As students get ready to head back to school, we want to give drivers a heads up about important changes to Kentucky’s school bus stopping law, effective July 15, 2026.
The New Rule: Drivers must stop for a school or church bus displaying its stop arm and flashing red lights from either direction on all roads.
The only exception: You do not have to stop when traveling in the opposite direction on a roadway with four or more lanes that is separated by an elevated barrier or an unpaved median. Just to be clear, you must stop in all lanes on four lane highways with a paved center turn lane. If there is no physical barrier or unpaved median, you must stop—even on a four-lane road.
Vehicle Owner Responsibility: If a driver illegally passes a stopped school bus and cannot be identified, Kentucky law now presumes the registered owner or lessee was driving and subjects them to the penalties provided by law unless that presumption is rebutted.
Help Keep Our Students Safe. Slow down, stay alert, put your phone away, and always watch for flashing school bus lights. A few extra seconds can save a life.
