Flashing red lights on a school bus mean ‘Stop!’ for other motorists

A law that took effect March 28, 2026, modifies the conditions when a vehicle driver must stop for a school bus, clarifying that it is based only on activation of the flashing red light system on the bus.

It also adds language stating that flashing amber lights on a school bus serve as notice to any approaching vehicle that the school bus is stopping and will soon exhibit flashing red lights.

Previous law said that a driver approaching a school bus must stop at least 20 feet away from the bus and remain stopped while the red light system is activated and the school bus stop arm is extended. But an appeals court interpreted that language as requiring a driver to stop once the stop arm is extended, not while it is in the process of extending out. This law clarifies that activation of the red light system is the signal to stop, regardless of whether the stop signal arm is extended.

Rep. Keith Allen (R-Kenyon) and Sen. Ann Johnson Stewart (DFL-Wayzata) are the sponsors.

HF3436/SF3623*/CH41

SF3623* / HF3436 / CH41