AB 313

This bill increases the penalties for failing to stop for a school bus that is stopped

and displaying flashing red lights.

Current law requires motorists approaching a school bus stopped on a public

road and displaying flashing red lights to stop at least 20 feet from the bus and to

remain stopped until the bus resumes motion or the flashing red warning lights are

turned off. A motorist who violates this requirement may be required to forfeit $30

to $300. The bill increases the penalty to a forfeiture of $300 to $1,000.

Under current law, DOT may adopt, by rule, a demerit point system for

determining when to suspend a person's operating privilege for repeatedly violating

traffic laws. Under this system, DOT may assess demerit points against the driving

record of a person convicted of violations of certain traffic laws. The bill requires DOT

to assess three demerit points against the driving record of a vehicle operator who

violates the requirement to stop for a school bus.