LANCASTER, Pa., October 17, 2022 – As part of National School Bus Safety Week (October 17-21), the Lancaster City Bureau of Police and the School District of Lancaster are participating in PennDOT's Operation Safe Stop on Wednesday, October 19, 2022. Operation Safe Stop is a proactive approach to educating motorists about the dangers and consequences of illegally passing a stopped school bus.

Each year, PennDOT works with local law enforcement agencies, school transportation providers, and pupil transportation associations to raise public awareness of school bus safety through education and enforcement.

On Wednesday, Lancaster City Police Officers will be at different bus stops and locations during the morning and afternoon school drop-off times. Assigned officers will be watching these locations, collecting information on violators to issue citations, and educating students, parents, and bus drivers on how to stay safe while entering and exiting the school bus.

According to Pennsylvania’s School Bus Stopping Law, motorists must stop at least 10 feet away from school buses when they have their flashing red lights on and wait until all children have reached safety. Motorists who do not comply with the law are putting the lives of children at risk.

The consequences of illegally passing a stopped school bus in Pennsylvania include a $250 fine, 5 points on your driving record, and a 60-day license suspension if convicted.

If you witness someone illegally passing a stopped school bus, please call 911 immediately and provide as much detail as possible about the incident.