What is the penalty for failing to stop for a school bus?

The penalty for failing to stop for a school bus in North Carolina is indeed a $500 fine. This amount reflects the seriousness with which the state views violations of school bus safety rules. School buses are equipped with flashing lights and stop signs to indicate that children are boarding or leaving the bus, creating a hazardous situation for young pedestrians.

The higher fine serves as a deterrent to ensure that drivers adhere to the law, promoting the safety of children during critical times when they are in proximity to traffic. Such measures are in place to remind drivers of their responsibility to stop and wait until the bus has completed its loading or unloading process.

In contrast, lower or higher fines indicated in other options do not align with the established law in North Carolina, reinforcing the importance of understanding and adhering to these specific traffic regulations aimed at protecting vulnerable road users, particularly children.