School Bus Safety Reminder from Sheriff Colton Havard

As local schools welcome students back to class, Newton County Sheriff Colton Havard is reminding all drivers to be alert and follow school bus safety laws. With school buses back on the roads, the Newton County Sheriff’s Office will be strictly enforcing all traffic laws related to school bus stops.

“Passing a stopped school bus is not only illegal—it’s dangerous,” Sheriff Havard stated. “Our deputies will be operating under a zero-tolerance policy. No warnings—violators will be cited.”

According to State Code 304.050, drivers must obey the flashing signals on school buses:

• RED LIGHTS mean STOP – Traffic in all directions must stop when a school bus has its red lights flashing and stop sign extended.

• Exception: Drivers on the opposite side of a median or a 4-lane highway are not required to stop.

• YELLOW LIGHTS mean SLOW DOWN – The bus is preparing to stop, and drivers should be ready to stop as well.

Violating these laws can result in fines up to $1,000 and points on your license.

Sheriff Havard urges all Newton County residents to drive cautiously, especially during morning and afternoon school hours, when children may be crossing roads or waiting at bus stops.

“It only takes one careless decision to cause a tragedy. Let’s work together to keep our kids safe,” Havard added.

The Newton County Sheriff’s Office encourages all drivers to review school zone and bus stop safety regulations and report any unsafe driving behavior to local authorities.