Motor Vehicle Administration 

Office of Media Relations 

MVAmedia@mdot.maryland.gov

For photo and video of today's event, click here


Ellicott City, MD (August 20, 2025) — As a new school year begins across Maryland, state and local officials joined together today to remind drivers to remain alert and obey traffic laws around school buses and pedestrians. While school buses are designed to prioritize safety, children are particularly vulnerable when waiting at bus stops, boarding or exiting buses — situations that require heightened awareness and caution from drivers. The effort is part of the Maryland Department of Transportation's Serious About Safety initiative, which focuses on reducing roadway injuries and fatalities, especially among the most vulnerable road users.

“As we welcome students back to school, it's critical that motorists remain alert and cautious," said Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle (MVA) Administrator Chrissy Nizer, who also serves as Governor Wes Moore's Highway Safety Representative. “Stopping for school buses isn't just the law—it's a matter of protecting our most precious lives. With more children walking, biking and waiting at bus stops across our communities, we're urging all motorists to slow down, stay focused, and help ensure every child gets to school and back home safely."

Administrator Nizer was joined today by State Highway Administration's Chief Administrative Officer Laurie Goudy, Howard County Public School System Superintendent Bill Barnes, and Howard County Police Lieutenant Christopher Valentine. Together, they discussed proper driver behavior around school buses and highlighted the importance of vigilance as students return to class.

“The State Highway Administration is Serious about Safety – for drivers and our most vulnerable highway users, such as pedestrians and bicyclists," said Laurie Goudy, State Highway Administration Chief Administrative Officer. “We are asking everyone to keep a sharp eye out for school children walking, biking, or riding a bus to school. When the stop arm goes down and the red lights flash, drivers must stop – it's the law."

Last school year in Howard County, more than 20,000 drivers were cited by automated enforcement cameras in nine counties for illegally passing stopped school buses – a dangerous violation that carries a $250 fine. If a law enforcement officer stops a violator, the offense can result in a fine up to $570 and three points on the driver's license.

“As we welcome more than 57,000 students back into our schools, I implore drivers to exercise extreme caution and responsibility when traveling near school buses and bus stops. Buses are equipped with cameras, and last school year, 8,285 citations were issued for dangerous driving that put our children at risk. That's more than 46 citations each school day," said Howard County Public School System Superintendent Bill Barnes. “So, when drivers see a school bus with a stop sign out, it is very important to stop completely and stay alert for the safety of our children. I appreciate the efforts of our school bus drivers, Howard County Police, and the Maryland Department of Transportation to keep our children safe this school year." 

Quick Guide: When to Stop for School Buses

• Flashing yellow lights mean the school bus is preparing to stop. Drivers should use extreme caution, slowing with the bus and preparing to stop, as children may enter the roadway unexpectedly.
• Flashing red lights and extended stop-arm requires all drivers to stop at least 20 feet away from the bus. During this period, children will be getting on or off the bus.
• Drivers traveling in the same direction as the bus must stop, regardless of lane count or road type, or a central turning lane.
• Drivers traveling in the opposite direction must stop unless there is a physical median barrier (such as grass, dirt, or a guardrail).

Remain stopped until the stop signal and flashing lights are off and the bus begins to move again.

“The Howard County Police Department takes safety on our roadways seriously, especially when those at risk are school children. Increased patrols will be in effect in school zones for the first several weeks of school to help students, and drivers, transition into the school year," said Lt. Christopher Valentine, Traffic Management Division, Howard County Police Department.

Learn more about the Motor Vehicle Administration's Highway Safety Office at ZeroDeathsMD.gov​ and on Facebook, X, and Instagram at @ZeroDeathsMD.