the bus starts moving again or its visual warning signals turn off. The duty applies even on four- and five-lane roadways that lack a separating barrier.

When You Do Not Have to Stop

There are defined exceptions:

You are driving the opposite direction from the bus on a divided highway.
A barrier such as an elevated median, ditch, or grassy strip separates the lanes.
The bus has stopped in a loading zone off the roadway where pedestrians are not allowed to cross.
On a road with a center turning lane and two lanes each way, only vehicles traveling the same direction as the bus must stop.

Penalties for Failing to Stop

A school bus driver must report violations in writing within 24 hours, including the vehicle’s license plate and color, signed before two witnesses. The agency may then cite the vehicle’s owner (or the lessee of a leased vehicle). The penalty depends on the result:

No injury — fine of $100 to $500, up to six months in jail, or both, plus possible license suspension under R.S. 32:414(A)(2).
Injury — fine of $200 to $500, suspension up to 90 days, and up to six months in jail.
Serious bodily injury — fine of $500 to $1,000, suspension up to 180 days, and up to six months in jail.
Death — fine of $1,000 to $5,000, suspension up to 360 days, and up to twelve months in jail.

Other School Zone Rules

School zones carry a maximum speed of 20 mph, and some post lower limits such as 15 mph, often tied to drop-off and pickup hours. Passing other vehicles is prohibited in school zones, and these are hands-free zones, so texting or holding a phone while driving through is not allowed. If a driver who ignored these rules injured your child, a Louisiana injury lawyer can help you hold them accountable.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far back do I have to stop for a school bus in Louisiana?: At least 30 feet from a school bus that is stopped and not in motion. You must stay there until the bus starts moving again or stops displaying its visual warning signals.
When do I NOT have to stop for a school bus?: You generally do not have to stop if you are traveling the opposite direction on a divided highway separated by a barrier, median, or ditch, or if the bus is loading in a zone off the roadway where pedestrians cannot cross. On a road with a center turning lane and two lanes each way, only traffic going the same direction as the bus must stop.
What is the penalty for not stopping?: Penalties scale with harm. With no injury, the fine runs $100 to $500 with possible jail up to six months and license suspension. If the violation causes death, the fine runs $1,000 to $5,000, suspension up to 360 days, and up to twelve months in jail.