Schools and Residential Zones

If a school bus has flashing red lights on an undivided roadway

All vehicles in both directions must stop when a school bus displays flashing red lights while loading or unloading children.

If a school bus stops on the other side of a divided highway

On roads with a physical median, only traffic behind the school bus must stop. Vehicles in the opposite direction may proceed with caution.

When children are loading or unloading from a stopped school bus

Passing a school bus that is loading or unloading children is prohibited and can lead to fines, license points, or suspension.

If a school bus flashes amber or red warning lights

Amber lights mean the bus is preparing to stop. Red lights mean the bus is stopped and you must stop as well.

When a driver fails to stop for a school bus

In Georgia, failure to stop for a school bus may result in license points, fines, and mandatory court appearances, especially for drivers under 21.

When flashing lights are active in a school zone

When school zone beacons are flashing, drivers must reduce speed to the posted limit, often 25 MPH or less, to ensure student safety.

At a marked school crosswalk

Drivers must stop and remain stopped for any person in a marked school crosswalk until they have safely crossed.

If using a phone while driving through an active school zone

Georgia bans the use of handheld electronic devices in active school zones to reduce distracted driving and protect children.

If speeding in a school zone with posted reduced limits

Speeding violations in school zones result in higher fines and may include points on your license, especially when lights are flashing.

If a child crosses suddenly in a school zone

Lower speeds in school zones provide drivers time to react to children entering crosswalks or getting off school buses, reducing injury risk.

If a speed camera detects a violation in a school zone

Certain Georgia school zones use cameras to enforce speed limits. Tickets are mailed to the vehicle owner when speeding is detected.

If students are not visible but flashers are on

Follow posted signs and flashing lights. Even without children present, limits apply if lights are flashing or time ranges are posted.

If a driver repeats a school bus stop violation

Repeat violations of passing a stopped school bus result in stiffer penalties, including higher fines and potential license suspension.

If a school bus stops on a multi lane road with no median

On undivided highways, every vehicle must stop when a school bus activates red lights — even on five lane roads without a barrier.

At a school zone located on a state highway with traffic signals

Even on major state highways, you must slow down in school zones when the yellow flashers are operating during designated hours.

When driving during school pickup or drop off times

Children may behave unpredictably. Lower speed limits, stop laws, and no phone rules all help prevent accidents near schools.