What is the penalty for illegally passing a school bus?

The penalty for illegally passing a school bus is a $500 fine. This significant penalty reflects the seriousness of such a violation, as it endangers the safety of children who are entering or exiting the bus. In North Carolina, laws are in place to ensure the protection of schoolchildren, and the fine serves both as a deterrent to prevent drivers from making unsafe decisions and as a punitive measure for those who disregard these laws.

When a school bus signals to stop, all approaching vehicles are required to come to a complete stop, regardless of the direction of approach, unless separated by a median. Failure to comply with this law not only results in financial penalties but also highlights the responsibility that drivers have toward the safety of vulnerable pedestrians, particularly children.