Question: When approaching a school bus with flashing yellow lights, what do you do? Will the lights stay yellow until everyone stops? What are the fines for running the red lights on a school bus and can the bus driver report you to the police?

Answer: The flashing yellow lights on school buses are used to warn drivers of the other vehicles of the presence of a vehicular traffic hazard requiring the exercise of unusual care in approaching, overtaking or passing the hazard. The yellow flashing lights are turned on 100 to 500 ft before the bus stop. The red flashing lights will be turned on once the bus stops. AK Statute 28.35.145 Overtaking/Passing a School Bus – When red lights are flashing, passing a school bus is a criminal offense; B Misdemeanor with a penalty of 0-90 days in jail and a $1000 fine. The owner of a vehicle that passes the school bus may be issued a $75 citation even if they are not actually the driver. Yes, we rely on the bus drivers to report violators but expect to be a “witness” if it goes to court.