Stopping for School Buses in Missouri and Arkansas

School's back in session, and that means school buses are on the road.

Information from the Missouri State Highway Patrol outlines what is expected of drivers to keep everyone safe. Ozarksfirst.com states that, "Missouri drivers must stop for school buses when the stop arm is extended on all two-lane roads, regardless of their direction." In addition, drivers are expected to cease moving "until the bus’s flashing lights are turned off, the stop arm is withdrawn, and the bus starts moving again."

Other rules include stopping on four-lane roads without medians when busses are taking in or dropping off passengers. Ozarksfirst.com notes that this must happen "regardless of their direction."

Drivers sitting on divided highways with medians should note that "vehicles traveling in the same direction as the school bus must stop" but not those going the other way.

"If there are more than four lanes or four with a median, and no children are crossing the road to the opposite side, only drivers behind the school bus are required to stop," the article states.

The law in Arkansas is identical to that of Missouri's, but the punishments have a little difference.

Drivers may face having their license suspended for 90 days if they drive past a school bus. The punishment is more intense if a child faces harm or death resulting from being hit.

The Arkansas punishment is between $250 to $1,000, 90 days in jail— or both.

This story was adapted to reflect coverage for Missouri and Arkansas. Ozarksfirst.com contributed information to this story.

(The original story is by Joey Schneider, ozarksfirst.com)